historical film
Johnny Depp returns with Jeanne du Barry
Johnny Depp as Louis XV in a scene from the film “Jeanne du Barry – The King’s Favorite”. photo
© Stephanie Branchu/Wild Bunch Germany/dpa
With the film “Jeanne du Barry”, Johnny Depp returns to the big screen after the court dispute with his ex-wife. How is the former Hollywood star doing in his acting comeback?
It was his first major appearance as a movie star after a headline-grabbing court battle. As Johnny Depp came to Cannes for the premiere of the costume drama “Jeanne du Barry”, it seemed at first on the red carpet that nothing had ever happened. As if the 60-year-old’s career hadn’t collapsed in the meantime after the court battle with his ex-wife Amber Heard over allegations of domestic violence. Depp signed autographs and took selfies with many fans.
In the historical drama by French director Maïwenn, Depp plays the male lead, King Louis XV. The film tells of his mistress Jeanne and their special, intimate relationship, which causes turmoil at the court in Versailles. The king’s daughters in particular do not want to accept that the regent chooses the unconventional Jeanne – who comes from a poor background, rejects royal ceremonies and has previously earned her money as a courtesan – as the most powerful lover at court.
Similar to the shattered court, two camps formed in Cannes about “Jeanne du Barry” – those who criticized Depp’s presence at the film festival (e.g. representatives of the US press) and those who defended Depp or emphasized his acting skills (Maïwenn himself or festival director Thierry Frémaux).
Hardly any speaking scenes for Depp
A year earlier, Depp was still in the middle of the defamation lawsuit against Heard. The jury then mostly sided with him in June 2022 – but also agreed with Heard on some points.
Despite the cheering fans and autographs: Depp couldn’t completely leave the whole thing behind in Cannes. Even if festival director Frémaux emphasized: “If there is one person in this world who was not interested in this process, it is me.” So it’s time to look at the film itself. How is the American doing in his acting comeback?
After 117 minutes of play it can be said: rather weak. In terms of acting, too, Depp is not above all doubts with his new film. He doesn’t really stand out, which may be due to the fact that he is portrayed in the film as an aging king without much panache. Also, he hardly has any speaking scenes. Some suspected in Cannes that it could be because Depp had to speak French in “Jeanne du Barry”.
Most of the time he always has the same facial expression in the film: that slightly mocking nonchalance that film viewers are already familiar with from other films.
Versailles Palace served as the backdrop
In the end, the focus is not on the king, but clearly on Jeanne as a lovable and idiosyncratic woman who has to assert herself against numerous obstacles. But their psychological motives are also little illuminated. As a character, she remains enigmatic.
In the end, “Jeanne du Barry” impresses above all with its scenery. Many scenes were filmed in and around the Palace of Versailles. The audience sees sumptuous costumes and tableaus: Jeanne framed by the lavishly luxurious interior at Versailles. Or the beautiful castle from the outside, which is drowned in thunderbolts.
In terms of acting, however, “Jeanne du Barry” is not likely to be the film that transports Johnny Depp back to the kingdom of the American film world.
– Jeanne du Barry – The King’s Favourite, France 2023, 117 mins, FSK 12+, by Maïwenn, with Maïwenn, Johnny Depp, Melvil Poupaud, Pierre Richard.