A scene from “Minamata” starring Johnny Depp ((c) Larry Horricks)
“Minamata,” a film starring Johnny Depp about U.S. photographer Eugene Smith, whose work drew worldwide attention to the devastating effects of mercury poisoning in Minamata, Kumamoto Prefecture, will be shown in Japan in September.
The film is based on a photo book of the same name by Smith (1918-1978) and his former wife, Aileen Mioko Smith, 70.
The story is set in motion when she encourages Smith to take photos in Minamata, saying: “There’s a company in Japan that’s been dumping the toxic waste into the sea. We need you.”