Johnny Depp’s latest film, Jeanne du Barry, was all over the news yesterday. It was partly because the film’s screening marked the start of Cannes, partly because it was Depp’s return to cinema after a three year hiatus, partly because its director, Maïwenn, is currently being sued for damages by a journalist, and partly because the film – despite all the hoo-ha – was met with a lukewarm response from the critics.
But while reviewers shrugged their shoulders at the festival’s opening act, attendees of the Jeanne du Barry Cannes screening felt differently: the film received a massive seven minute standing ovation. According to Variety, Depp held back tears, waved and “seemed taken aback by the response”. The following day the Jeanne du Barry press conference was, predictably, the hottest ticket in town.
