Perhaps I spoke too soon. Johnny Depp’s been looking really good during his visit to Bejing. This visit coincided with an old-school Johnny photoshoot and interview. I fell for all of it. When Johnny showed up to yesterday’s Transcendence premiere, the spell was broken. He suddenly looks the same as he has for the past year — like he’s striving to look hip and funky in the midst of a mid-life crisis.

I’ll give Johnny this much. He’s always gracious to his fans. The Wall Street Journal covered the Bejing press conference. Some fans endured a 16-hour train ride to see Johnny, and he obliged them. He also kissed a little booty by complimenting “the level of art, the eons of culture” in China. He added, “I could live here easily. It’s a warm experience.”

Johnny also told the audience that he refuses to watch his own movies: “I stopped that a long time ago.” That detail isn’t new, but his refusal to read his own press is rather defiant: “I prefer to remain ignorant.” Do you hear that? Johnny doesn’t hear you making fun of his mangagement ring. Johnny does not care.

I do wonder where Amber Heard is during this tour. She’s probably shooting a movie, but Johnny gave up everything to attend her premiere last month.

Photos courtesy of Fame/Flynet & WENN