Jeanne Du Barry tells the story of Jeanne Becu (Maiwenn), the illegitimate daughter of an impoverished seamstress in the mid-18th Century. Although her life was filled with struggle, she is a woman fueled by passion. As such, she rises through the Court of Louis XV (Johnny Depp), feuding with his daughters and battling cultural practice in order to become his final official mistress.
Written and directed by and starring Maiwenn, Jeanne Du Barry is a beautiful period piece that feels modern in its voice. Beautifully shot, the film feels opulent. In this way, the film feels cinematic, filling the screen with beautiful interiors. Bathing the screen in whites and golds, Du Barry is meant for us to believe that this is a world of excess.
The strength Du Barry is the force within Du Barry herself. Discarded as a harlot and treated as unwanted, Du Barry had every reason to view herself as less than nothing. Even so, although she was despised by culture much of her life, Du Barry continues to find a resilience within her heart.
In fact, at every turn, she is meant to feel progressive.
Adopting an African American child, refusing to conform to palace restrictions and gender dress, one can’t help but feel that Du Barry is meant to feel ahead of her time. She owns her sexuality and knows what she wants. She pursues position, even if others deem her unworthy.
Much credit must be given to Maiwenn as she brings a confidence to the character. In a bland society, Du Barry stands out. While that may ruffle the feathers of other women in the court, Maiwenn ensures that Du Barry maintains her cool. Each sour glance from others across the room is met with one of quiet determination. Yes, she does care about social graces – her desire to be ‘spoken to’ is one example of this – but she also knows what matters most.
For her, what matters most is empowerment, no matter what others may say.
But the struggle with Jeanne Du Barry lies within its tone. Although the film takes on the structure of a more traditional period piece, one can’t help but feel like the film is missing the energy to bring it to the next level. Despite good work from Maiwenn, the film feels muted. (While Du Barry need not attempt to mimic Bridgerton, it also could learn from its more playful tone.) Perhaps the most noticeable of example of this comes through the performance by Depp. Although he does well as the regal king, one wishes that he would be invited to display some of the signature charisma that he can bring to his projects. Instead, he is asked to remain rather stoic, even as he charms the many women in his life.
Even so, Jeanne Du Barry still resonates. For those passionate about period dramas, there’s enough fire in the young woman to garner interest. Faced with overwhelming societal pressure, Du Barry showed that what matters most is finding the strength to be yourself, no matter the era.
Jeanne Du Barry is available in theatres on Friday, May 3rd, 2024.
