Jeanne du Barry: historical drama directed by and starring Maïwenn, who as Jeanne du Barry turns Johnny Depp’s head as the French King Louis XV.
Plot and background
Marie-Jeanne Bécus (Maïwenn) came into the world in 1743 as the illegitimate daughter of an impoverished seamstress. To escape her humble circumstances, the young woman cleverly uses her beguiling charms. When her lover, the wealthy Count du Barry, finally wants to introduce Jeanne to the king, this seals the young woman’s final social ascent. The Count arranges a meeting through the influential Duke de Richelieu (Pierre Richard), but the meeting far exceeds his expectations: King Louis XV (Johnny Depp) and Jeanne are strongly attracted to each other at first sight. Not only does a passionate love flare up between the two, but a deep affection develops that is to last until death.
With the enthusiastic spirited lady at his side, the king finds the joy of life again. Despite all the doubts and the scorn Jeanne du Barry faces in the royal household, the king decides to appoint her his official favorite. Jeanne, against all rules of decency and etiquette, moves to Versailles, where her scandalous arrival turns the entire court upside down.
“Jeanne du Barry” – background, cast, theatrical release
French filmmaker and actress Maïwenn opens the 76th Cannes Film Festival with “Jeanne du Barry – The King’s Favorite,” a visually stunning opulent costume drama. The historical drama tells the true story of Marie-Jeanne Bécu’s rise to become mistress of the French King Louis XV. Director Maïwenn (“Poliezei”) impresses in the leading roles of the historical drama as Jeanne du Barry and Johnny Depp (“Pirates of the Caribbean”) as Louis XV. This is not only Johnny Depp’s return to the big screen after a three-year hiatus, but also his first film shot entirely in French. The role of the young Marie-Antoinette is played by the up-and-coming Hamburg actress Pauline Pollmann.
The seductive story full of intrigue and passion is brought to life against a colossal backdrop under costume designer Jürgen Doering. In selected reworked pieces from Chanel’s past haute couture collections, as a tribute to Karl Lagerfeld, Maïwenn transforms into the fascinating figure of Jeanne du Barry.
In this country, “Jeanne du Barry – The King’s Favorite” opens in theaters nationwide on August 24, 2023.
