At The Movies: Jeanne du Barry
Jeanne du Barry is a lavish new historical drama from writer/director Maïwenn (Mon Rois, Polisse). It is freely inspired by the life of the titular rags-to-riches social climber, a working-class woman who became the mistress of King Louis XV, played with taciturn command by Johnny Depp in his first French-language speaking role.
18th Century, pre-Revolution France. Jeanne Bécu (Maïwenn), the illegitimate daughter of a monk, hungers for culture and pleasure, and is determined to escape her commoner upbringing. With charm and sharp wit, she builds a reputation as a skilled courtesan and her benefactor, the Comte du Barry (Melvil Poupaud) grows rich through her amorous encounters. Wishing to present her to the widowed King (Depp), a renowned womaniser, the Comte orchestrates a meeting through the influential Duke of Richelieu (Pierre Richard).
Jeanne du Barry is set mainly in the court of King Louis XV, showing the way of life of the King. As Jeanne asks early in their meeting, after witnessing the pageantry of early morning rituals, “You do this every day?” The King sourly replies “Yes”. Other than showing some of Jeanne’s early life, on how she got to Louis’s bedroom, little is seen of the “common” people and not a guillotine in sight throughout the entire movie. It’s all big wigs, bigger costumes and even bigger settings.
Johnny Depp plays a very subdued, but solid role as King Louis XV. His lines are few and is often just seen standing in the background, making entrances or leaving rooms. But don’t be fooled, he plays a very integral part of the movie although to be fair, the film is all about Jeanne.
I have to admit to not knowing a lot about Jeanne du Barry, but have found myself looking up the history of her life after the viewing. This movie opened the Cannes Film Festival last year and it is easy to see why. A well-produced and very entertaining movie that finds the two hours flying by.
Movie Review by Geoff Jenke
Jeanne du Barry at Palace Nova Cinema’s from 18 April 2024. Advanced screening this weekend 12 -14 April
Rating M
