Johnny Depp speaks French in Jeanne du Barry!
Johnny Depp's protracted legal battles with ex-wife Amber Heard, particularly his extremely public defamation case against her, forced him to temporarily halt his Hollywood career. He just showed Jeanne du Barry, now, don't go biting your tongue because it's French. So, he just showed his latest movie since the conclusion of the case, at the Cannes Picture Festival. And, according to Variety, it "has been acquired by Vertical for North America," which implies that it won't be long until US audiences can see this picture that was previously only available in France.
Depp plays King Louis XV in Jeanne du Barry, and he must balance the various responsibilities of his royal position with his growing feelings for his working-class flame, Jeanne Vaubernier.
On paper, this film is a significant departure from the kinds of Hollywood roles that Johnny Depp is best known for, such as Pirates of the Caribbean. And, given his recent declaration that he has "no further need for Hollywood," seeing him in films like Jeanne du Barry may become the norm.
It's a risky gamble for Johnny Depp, especially because this is his first main role in three years. But, if starring in this offbeat film was a risk for the star, it was a risk that paid out handsomely. Not only has the picture been a box office success in France, but Depp received a seven-minute standing ovation when it premiered at the Cannes Picture Festival.
Perhaps the most telling sign of the film's popularity is how much French audiences adore Johnny Depp in it. Needless to say, selecting a famous American actor to play a legendary French king was a risky choice, and many expected French audiences to reject the film due to its obvious stunt casting. Instead, the consensus has been that a larger-than-life actor was required to play this larger-than-life king, and Depp does an excellent job portraying Louis as a man divided between passion and duty.
Even if you're not a major admirer of Johnny Depp, Jeanne du Barry is worth seeing for the stunning scenery: the whole film was made in France, with much of it taking place directly in Versailles. That means, in addition to the beautiful clothing and the slightly unsettling sight of Depp speaking fluent French throughout the film, there is enough natural beauty to savour.
