Jeanne du Barry is a 2023 French historical biopic film directed by and starring Maïwenn.
In the second half of the 18th century, Jeanne Vaubernier (Maïwenn), a young French working class woman hungry for culture and pleasures, uses her intelligence and allure to climb the social ladder, becoming Countess du Barry and the favourite of King Louis XV (Johnny Depp) who, unaware of her status as courtesan, regains through her his appetite for life. They fall madly in love and, against all propriety and etiquette, Jeanne moves to Versailles, where her arrival scandalizes the court.
The cast also includes Pierre Richard and Noémie Lvovsky.
The film was released on May 16, 2023 during the Cannes Film Festival. The trailer can be watched here
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Jeanne du Barry provides examples of the following tropes:
- Artistic License – History: The movie's wardrobes aren't very accurate for the mid-18th century, as explained here.
- Eyes Always Averted: When arriving at the royal court in Versailles, Jeanne is told by someone to never look at the king in the eyes (for it would invite him to "bagatelle" - i.e. lust). When facing him for the first time, she disobeys that warning, much to everyone's shock.
- Hopeless Suitor: A man tells Jeanne that he loves her. She's visibly not thrilled and tells him "This isn't love".
- Not Even Bothering with the Accent: Louis XV speaks French... with Johnny Depp's American accent.
- Pimped-Out Dress: Lots of 18th century dresses can be seen, and the one that stands out is worn by Jeanne when she's introduced to the king. It's white, shiny and has a very long tail.
- Royal Favorite: Jeanne becomes the mistress of King Louis XV. People of the court make their disdain of her and wishes to see her go very vocal, and Louis is told that his Prime Minister is not going to tolerate that "a street girl rub shoulders with [his] entourage". Louis then answers that she is his entourage.
