The Wasteland Reviewer

Jeanne du Barry (2024) Written Review

Can a film change the perception of a historical figure? There have been plenty of historical figures who lived in the legends in the mind of society then films unearthed new perspectives. Unless it is a documentary, film is fiction (even if it is “nonfiction”) but there have been plenty based on real people. Napoleon portrayed the legendary military genius as a horn dog weirdo with a Mommy complex. This is certainly not the only film to paint figures that are much more flawed than history would like to remind us. But there are a few films out there at least who try to lift figures who history has disrespected. 

Whose legacy and reputation do French actor and filmmaker Maiwenn try to redeem with her latest directorial effort, Jeanne du Barry? Jeanne Becu did not come from much or anything at all. The illegitimate child of a seamstress is not the best footing to get in life. But when you become the last lover of King Louis XV…your life can certainly turn around. She was known as a whore and harlot, but Maiwenn takes a different approach and sheds light on this woman’s journey from bottom of the gutter to the love of the king. 

What does Maiwenn bring to this film to do right by Becu’s legacy? First off, the direction is solid and great to look at. There is an atmosphere in the film that is vibrant and warm. There are certainly some darker moments towards the beginning of the film and the end but most of the film lives in a sense of beauty. With the help of cinematographer Laurent Dailland, Maiwenn was able to create a bright environment that reflects the beautiful connection between a commoner and king.

What about the screenplay which Maiwenn co-wrote? The film does not dive too deep into any themes or ideas. There is not the level of complexity for which a story like this truly dabbles in. The film works most when the audience is stuck in the moment with Jeanne and the king. They have plenty of charming and sincere moments between them. There is a softness to the narrative that does not add too many edges to the proceedings. There are plenty of moments written in the story that gives a warm feeling and the audience can lean back and relax. There are certainly heavier moments (including the final fate of Louis XY). The film features scenes full of loss and bullying behavior but never enough to sink this bright film. The story is not particularly unique, but it delivers the elements that it is going for. 

How about the performances of Maiween and the rest of the cast? Her performance is full of care and love. The empathy Maiwenn shows on screen is relatable and endearing. There is a lot of empathy shown by the Maiween in the direction of the film, but her performance is full of it too. There is a sincerity in the way that Maiween moves, speaks, and makes love as this character. It is essential we feel the connection between Becu and the king. Johnny Depp delivers a subdued and engaging performance that has moments of personality (where you can see the big choices of Depp shine through). They have plenty of chemistry together which sells this unlikely romance. The rest of the cast do well to meet the expectations of the script including Benjamin Lavernhe who is a pitch perfect supporting player as the king’s right-hand man. 

Does Jeanne du Barry deliver a historical drama worth experiencing? The costuming and production design is just etiquette. The narrative is unfortunately quite loose and does not have the most thrust to push you through the two-hour runtime. There are elements of Jeanne’s life that the film sugar coats that are quite glaring (her ownership of another human being for one). But the journey this film delivers is so light and engaging until it is not…but the emotional payoff is worth it too. This is a fine period piece for those who love those types of films.