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Johnny Depp Channels Sunset Rubdown for Mad Hatter Role

Johnny DeppIf you've ever heard Sunset Rubdown -- the solo vehicle from Wolf Parade's Spencer Krug -- you know that the group is adept at writing psychedelic pop songs that stretch out, twist, turn and typically defy structural confinements that most musicians adhere to. As Pitchfork points out, it seems that Sunset Rubdown's musical logic has found its way into filmmaker Terry Gilliam's warped world. Speaking with the CBS Early Show, Johnny Depp, who plays the Mad Hatter in the forthcoming Tim Burton adaptation of 'Alice in Wonderland', revealed that the inspiration for his latest on screen character indeed came from Sunset Rubdown jams.

We're not particularly sure which songs appealed to him, but Depp did offer up this nugget: "I get musical inspiration for the characters. Like for example, there was a band -- actually, Terry Gilliam turned me on to this band -- called Sunset Rubdown. It was a great few songs on there that just defined the Hatter for me perfectly."

The interview also reveals Depp's fondness for the band Squeeze, but unfortunately he doesn't say whether or not 'Cool for Cats' inspired any of his past performances, or if it's just been his life's mantra. Because, you know, he's a cool cat.

In related news, 2010 should yield Wolf Parade's third album, the follow-up to 2008's 'At Mount Zoomer.' Word is that they've been hard at work and from the looks of their tour schedule, there could be some new material road-tested soon. They've scheduled a handful of Canadian dates this spring, starting April 1 in Quebec City.

Watch Depp's interview below.

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phillip

my wifes family were neighbors with jhonny.
their moms were best friends!
how do you get in touch with him? they'd like to reunite!

February 28 2010 at 5:43 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
susan

He is imitating MADONNA.

February 28 2010 at 12:56 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Don Pandanell

Depp is a half wit. He wears a pendent around his neck with the name of a murderer. Anyone who thinks that Che is a hero is a idiot. He also supports child molester Polanski.

February 27 2010 at 11:27 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
2 replies to Don Pandanell's comment
emobaby25

Che is a hero...to Americans it may not seem so but he was a true revolutionary. Yes, what he did wasn't perfect or right but he did what he did for what he thought was the greater good of his country. The same way the Americans fought in the World Wars and every other way they've ever fought in. To say people who believe Che is a hero are idiots is very ignorant. Some people wouldn't even dare to dream to be better if it wasn't for Che. Now as for the other guy Polanski i don't know anything about him so i can't comment. As for J. Depp he is an amazing actor and i applaud him and T. Burton for making us weirdos and outcasts sort of popular...it's difficult for people who are different to fit in and these two make it a little easier for us

February 28 2010 at 1:15 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Don Pandanell

emobaby25, you need to tell the relitives of all the people that Che had their hands tied behind their backs and shot in the back of the head that Che was a hero. As far as Che being such a great revolutionary, that did not seem to work out too well for the Cuban people who have been brought up to worship Castro as some sort of god. Depp is not a mental giant by any strecth of the imgination but even he should know better then to worship a killer. I repeat, to worship Che is to be a misguided half wit.

February 28 2010 at 3:33 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Steve

I enjoy Depp because he always seems like he is laughing at himself, even in serious roles. That is a very admirable human trait.

February 27 2010 at 10:35 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
wolfy

Johnny Depp and Tim Burton...a combination that will never go wrong! Looking forward to "Alice in Wonderland," along with my kids. Can't wait to see onscreen, then get the DVD! Wish I could see your MoMA display, Mr. Burton!

February 27 2010 at 7:17 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
mark

Re : Johhnny Depp.
I enjoyed the fact that what his kidlings were asked at school and they said " My Dad's a Pirate "
that is one of the funniest & coolest things I've ever heard.
"what do you think you Dad does for a living ?
I'm sorry but that's great ! He IS a cool cat !

February 27 2010 at 4:31 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Andi

Johnny Depp is a BRILLIANT actor!

February 26 2010 at 12:38 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply