Jeanne du Barry (2023): Humble Beginnings to Scandal and Controversy
Jeanne du Barry marks Johnny Depp’s return to the screen after a three year hold in his career this time along with him the French actress Maiwenn, who believe it or not a total package directed and wrote this production, takes on the leading role of Jeanne du Barry, the noblewoman and the last recognized mistress of King Louis XV.
The story unfolds the life of Jeanne Becu, born as the illegitimate daughter of a poor seamstress in 1743, who rose through the French court to become Louis XV’s final official mistress, this movie focuses on the reign of the French monarch and the ascent of Countess du Barry, thanks to her intelligence and charm, which of course, started not one but multiple scandal within the court.
Throughout the story line of the movie, we follow Jeanne from her humble beginnings to her life in the Palace, where she had to confront a social class that never fully accepted her mainly because she was not part of that royal blue blood they were use to at court, for obvious reasons, the king’s mistress beyond her lineage was not favorably viewed by Louis XV’s daughters. Devoted to faith and with a strong sense of “composure,” they saw Jeanne as an intruder and a reflection of their father’s moral corruption, I would find hard for them to recognize this subject. King Louis XV never hesitated to show her by his side, walking around through the gardens and interiors of Versailles, but scandal followed du Barry until the end of her days. When King Louis XV fell fatally ill with smallpox, he had to reject her before the Church in order to “cleanse” his soul from sin. After being cast aside, she was sent to a convent, where she was forced to live out her days, a part of the story that would be nice if they explain with details through the movie. By the time of the French Revolution, she was executed by guillotine mainly because despite her humble origins, the revolutionaries saw her social ascent as an insult for her class and thus a crime against the people.
- IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt17277414/
- Platform: Theaters
- Release: May 2, 2024
Maïwenn: A Multifaceted Talent, Direct and Wrote
The director of Jeanne du Barry is a well known actress for movie fans mostly movie geeks, there are certain roles she play on multiple productions that I had no clue and one of them you would not know because she was wearing a costume on the Bruce Willis famous movie The Fifth Element (1997) she was the blue Diva who sang Opera, she also makes an appearance on Leon: The Professional and her most recent appearance as an actress Breaking Point (2023). Maiwenn Les Besco born in April 17, 1976 what a coincidence me writing an article one day after her birthday; she direct and wrote for Jeanne du Barry. Maiwenn has directed other projects including DNA, My King, and Polisse showing how versatile she is as an artist.
Mainwenn's directonal debut was the controversial and recognize as a semi autobiographical work that offered a unique vision on how to start a director career was Pardonnez-moi (2006) where Maiwenn play the role of an expectant wife who opens a barrel of worms by filming a documentary of all her family fuck ups without boundries, she is also known for what some identify as a "mockumentary" All About Actresses (2009) showing how she also has a sense of humor but it was the movie Polisse (2011) that solidified her status as a directing force, this piece earned her the Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival, gaining recognition on the international stage.
Jeanne du Barry Reception
The movie premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 2023 with a standing ovation, Johnny Depp has been off the big screen for quite some time so its obvious that many think of this movie as his big come back although its hard to see it that way when he has set the bar very high for himself with other movies specially with the well recognize franchise Pirates of The Caribbean, Johnny Depp has been set to be an actor not so easy to work in the past it seems that not only on stage he is a men who gathers lot of attention, on 2023 he also went through similar situation at court with his now ex-wife a case that was on every internet outlet, either due to too much tension and things to deal with at the same time Depp had his fare share of tension with Maiwenn that actually its reported to had delay the filming process for a bit totally understandable the guy must had a lot of things to deal with and some actually argue that Depp’s involvement in the film sends a message that violence against women is acceptable that after the case not sure if this still stands.
From the trailer I would say there is a lot of details that went into making this film happen, from the location, buildings, clothe, make it as factual as possible to represent visually the period effects, the intrigue and controversies at court but been mostly a drama movie I would see many calling it boring and even slow pace, the movie so far had receive average ratings online I would say mostly because of the details I just mention, most viewers think of a Johnny Depp movie to be fun and have action while this is probably the opposite.
Well Balance Cast
- Maiwenn as Jeanne du Barry, offering a portrayal of the ambitious commoner who captivates King Louis XV.
- Johnny Depp as Louis XV, despite initial skepticism, Depp’s performance brings the enigmatic monarch to life, offering a fresh perspective on a historically intriguing character.
- Benjamin Lavernhe as La Borde, known for his performances in Love at Second Sight, The French Dispatch, and C’est la vie.
- Melvil Poupaud as Comte du Barry, explores the dynamics of love and power within the royal court, recognized for the series OVNI and the movies Laurence Anyways, Speed Racer, and Time to Leave.
- Robin Renucci as Dumousseaux, offering a glimpse into the inner workings of the aristocracy and the dangers of court intrigue.
- Pierre Richard as Duc de Richelieu adds a touch of wit and sophistication to the cast, and Marianne Basler as Anne, Jeanne du Barry’s mother, highlights the sacrifices made in the pursuit of ambition.
I'm willing to watch this movie because its Johnny Depp and for what I have now realize who Maiwenn is, a very talented artist that probably added a ton of detail to this movie been French and the movie about King Louis XV and his mistress, as I mention the ratings for this movie most likely will be very average and if you are looking only at numbers would denied yourself to figure out how good or bad it is, there are movies that I only watch out of curiosity to find out if the internet is right, this is one of them but at the same time I also like a good drama.
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