Maïwenn's highly anticipated Jeanne du Barry, starring Johnny Depp, opened the 76th Cannes Film Festival with a world premiere on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, at the Grand Théâtre Lumière in the Palais des Festivals, Cannes. The film was released in French cinemas on the same day.
In Jeanne du Barry, director Maïwenn herself plays the eponymous heroine, alongside Johnny Depp, Benjamin Lavernhe, Melvil Poupaud, Pierre Richard, Pascal Greggory and India Hair. The film follows the life, rise and fall of Jeanne Vaubernier, the favorite of King Louis XV. Coming from a humble background and eager to rise socially, Jeanne Vaubernier uses her charms to improve her status. Thanks to her lover, the Comte du Barry, and the influential Duc de Richelieu, she was able to meet the king. It was love at first sight for Jeanne and Louis XV, so much so that he appointed her his official favorite, causing a scandal at Court.
After a dull introductory sequence that augured the worst for this ambitious period film, Maïwenn deploys a rather ingenious device! We could have expected much worse, but the filmmaker makes the most of the tale of the scandalous love affairs of King Louis XV and his favorite, the Comtesse du Barry. As a period film, Maïwenn moves away from her very contemporary style(Polisse, ADN, etc.) to a Barry Lindon-style mise en scène, with voice-over and refined classicism.
But when Jeanne du Barry arrived at the Court, all this stilted routine was shattered. The young woman, a libertine who obeys no rules, catches the eye of the King. The feminist symbolism is a bit heavy-handed, but the subject matter suits Maïwenn, who has confessed to recognizing herself in du Barry. It's clear what appealed to her about this character. It's impossible for her to adapt to the ridiculous ceremonial of the Court; it's the Court that has to adapt to her!
From then on, the film surprises by becoming a comedy, when the absurd daily life of the tenants of the Château de Versailles is shown on screen. Above all, it's a true comedy. The main duo, Maïwenn and Johnny Depp, are obviously striking. Both are in the spotlight for reasons that have nothing to do with cinema, and we never thought we'd see them receive so many honors. Still, their performance is striking. For the first time in his career, Depp plays a role in French. And for a first, he pulls it off wonderfully. His language is impeccable. Not very talkative, the actor is magnetic, and his presence alone reveals his unfailing charisma. In every scene where Depp is present, he dominates the screen.
Jeanne du Barry assumes her excesses, but often lacks subtlety. Fortunately, it gains in intensity throughout its comfortable two hours. This beautiful build-up culminates in a flamboyant and moving climax.
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