So Johnny Depps wife appeared in court (quite rightly) charged with failing to obtain the necessary permits when bringing her two Yorkshire terriers, Pistol and Boo (really?) into Australia on a private flight in May 2015. Initially Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce threatened to have the dogs euthanised, but Mr Depp quickly exported the pets to avoid that awful prospect.
Anyway to cut a long story short the Aussie government were still mighty pissed off about this breach, and pursued a criminal prosecution against her, the maximum penalty for the alleged crime being a ten year stint in Prisoner Cell Block H (or somewhere similar). Of course, being the fine celebrity she is she got off lightly with a one month good behaviour bond. But they were also ordered to make a public apology highlighting the importance of adhering to Australias strict bio security laws. This is all fair enough really. But that video. Honestly. If you haven’t seen it, here it is, for your viewing pleasure:
Now whilst I applaud the sentiment behind releasing such a video, it’s actually led me to wonder quite who is taking the piss out of who here. Does Australia not realise what a marvellous actor Mr Depp is, and that his wife is also capable of the odd bit of thespianism? I’m sure the message will reach its target audience, and have the desired effect, but what it will also do is highlight the comedy genius that is Mr Depp. I mean, the pair have had their wrists slapped and ordered to issue a public apology. And that they do, but not quietly to avoid undue attention, oh no, it’s a beautiful piece of viral theatre! Bravo Mr and Mrs, bravo!!
I have watched it repeatedly and can’t decide which character Johnny is portraying, but I’m sure it’s familiar to me. Also they both look like they might be just a little bit squiffy too. Maybe there had been some celebratory champagne to toast the leniency of her sentence? Just sayin’.
And to cap it all off is the Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyces’ response in which he said that “Mr Depp looked like he was auditioning for the Godfather” and that”I don’t think he’ll get an Academy Award for his performance.”
Mr Joyce are you having a laugh?! You think you are mocking the couple, yet it is they that mock you, and the rest of the world can see it. And we love it! Not in a bad way you understand, but in so much that it is hilarious that you take yourself so seriously.
Maybe Mr Joyce should take a leaf out of this (fictional) politicians book (courtesy of the inspired John Clarke ) He truly understands what defines ‘mockery’!
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