Johnny Depp’s comeback film, Jeanne Du Barry, kicked off the 2023 Cannes International Film Festival on May 16.
It’s a historical fable about King Louis XV’s lover, Jeanne, and the drama and danger in the French court. She was a formidable woman who shaped history as we know it today.
The film is a feast for the eyes, with gorgeous costumes, sets, and actors. Johnny Depp and Maïwenn star as the royal couple, with Maïwenn also directing the film.
Cannes director Thierry Frémaux praised the film as “beautiful” and said that Johnny Depp was “magnificent” in it. He picked it to open Cannes because he knew it would wow the audience. If you’re into illustrious historical dramas, you’ll love Jeanne Du Barry.
Here’s everything you need to know about the film, including when it releases in your country, what it’s about, who’s in it, and more.
1. Details About Its Release Date
Jeanne du Barry celebrated its grand opening at the 2023 Cannes International Film Festival on May 16.
The film also hit the theaters in France on the same day. The U.S. release date for the film is yet to be announced.
2. The Blurb of Jeanne Du Barry in a Nutshell
Jeanne Du Barry depicts the life of the famous mistress of Louis XV, who came from humble origins and rose to the top of the French court.
The film follows Jeanne, who was born as an illegitimate child of a poor seamstress in 1743. She has a thirst for knowledge and enjoyment, and she uses her intelligence and beauty to charm her way through the society.
She catches the eye of the king, Louis XV, who does not know that she is a lowly companion. He falls deeply in love with her, and she gives him a new passion for life.
King Louis XV breaks all the rules and etiquette by bringing her to his palace in Versailles, where she causes a stir among the courtiers.
3. Dissecting the Trailer
Watch the trailer below:
The film’s trailer presents Jeanne as a radiant girl adorned in golden light and sumptuous fabrics. She is the undisputed star of the party. But what will become of her when the party is over?
Filmed in the authentic Versailles palace, we are exposed to the opulent French court with towering white wigs, invoking the old saying, “the higher the hair, the closer to god,” and pale powdered faces masking the vileness underneath.
Jeanne makes her entrance with a release of doves and an extraordinary display of ceremony, unsettling the court and arousing their suspicion.
The moment Louis XV approaches her, his crimson lips curl into a sly grin, already enchanted by her charisma and allure. We witness flashes of their fiery romance as they fall in love and age together. They spend their days riding horses in the fields, and their nights wrapped in each other’s arms, remaining faithful to each other despite the court’s opposition.
But not everything is blissful, as we hear a cautionary voice saying that Jeanne will encounter the king’s dark side and his wrath. The trailer ends with a final shot of Jeanne ascending a long, strenuous staircase mirroring her ascent and descent.
4. Who is in the cast?
Jeanne du Barry is directed by Maïwenn, who also plays the titular character. The film also stars Johnny Depp as Louis XV, who falls in love with du Barry and grants her many favors but neglects his duties as a monarch.
The cast includes other notable actors such as Pierre Richard, Melvil Poupaud, Pascal Greggory, India Hair, Noémie Lvovsky, and Benjamin Lavernhe in supporting roles.
Chanel also sponsored the film, and provided some of the outfits Maïwenn wore.
5. About Jeanne du Barry
Jeanne du Barry is a French-language historical romance produced by France’s Why Not Productions and directed by Maïwenn Le Besco, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Teddy Lussi-Modeste.
The film is based on the historical, real-life love story of the controversial French monarch Louis XV and his favorite mistress and courtesan, Jeanne du Barry. It’s an adaptation of the life of Jeanne du Barry, the last royal mistress in the Court of Versailles, and her scandalous journey to it.
Johnny Depp plays Louis XV while the director herself stars as the titular courtesan. Other cast members include Benjamin Lavernhe, Pierre Richard, Melvil Poupaud, Noémie Lvovsky, Pascal Greggory, and India Hair. The film was released in France on May 16, 2023.
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