Jeanne du Barry, which recently premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, has gained a lot of attention thanks to its leading actor, Johnny Depp, who plays King Louis XV in the film. While the film has sparked controversy among fans and critics alike, it appears to have left a lasting impression on those fortunate enough to witness it at its world premiere.
The film, written and directed by the leading actress Maiween, follows the story of Jeanne, a working-class woman determined to rise the social ladder using her charm and intelligence. Through countless efforts, Jeanne makes it and falls into the eyes of King Louis XV (Johnny Depp), becoming his courtesan. After falling in love with her, the King gains a new zest for life, but no one in the court wants to see an outsider by the King's side.
While the film's premise is compelling enough to pique your interest, several additional aspects must be considered. That being said, here is why you should be thrilled about Johnny Depp's upcoming period drama, Jeanne du Barry.
Based on a True Story
Jeanne du Barry may appear to be a story written by an expert in political dramas, but it is actually based on the true story of Madame du Barry, who captivated the heart of King Louis XV of France during the 18th century. She was an interesting figure in history not just because she worked her way into the King's court but also due to the fact she faced numerous trials along the way.
Madame du Barry, also known as Jeanne Becu, was the illegitimate daughter of Anne Becu, as her father remains unidentified. Jeanne, now a beautiful blonde, began working in brothel casinos to escape her impoverished life, but nothing gave her what she desired. However, soon after her numerous encounters with various government ministers, King Louis XV sighted her, marking the true story of her ascendance from a penniless girl scorned by many to the King's favorite concubine.
Jeanne symbolizes both the hardships of poor women in the past and the tenacity with which many might achieve their ambitions. Audiences have traditionally been drawn to films based on true stories, and Jeanne du Barry appears to be just what they're looking for from a movie starring Johnny Depp.
It Could Be Johnny Depp’s Comeback
Apart from his appearance as Richard in The Professor, Johnny Depp has no significant main roles after Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man Tell No Tales. The actor's career suffered greatly as a result of his various scandals and trials involving his ex-wife, Amber Heard.
He has only appeared in a few films and television shows in recent years, including Puffins and Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald. However, given the actor's departure from the highly anticipated Harry Potter spinoff and the Fantastic Beasts franchise, many assumed it would be difficult for the actor to make a comeback at this point.
A ray of hope shone in the fans' eyes when Maiween, a remarkable actress and filmmaker best known for her past works Polisse, My King, and Nox, decided to star him in the newest biographical film, Jeanne du Barry. Although many critics were underwhelmed by the film following its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival on May 17, others have applauded it and believe it could pave the way for one of Hollywood's most versatile actors, Johnny Depp, to make a big comeback.
Other Reasons to Be Excited
While Johnny Depp's screen presence adds a lot of weight to the film's excitement, the movie has a lot to offer, even if it is based on a true story. In its review, the British online newspaper The Independent highlighted a few reassuring portions of the film. Despite numerous critics claiming that Maiween failed to capture the core of Depp's acting abilities, it turns out that as a director, she excelled in areas such as costume and production design.
The publication underlines, "This time, at least, the Cannes doom-mongers were wrong," implying that those who questioned the decision to open the festival with Jeanne du Barry will be disappointed with the film's success. The Independent is not the only outlet to praise the movie, with several other critics expressing how the film will appeal to individuals unfamiliar with the titular character's history.
Regardless of the controversy, Jeanne du Barry manages to remain relevant to the mainstream competition. It may not have anything in common with Depp's previous Pirates of the Caribbean roles, but it could bring something new from the actor, which is more reason to watch the film once it is released.
While the United States and certain European countries have yet to set a release date for Jeanne du Barry, the film has been scheduled for release in the Netherlands on Sept. 14, Spain on Sept. 29, and Hungary on Oct. 12.