“It’s a miracle to make a film to the end”: Jeanne du Barry and her filming is narrated by Maven

When he discovered Marie-Antoinette by Sofia Coppola, Maven fell in love with Jeanne du Barry, played by Asia Argento. After seven years of writing, the director ends the obsession. She took the role and dedicated a feature film, her sixth, to her relationship with King Louis XV, played by Johnny Depp. Epic, a project that recalls the golden age of great historical films, opens the 76th Cannes Film Festival.

With a budget to match his ambitions, the filmmaker invests in the Palace of Versailles. A unique decor that imposes many restrictions. The team can only film on Mondays, when the venue is closed to the public, and only in four locations: the Hall of Mirrors, the Royal Chapel, the Hercules Room and the exterior.

“Since this is a very protected location, the main cameraman was not allowed to use candles or smoke, which helps to make the shot very beautiful, so other technical aspects had to be found for the challenge.Reveals the filmmaker on the set of AlloCiné. The entire interior of the king’s chamber, official and secret, as well as Jeanne’s apartment, was filmed in the studio.“

Maven also saw an important thing when she entrusted the manufacture of certain outfits to the fashion house of Chanel. “There was an atmosphere of collective will that was tremendousHe is delighted. I was very lucky to work with these artists.The director designed several pieces himself, such as one of the jackets worn by Jeanne du Barry.

For the king of France he aims for an American, Johnny Depp. It’s a surprising decision, but one that, on screen, makes sense. “We worked together as I worked Benjamin Laverne, Pierre-Richard or Indian hairThat is, they constantly discussed what they wanted to offer me, what I wanted to shoot on it“, he explains.

He continues: “I don’t like it when there is an atmosphere of authority on the set. Obviously, I have the last word, but I see myself more as a conductor than just a chef. I like to work with people who constantly propose.”

I get depressed every time I edit.

with Jeanne du Barry Maven redefines the codes of his cinema, which are usually driven by improvisation and a more instinctive look. “To be honest, I can’t say that this film was the hardest shooting in my career.he admits. He Polisse remains undefeated. Each experience is a struggle, a marathon, we encounter difficulties that we did not see. Making the film to the end is a miracle.”

Difficulties that persist even in post-production: ”I get depressed every time I edit. I have the impression that I missed everything, that the film will not please me, it will disappoint me. Then at some point, the accumulation of small things allows you to regain confidence. Today, if I look at each show differently, I like it more and more.”

Interview by Thomas Desroches at the Palace of Versailles, 08 May 2023.

Maïwenn’s Jeanne du Barry, in theaters this May 16.