Ali Arsalan
After navigating a tumultuous chapter in his personal life, Hollywood icon Johnny Depp has made a triumphant return to the big screen with his latest film, “Jeanne du Barry”. Depp not only delivers a captivating performance as King Louis XV in the film but also reignites the spark of his illustrious career.
Emerging from the stormy aftermath of a highly publicized and acrimonious divorce with actress Amber Heard, Johnny Depp reclaims his position on the grand stage of cinema reaffirming his rightful place among the industry’s brightest stars.
Decade-Best Debut In French Box Office
With its highly anticipated world premiere at the esteemed 2023 Cannes Film Festival, “Jeanne du Barry,” featuring the remarkable Johnny Depp, has ignited a box office frenzy in France. The period drama mesmerized audiences, accumulating a staggering 401,481 admissions during its inaugural week.
As proudly proclaimed by French distributor Le Pactean, it is an extraordinary achievement that hasn’t been witnessed for a Cannes opening-night film in over a decade!
The last film to accomplish such a feat was Baz Luhrmann’s 2013 masterpiece “The Great Gatsby,” featuring Leonardo DiCaprio, which amassed a staggering 760,438 admissions.
The Film Director: Maïwenn
In the captivating world of “Jeanne du Barry,” a film brought to life by the versatile Maïwenn, Johnny Depp assumes the role of King Louis XV, while Maïwenn herself takes on the task of both directing the movie and playing the titular character. This unique collaboration promises an engaging cinematic journey filled with royal drama.
Maïwenn, a Cannes jury prize winner for her film “Polisse,” faced her own share of controversy after allegations emerged of her grabbing journalist Edwy Plenel’s head and spitting on him. Plenel had previously published an investigation on sexual abuse allegations against Maïwenn’s ex-husband, filmmaker Luc Besson.
Uncertain U.S. Release for ‘Jeanne du Barry’ as Distributors Hesitate
Amidst a cloud of uncertainty, the fate of “Jeanne du Barry” remains uncertain in the United States. With no announcement of a distribution deal, the film’s release hangs in the balance.
As critics offer contrasting opinions, adding another layer of intrigue, the question lingers: Will a specialty division under a major studio take the risk of collaborating with Johnny Depp once more?
Nevertheless, Depp’s powerful portrayal and the allure of the period drama have proven to be a winning combination, elevating the film to new heights and leaving an indelible mark on the French box office landscape.