K O

I'm a big fan of period dramas. I've noticed the majority of my favorite period dramas are based around the 17th and 18th century. I also am a fan of Johnny Depp, and how versatile of an actor he is. So, when I found out around the end of 2022 that he was going to be playing as King Louis XV, I was elated, and eager to know more. As more info about the movie came out, I learned it would be a complete French production. The film would be in all French. Being American with English as my 1st language, and knowing the film would be all in French did intimidate me a bit. I'm very impressed that Johnny played in this French movie. His children are half French, as their mother is French and Johnny lived and learned more of the language many years ago up until now. He did take a few classes to master the accent too for the film. I think he did a very solid job. Johnny is like a modern-day silent film actor in my opinion. Some critics said things like "He doesn't talk enough" - well, many of Johnny's movies have been that way. Edward Scissorhands for example; you immediately notice his body language, his facial expressions and the power to make you feel so much by what could be critiqued as not talking enough to be an actor. That movie is a perfect example of his talent, and his dynamic in acting. Much the same in Jeanne Du Barry as King Louis XV. I know that may sound odd, but it translates in so many ways between the spoken lines & the unspoken. Maïwenn who stars as Jeanne, and who also directed the movie is refreshing. She lends her own interpretation of Jeanne to the movie. She brings so much energy to the film and shows the raw truth of Jeanne, her decisions & the relationship with King Louis. There is a soft playfulness in the midst of the movie and that was such a beautiful nuance they achieved. The amazing amount of detail in the film is beyond describing. The costumes were perfectly articulated for the period, and the set designs....well, just look at the locations where it was filmed. The sets that were "made" or constructed were just as flawless & intricate. I believe the filming was done with an older type camera type or film. Forgive me for not knowing off-hand what it's called, but that gave it a classic feel. It sealed the deal basically. The picture quality is beautiful, classy. Every role Johnny is in, his acting & skill evolves & surprises. He is a rare talent, and again so versatile. He did King Louis XV justice in this performance. He did a fantastic interpretation that I think Maïwenn knew he would nail when she chose him, even as an American actor. I loved Johnny's performance in "The Libertine" about John Wilmot, a 17th century controversial English poet. It's more of a lesser known movie of his, but this kind of had that vibe in some parts with the emotions & empathy you felt for King Louis. You love the character in many parts & then try understand him and his choices in others. Same with Maïwenn as Jeanne. Again you can see the perfect amount of translation through body language like he really nailed in Edward Scissorhands, & facial expression translations, if that makes sense. Maïwenn and Johnny's chemistry translated very well, very passionate. - Also, I wanted to mention the wonderful performances from Pascal Greggory, Pierre Richard, and Benjamin Lavernhe. All world class supporting actors in the film. I recommend the movie and hope they do more films or projects together in the future.