Johnny Depp performs a French king in Cannes Movie Pageant’s controversial selection for its opening night time movie.
In his first main position since profitable his defamation trial in opposition to Amber Heard, Depp speaks French with an uncommon accent (supposedly correct for the time), however brings little of the playful mischief audiences have come to anticipate from him.
French actress Maïwenn directs and co-stars as Jeanne, the real-life prostitute who labored her approach into the 18th century courtroom of Versailles. After changing into the mistress of a nobleman, she’s despatched to fulfill King Louis XV (Depp), and is ready for his bed room – medical examinations included.
Daring and outspoken, Jeanne quickly charms Louis and is invited to remain in Versailles. However not everyone seems to be joyful in regards to the match, together with the younger Marie Antoinette (Pauline Pollmann).
It’s an intriguing story that coasts alongside because of attention-grabbing historic particulars, such because the King’s elaborate morning routine and the significance of shuffling away from him with out turning your again.
Jeanne flirtatiously refuses to do the latter, and it’s one of many few moments of connection between the 2 lead characters.
In any other case, Depp’s Louis strides round in courtroom, saying phrases which can be wanted to advance the plot, however with little conviction or spark.
Very unusually for a French movie in Cannes, there aren’t any precise intercourse scenes: this cuts away demurely earlier than the deed is completed.
It’s tempting to surprise if that’s a feminist assertion, however Maïwenn has been outspoken in opposition to feminism, and whereas Jeanne is empowered, she’s the one attention-grabbing feminine character on this movie – King Louis’ disapproving daughters simper and bicker just like the Ugly Sisters.
The film is actually ornamental: Jeanne is painted as a style trailblazer who wears stripes and – gasp – males’s apparel in courtroom. However these trendy touches are undermined by a plodding tempo and two-dimensional supporting characters.
Jeanne du Barry isn’t uninteresting, or a shame. However it’s extra of a curiosity than a must-see, and definitely not Depp’s most interesting hour.
Writer