Jeanne du Barry opens 76th Cannes Film Festival amid controversy
The 76th Cannes Film Festival opened on May 16, 2023, with Maïwenn's historical drama 'Jeanne du Barry – La favorita del re', starring Johnny Depp as Louis XV. The film traces the rise of Jeanne Vaubernier (later Comtesse du Barry) from the working class to the court of Versailles, focusing on her relationship with the king and themes of female emancipation. Maïwenn, who also plays the lead, was inspired to make the film after seeing Asia Argento's portrayal of du Barry in 'Marie Antoinette' (2006). The production faced controversy: Maïwenn was accused of assaulting journalist Edwy Plenel, co-founder of Mediapart, and rumors of on-set tensions with Depp circulated. Maïwenn acknowledged the set was 'intense, sometimes tumultuous' but part of the deal with a star of his caliber. Filmed at Versailles locations including the Chapelle Royale, Galerie des Glaces, and Salon Hercule, the film is distributed in Italy by Notorious Pictures. Despite not being a masterpiece, it features intelligent writing, contemporary themes of emancipation, and detailed costumes and court customs.
Key facts
- The 76th Cannes Film Festival opened with Maïwenn's 'Jeanne du Barry – La favorita del re'.
- The film stars Johnny Depp as King Louis XV.
- Maïwenn wrote, directed, and stars as Jeanne du Barry.
- The story follows Jeanne Vaubernier's social ascent from working class to Versailles courtesan.
- Maïwenn was inspired by Asia Argento's performance in 'Marie Antoinette' (2006).
- Maïwenn was accused of assaulting journalist Edwy Plenel, co-founder of Mediapart.
- Rumors of on-set tensions between Maïwenn and Depp were addressed by the director.
- Filming locations included Versailles' Chapelle Royale, Galerie des Glaces, and Salon Hercule.
- The film is distributed in Italy by Notorious Pictures.
- The film is described as having intelligent writing and themes of female and racial emancipation.
Entities
Artists
- Maïwenn
- Johnny Depp
- Asia Argento
- Jeanne du Barry
- Jeanne Vaubernier
- Louis XV
- Edwy Plenel
- Margherita Bordino
- Melvil Poupaud
- Pierre Richard
- Pascal Greggory
- Benjamin Lavernhe
- Noémie Lvovsky
- India Hair
- Marie-Jeanne Bécu
- Anne Bécu de Cantigny
- Jean-Baptiste, comte du Barry-Cérès
- Richelieu
- Madame de Pompadour
- Amber Heard
Institutions
- Cannes Film Festival
- Mediapart
- Notorious Pictures
- Harper’s Bazaar
- Artribune
- Festival di Cannes
Locations
- Cannes
- France
- Versailles
- Chapelle Royale
- Galerie des Glaces
- Salon Hercule
- Italy
- Place de la Concorde