Johnny Depp is donning a wig and makeup to play Louis XV for Jeanne Du Barry, in his first big movie since his, umm, trouble with the missus. I had no idea Depp could speak French, let alone hold his own in an entire movie. There is a trailer online right now:
The plot of the movie is:
The life of Jeanne Bécu who was born as the illegitimate daughter of an impoverished seamstress in 1743 and went on to rise through the Court of Louis XV to become his last official mistress.
So this is about Louis XV’s bit on the side? Jeanne Du Barry stars Depp, Maïwenn, Benjamnin Lavernhe, Melvin Poupaud, Robin Renucci, Pierre Richard and Marianne Basler. Maïwenn is the writer and director.
Maïwenn approached Depp about appearing in the movie and Depp was unsure about an American playing a French king. She thought it was a great idea and, when they first met up, conversed in French for many hours. By the looks of the movie, casting Depp might have been an excuse to lock lips with him.
King Louis was a bit of a cad. During his 59-year reign, he was known as “the beloved”, but in his final years caused controversy as he was accused of corruption and debauchery. The main character, Jeanne Du Barry, is a prostitute in the movie.
Jeanne Du Barry will be in theatres on 2nd May. Vive la France!
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