In conjunction with its world premiere at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival, 'Jeanne du Barry,' starring Johnny Depp, made a monumental debut at the French box office.
The historical drama drew in a staggering 401,481 viewers in its opening week, a record-breaking figure for a Cannes opening-night film in the last decade, as reported by French distributor Le Pacte. The last film to outdo this impressive feat during its Cannes premiere was Baz Luhrmann’s 'The Great Gatsby,' featuring Leonardo DiCaprio, which recorded 760,438 admissions back in 2013.
Notably, 'The Great Gatsby' was backed by a prominent Hollywood studio, unlike 'Jeanne du Barry,' which represents independent cinema.
Cannes' director, Thierry Frémaux, traditionally opts for independent films, particularly French-language ones, to commence the esteemed festival. 'Jeanne du Barry' aptly fits the bill as it was premiered in French cinemas on the opening night, upholding the festival's tradition.
Multi-talented French director Maïwenn helms 'Jeanne du Barry.' The film stars Depp portraying King Louis XV, while Maïwenn dons the director’s cap and the role of the title character.
Cannes marked a significant comeback for Depp after several years embroiled in legal battles, including a high-profile divorce and subsequent defamation lawsuits related to domestic violence allegations with his ex-wife Amber Heard. The latter ended in Depp's favor with Heard ordered to pay $10 million.
To date, no announcement has been made about a U.S. distributor acquiring 'Jeanne du Barry' for release in the U.S. The film's reception among critics has been varied, and it remains unclear if Depp will receive backing from a major studio's specialty division.
Maïwenn, the 2011 Cannes jury prize winner for her drama 'Polisse' and a vocal critic of the #MeToo movement, has recently faced controversy herself. Accusations have surfaced that she physically confronted journalist Edwy Plenel in a Paris restaurant. Plenel had previously investigated sexual abuse allegations against filmmaker Luc Besson, Maïwenn’s ex-husband.
Recent French-language films that opened Cannes include 2017's 'Ismael’s Ghosts' (Les Fantômes d’Ismaël), drawing 173,994 admissions, and 2015’s 'Standing Tall' (La Tête haute), with 250,271 admissions.
'Grace of Monaco,' a 2014 film in English and French featuring Nicole Kidman, secured 152,404 admissions at its French box office debut during Cannes.