Michael Madsen claims Johnny Depp's performance in Donnie Brasco was "boring" and "lifeless"

Actor Michael Madsen recently criticized Johnny Depp's performance in the 1997 crime drama Donnie Brasco. During his One Bad Movie podcast appearance on December 6, Madsen described Depp's portrayal of undercover FBI agent Joseph Pistone as "boring" and "lifeless."

"It wasn't terrible it was just boring. It was like lifeless."

He also alleged that an incident at the Viper Room nightclub, co-owned by Depp in the 1990s, escalated into violence after Madsen played a prank involving a mechanical rubber mouse. Describing the prank, he said:

"The real guys set me and Johnny up one time. They did a really mean thing to Johnny and they put a big rubber rat in a room that had a battery in it that made it move in a big rat trap right. And they made me push Johnny in the room."

He continued:

"They closed the door and locked him in there right with the rat and and when he came out he was white-faced and they said that's cuz you're a rat in the movie, you play a rat you see it. But it was all in good humor."

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Michael Madsen's critique and allegations

Michael Madsen, known for his tough-guy roles in films like Reservoir Dogs, openly expressed dissatisfaction with Depp’s acting in Donnie Brasco. He remarked that Depp’s approach lacked vitality, contrasting sharply with the film’s otherwise intense and gritty atmosphere.

Additionally, Michael Madsen recounted a personal dispute with Depp, claiming he was beaten up at the Viper Room as retaliation for a prank. The alleged incident reportedly took place during the film's production period.

Directed by Mike Newell, Donnie Brasco is based on Joseph D. Pistone's true story as an undercover agent infiltrating the Bonanno crime family in the 1970s. Depp starred as Pistone, while Al Pacino portrayed Lefty Ruggiero, the aging hitman who unwittingly mentors an FBI mole. Roger Ebert praised the film's realism and performances, with particular acclaim for Pacino’s role.

The film was well-received upon its February 28, 1997 release, earning $124.9 million worldwide against a $35 million budget.

The incident at the Viper Room, a nightclub on Sunset Boulevard, became infamous for celebrity scandals during the 1990s. Co-owned by Depp until 2004, it was a hub for Hollywood's elite, including Madsen and other Donnie Brasco cast members.

Michael Madsen's recounting suggests a heated atmosphere where personal pranks turned serious. However, Depp has not publicly responded to these allegations.

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Michael Madsen's recent legal troubles

According to a report by Tyler Paper published in August 2024, Michael Madsen has faced legal challenges, including a recent arrest on August 17, 2024, in Malibu for misdemeanor domestic battery. According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, authorities responded to a domestic disturbance involving Madsen and his wife, DeAnna.

He was on a $20,000 bail and is awaiting further legal proceedings. This incident adds to Madsen's history of personal struggles, including the tragic loss of his son Hudson in 2022.

Johnny Depp recently made headlines for his legal battles with ex-wife Amber Heard, while Madsen remains a cult figure for his roles in Quentin Tarantino films.