Jeanne du Barry

Jeanne du Barry

The life of Jeanne Bécu, who was born as the illegitimate daughter of an impoverished seamstress in 1743 and went on to rise through the Court of Louis XV to become his last official mistress.

  • Released: 2023-09-29
  • Runtime: 117 minutes
  • Genre: Drama, History, Romance
  • Stars: Noémie Lvovsky, India Hair, Melvil Poupaud, Vincent Colombe, Benjamin Lavernhe, Johnny Depp, Maïwenn, Luna Carpiaux, Pascal Greggory, Alexandre Styker, David Decraene, Thibault Bonenfant, Ibrahim Yaffa, Pierre Richard, Diego Le Fur, Pauline Pollmann, Micha Lescot, Suzanne De Baecque, Capucine Valmary, Marianne Basler
  • Director: Maïwenn
 Comments
  • JoshuaMercott - 2 June 2024
    Truths Wrapped In Silks
    This French-language story was only slightly about Johnny Depp and mainly about a woman named Jeanne du Barry, played by Maïwenn - who also directed and co-wrote the movie.

    A stunning depiction of court life and corruption wrapped in a deceptively elegant package unraveled on screen as the movie played out. Yesteryear France - early- to mid-1700s - was brought into focus.

    The script delivered a stunning portrayal of double standards displayed among the French aristocracy. It contained part satire and part historical-romance vibes, but the story mostly captured all-too-human elements that were as enjoyable as some of the period-drama series I've seen over the years.

    Each character was given exceptional attention to detail, particularly King Louis XV, played by the inimitable Johnny Depp. His performance was surprisingly minimal but just as surprisingly impactful. It was captivating to see him deliver all his lines in French.

    His interactions with Jeanne proved plenty of things, one of which was the fact that some women had to do what they had to do to survive in a world where too much and yet too little was expected of them.

    Jeanne Bécu (played by Jeanne Bécu) was an illegitimate child born into poverty. She did whatever it took to improve her social status and station in life. Then along came an ambitious opportunity that let her rub elbows (and knees) with royalty.

    As she climbed the ranks in Louis XV's court, she eventually became the king's final mistress. But, as expected, not everyone was happy to see her rise. Her presence, nay existence, set flame to all sorts of fuses. "Jeanne du Barry" dramatised the fireworks that followed.

    There's a moment in this movie that will irk Africans and African-Americans. Zamor became a racially tense introduction. But bear in mind that 1700s France had to be captured truthfully, hence the incorporation of the 'exotic' boy from Africa, via India. In this regard as well, some Indians may be miffed if they don't comprehend the nuances of the era.

    And all this before the scandal and drama Marie Antoinette brought with her when she later came to court. She married Louis XV's grandson - Louis XIV, aka 'Le Dauphin' of France.

    This will be a story of erotic desire, social satire, and captivating subtext for cinema enthusiasts. To others, it will be an idyllic glance into the life of King Louis XV and his favourite mistress.

    Either way, the story informed as well as pleased. And it did both without compromising that singular old-school French élégance. It's been a while since I saw a movie as neatly crafted and technically balanced as "Jeanne du Barry".
  • susanjohnsonclayton - 5 May 2024
    Captivating!
    The visuals, score, acting were exquisite. The nuanced delivery of comedy and tragedy was captivating, inspiring. Johnny Depp presented Louis as regal, confident, yet somehow touching, and vulnerable. Maiwenn was indeed several years older than Jeanne at the beginning of the story, but she presented with such confidence that the disparity disappeared. This is not a "happily ever film". Instead, it is a story about an unlikely love affair with devotion so powerful and true, that nothing can destroy it, except death. And so, for me, it is inspiring, because in life we all have tragedy, we all have difficulty, we all face death. Love matters, life matters. Truth matters.
  • vincentpollyann - 3 May 2024
    Showing in Virginia
    Fantastic movie. Beautifully done and the actors did a wonderful job The movie was filled with humor, happiness and sadness. The subtitles were very easy to read and follow, and the body language was so well played Johnny Depp's part was so well played that you felt like you was watching a royal person and the clothes and scenery was beautiful. I saw this movie with my granddaughter who is not even a Johnny Depp fan and she thought it was beautiful. She even cried at the end. I am so glad the theater in my town carried the movie so I was able to see it as there was no advertisement or anything other than on Facebook And I know a lot of people wanted to see it that couldn't and a lot of people had to drive several hours to see it, but the movie was really worth it.