The only time Johnny Depp appeared in a French film was in Ivan Attali’s 2004. They were married and had many children. It wasn’t a role strictly speaking, but a brief appearance, a wink alongside Charlotte Gainsbourg. In Jeanne du Barry, Maven’s sixth feature film, which was presented at the opening of the 76th Cannes Film Festival, he plays the second leading role: King Louis XV.
The actor knows a lot about period films. Many of his characters have taken him to the past, but never like this. Here he plays the sovereign of France in the surroundings of the castle of Versailles. To portray this figure, Johnny Depp, a history buff, read a lot, but also tried to understand how the king behaved with various people in the court.
“Along with his framer, La Borde, they had known each other since childhood, so we can imagine that they had a more intimate conversation.He explains in an interview with AlloCiné. He was different with the royal family. But when he meets this creature, Jean du Barry, he questions the way he speaks. It’s scary for a person who has always been sure of everything. It was such a challenge for me to speak French at that time.”
Johnny Depp in “Jeanne du Barry” by Maven.
Yes, the American plays entirely in Moliere’s language. He understands the language perfectly, sometimes he searches for his words – as during our interview – but for necessity Jeanne du Barry, surrounded the coach. “I was not worried about playing in Frenchreveals the actor. There are words that don’t exist anymore, so when I changed things in the dialogues, you have to be careful. This was a difficulty for me.“
Johnny Depp has his own method for fitting King Louis XV shoes: listening to music. A song for every scene. “This is a real and fast way to access authentic emotions.He confides. The songs will remind you of your childhood moments. If I put a headline that appeals to you, it will take you to memory in less than three seconds: for example, sitting in the back seat of the car with your parents. For me, music has always been a way of time travel. You have to let your emotions take over.”
I had so much powder on my face that I looked like a neglected doll
Preparation also includes costumes and make-up. “The wigs took time to sethe explains. Makeup, not really. I had so much powder on my face that I looked like a neglected doll that hadn’t played in 25 years (laughs).“. Not to mention the heat caused by the weight of her elaborate outfit – the shoot took place in the summer of 2022: “But at that time they were also very hot. It’s good that the sweat is running down your forehead.“

Johnny Depp in “Jeanne du Barry” by Maven.
When he sums up his participation in Jeanne du Barry, Johnny Depp says: “I was far from an outsider and I feel like the luckiest actor in the film.” The actor mentions Pierre Richard, whom he considers a “legend”. “I know his business very wellhe adds. It’s like Jean Rochefort, Serge Gainsbourg, Louis de Funes. It belongs to this category.”
The American star also talks about his experience with Benjamin Lavergne, with whom he shares many scenes:I immediately understood his playful side, his ability and willingness to play, to try different things, to approach things differently..” He ends the interview with a few words:I am delighted to have been able to help shape Maven’s vision for the film. I hope the team was not disappointed. And hopefully the French won’t be either. Or those who knew Louis XV.”
Interview by Thomas Desroches, Cannes, May 17, 2023.
Jeanne du Barry, currently in the cinema.
Source: Allocine

Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.