Johnny Depp to play war photographer W Eugene Smith in 'Minamata'

Los Angeles, Oct 24 Johnny Depp is set to portray the role of war photographer W Eugene Smith in the indie drama "Minamata".

As per Variety, the film rotates around Smith's work as a picture taker for Life Magazine in exposing the poisoning of the people of Minamata, Japan.

To be directed by Andrew Levitas, the movie will start with the war shutterbug as a recluse with the glory days of World War II far behind him.

In any case, an old friend and a commission from Life Magazine editor Ralph Graves convince him to journey back to Japan for a big expose: the obliteration of a coastal community through mercury poisoning.

"Minamata" depends on the book by co-written by Smith and his wife, environmentalist Aileen Mioko Smith. It has been adjusted by David K Kessler.

Levitas said working with Depp will offer voice to the individuals who have been quietly enduring and the task was a duty they don't take lightly.

Much like Eugene Smith in 1971, we couldn't feel more privileged or humbled to be tasked with the mission of bringing this incredible story to the world, the director added.

Principal photography begins in Japan followed by Serbia in January.

Besides "Minamata", Depp will also feature in "Waiting for the Barbarians". He will also produce the drama.