The Lone Ranger, not so much Johnny Depp's part in it, has been ravaged by critics worldwide. The star turned 50 on June 9th this year (2013). His career has spanned three decades, with his first major appearance occurring in 1984.

Johnny Depp
Johnny Depp at the 68th Annual Golden Globe Awards, L.A.

Depp's first major film role was in A Nightmare on Elm Street, the hugely successful 80's horror classic. Variety described the movie as "highly imaginative". Depp plays Glen Lantz, one of the teenagers stalked and killed by Freddie Kreuger in his dreams. 

Johnny Depp's 1990 cult classic Edward Scissorhands was a huge success. It was critically acclaimed with Film4 describing Tim Burton's movie as "visually, stylistically and emotionally stunning". Edward Scissorhands is about a man named Edward who has scissors for hands - it does exactly what it says on the tin! The story has a Frankenstein-esque feel to it, where Depp, as Scissorhands, is forced to confront and find his place in mainstream society. 

Johnny Depp
Johnny Depp at the World premiere of Sweeney Todd, New York.

This film marked the beginning of Depp's professional relationship with eccentric director Burton. The pair has worked together on numerous projects over the past 20 years including Ed Wood, Sleepy Hollow, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Corpse Bride, Sweeney Todd: the Demon Barbour of Fleet Street, Alice in Wonderland and Dark Shadows. 

However, producer Scott Rudin (No Country for Old Men) criticised the actor for "basically playing Tim Burton in all his movies". The pairing has proved highly successful and profitable. The pair, over the years, have formed a close personal friendship. 

Tim Burton and Johnny Depp
Tim Burton and Johnny Depp at a special screening of Sweeney Todd in L.A.

Depp in 1993 starred with Leonardo DiCaprio in What's Eating Gilbert Grape. The film, according to Film4 "cemented his [Depp's] reputation for coolness". The plot follows Gilbert Grape (Depp) attempting to juggle caring for his unconventional family life with maintaining a romantic relationship.

Depp remained, primarily in cult movies, until his entry into the mainstream in Disney's Pirates Of The Caribbean. The actor played Jack Sparrow: the loveable pirate with a drinking problem who walked, not like Mick Jagger, but Keith Richards. 

Review wise the Pirates films did not fare well. However, Depp's role in the Disney blockbusters propelled him further into the public eye. His roles since then have been primarily in large budget projects. His latest, The Lone Ranger, in which he stars as Tonto, has been heavily criticised in reviews. The New York Times says the film, filled with clichés, descended into "nerve-racking incoherence".

Watch the trailer for The Lone Ranger:

The Lone Ranger has been out in the US since 22nd June. It is due to be released in UK cinemas on 9th August 2013. 

Johnny Depp
Johnny Depp at the L.A. premiere of The Lone Ranger.