Jeanne du Barry (15A) tells the story of Jeanne Bécu, the illegitimate child of a friar, who became a courtesan in the highest circles of Parisian society, including the aristocracy. The film stars Maïwen as Jeanne Bécu. Maïwen co-wrote and directed this brilliantly crafted period drama.
The story follows Jeanne Bécu, who marries Comte du Barry (Melvil Poupaud) elevating her into the highest echelons of French society. Du Barry introduces her to Louis XV (Johnny Depp), in the hope of resurrecting the du Barry family fortune and she quickly becomes the king’s favourite courtesan.
Depp’s performance of Louis XV, is subdued and effective as the king who falls in love with a courtesan. There is a sweet chemistry between Depp’s character and Maïwen’s Jeanne. He does not steal focus from Maïwen’s character even playing a king. As someone that was more a fan of Depp when he starred in Edward Scissorhands, Chocolat and Ed Wood, I would like to see him in more of these types of roles instead of the boring money making Hollywood studio roles.
The film which received a standing ovation at Cannes Film Festival, does not disappoint. I watched it at Wimbledon’s Curzon’s Cinema in London. It is currently showing in multiple cinemas in UK and Ireland.
