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Since his movie debut in Oliver Stone's "Platoon", he came across as an actor faithful to his beliefs. Capable of turning down Hollywood's multi-million dollar mainstream production to do wacky small scale independent movies. After the "Ninth Gate" and "Astronaut's Wife" he stars in Tim Burton's new project "Sleepy Hollow". As much of a sex symbol as Brad Pitt, he has settled down in France with pop star Vanessa Paradis and their child. Defending his private life, Johnny Depp has given out so far very few interviews. However exclusively for Morgan, he has opened up. Deeply.

LATELY YOU ARE TO BE SEEN MORE ON THE SCREEN RATHER THAN HIP PARTIES AROUND TOWN? WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN THOSE LAST TWO YEARS?
In France. Due to the shooting of Roman Polanski's "The Ninth Gate" and most of all, I settled down and raised up a family in your country.

I BELIEVE YOU HAVE NO INTENTION OF LEAVING FRANCE.
No way. I will share my time between France and the United States. As an actor I can live where I want and travel when my work demands it.

SO WHERE DO YOU FEEL THE MOST AT HOME?
My family, my heart, my child,belong to France. And that is where I feel at ease today, more than any other country.

DO YOU SPEAK FRENCH?
Not really. But in my own way. This is what I like in Europe, they are more open minded than in the United States. I mean here people don't mind if you don't speak their language. Surely, because you guys don't think you are on top of the world. And you're right!

WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT FRENCH PEOPLE?
My God!...Your outstanding cultural and historic heritage, like anywhere in Europe. This strong heritage allowed you to create a real quality of life as well as a good sense of values. You know how to take it easy. Most Americans are lured toward superficial stuff like making tons of money or supporting their local baseball team. They are real consumer freaks, you know...I picture the United States like a giant amusement park ruled by people who want everyone to be politically correct. I am quite a simple guy who enjoys simple things: I like the sun, the trees, hanging out in the country but I also like to smoke and drink which start to be illegal in most states in the United States.

YOU ARE NOT AFRAID OF SMOKING?
Well, as much as getting into a car crash or a plane crash. I heard using a cellular phone can cause cancer. Do you think people are gonna stop using them? I know non-smokers who died of lung cancer. Of course smoking is not the healthiest thing you can do and it is really hard to control this sort of habit...You know what kills me? In Los Angeles, one of the most polluted city in the world, some people give you a hard time when you want to smoke. Those are the same guys who put their gasoline belching tail pipe in your face telling you: "Hey, dude, don't smoke, I want clean air".T hose guys are too much. They are real hypocrites.

LET'S TALK ABOUT YOUR CHARACTER IN "SLEEPY HOLLOW". HOW DID YOU GO ABOUT IT?
With a sense of humor. Most of the time, flashes runs through my head when I read a script already green lit. For instance, in "Edward Scissorshands" I had visions of a new born child and the first puppy dog I had when I was a kid. I loved that dog so much. For "Sleepy Hollow", I had visions of actors from early horror movies. Those pictures terrified me when I was a kid. And I had a blast doing it.

BUT "SLEEPY HOLLOW" IS A FAIRY TALE...IS IT A STORY WITH A MORAL?
Moral? Well, I may not be the most qualified person to talk about that...All I know is be aware of the "Sleepy Hollow", and please don't go to upstate New York. That is what you will remember about this movie. This story has been a part of American unconsciousness for centuries now. I have been told this story for the first time when I was six. It is a great story, a terrific fairy tale.

IT WOULD SEEM THAT AMERICANS STRONGLY BELIEVE IN GOD. CO-ACTRESS CRISTINA RICCI BELIEVES IN GOD. WELL,DO YOU BELIEVE IN GOD?
I want to believe in God. I mean I think I am a believer.

THIS IS YOUR THIRD MOVIE WITH DIRECTOR TIM BURTON. HOW DID IT GO?
What I am about to say is deeply banal. Tim is a wonderful guy and an amazing director. Doing this movie with him was a great experience especially after shooting "The Ninth Gate" in which my part was not the easiest one I had to do in my career. Even if Polanski is someone I deeply respect.B ut teaming up again with Tim? It was like coming home. There is a special bond between us I can't explain. That's all. I will do another picture with him any time he wants. He just got to name the place and the time and I will be there.

YOU ARE A STAR. HOWEVER IN HOLLYWOOD YOU ARE NOT CONSIDERED AS SUCH.
Good! I was really touched when Tim Burton and producer Scott Rudin approached me with that project. I mean according to Hollywood standard I am not a bankable actor. Most Hollywood producers have the same reaction when my name comes up on a project: "Oh the weird guy?...". They perceived some of my latest movies as too different from Hollywood standards.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO DO A COMEDY?
In "Sleepy Hollow", there are comic elements. My character, Ichabod, was a fun part to play. In certain ways,"Arizona Dream" could be considered as a comedy.

WHAT ARE YOUR PROJECT FOR THE NEW MILLENNIUM?
Go on living. I just want to go on living.

YOU GONNA BUY A NEW CAR?
I already have a 57 Chevy and a 51 Mercury. When I cruise in the Arizona desert, I feel like surfing. It is a radical driving experience.

IS THERE A REAL OR A FICTIONAL CHARACTER YOU WOULD LIKE TO DO?
One of my favorite historical character is Antoine Marat. He was a french Revolution leader, as important as Danton or Robespierre. He was killed in his bathtub by Charlotte Corday, a young peasant that has traveled great distance to kill him. That is why I have a bathtub phobia.