Within the wake of a tabloid-friendly divorce that includes a number of allegations of abuse, Johnny Depp’s Hollywood profile rests at a quite low level. The French actress and filmmaker Maïwenn, for her half, has made headlines in her dwelling nation — together with final yr, when she reportedly assaulted a journalist.
One would possibly anticipate a movie pairing these two actors would produce flamable outcomes. However “Jeanne du Barry,” written, directed by and starring Maïwenn, is an in the end snoozy historic interval piece.
Given latest developments, it could go with out saying that the image tries to make one thing of a “lady boss” out of Jeanne, probably the most outstanding mistress of King Louis XV. She transcends her humble roots, entrances the King and flouts 18th-century Versailles protocol.
However she additionally has a, um, sort coronary heart. At a royal dinner she is given Zamor, an enslaved individual, as a present. She befriends him. What enjoyable they’ve operating via the halls of Versailles! She additionally defends his humanity to Louis’s nasty daughters, who make the evil stepsisters in Disney’s “Cinderella” appear understated. Louis-Benoit Zamor, an precise historic determine, performed a task within the eventual destiny of the actual Jeanne du Barry.
Since Maïwenn created Jeanne for herself, it could appear paradoxical to state that she’s all fallacious for it. Nonetheless, her broad efficiency is a constantly unlucky case research in “no matter she thinks she’s doing, this isn’t it.”
As Louis, Depp takes his position, spoken completely in French, significantly — no Captain Jack Sparrow-style winks are known as for or delivered — however the movie doesn’t give him a lot to work with as a personality.
The meticulous and luxurious manufacturing design by Angelo Zamparutti, captured with virtually dewy appreciation by the cinematographer Laurent Dailland, makes the film straightforward on the eyes, however every now and then its prettiness edges over into souvenir-shop kitsch.
Jeanne du Barry
Not rated. In French with English subtitles. Operating time: 1 hour 57 minutes. In theaters.
