After an extensive period of mediocre projects, Johnny Depp has made an interesting addition to his filmography in the form of the biopic Jeanne du Barry. Directed by Maïwenn, the film received a seven-minute standing ovation at Cannes after its world premiere, which reduced Depp to tears. In addition to a wider theatrical release, Jeanne du Barry is also going to be available for streaming on Netflix.
Starring Maïwenn as the titular character who uses her wits to climb the social ladder, Jeanne du Barry has started garnering the attention of film fans and critics worldwide. Depp plays the role of King Louis XV, who falls in love with the ambitious woman and generates a lot of sociopolitical controversy due to the difference in their respective backgrounds.
Although there has been some social media backlash due to the film’s inclusion, Cannes chief Thierry Fremaux stood by the decision. Fremaux said: “I don’t know about the image of Johnny Depp in the U.S. To tell you the truth, in my life, I only have one rule, it’s the freedom of thinking and the freedom of speech and acting within a legal framework.”
Fremaux added: “If Johnny Depp had been banned from acting in a film or the film was banned, we wouldn’t be here talking about it. So we saw Maïwenn’s film, and it could have been in competition. She would have been the eighth female director. This [controversy] came up once the film was announced at Cannes because everybody knew Johnny had made a film in France … I don’t know why she chose him, but it’s a question you should ask Maïwenn.”
Watch the clip below.