52 Films by Women Vol 8. 15. Jeanne du Barry (Director: Maïwenn)
Still courtesy of Vertical Releasing (US) When it comes to French history, I confess to regnal ignorance. Why so many Louis when two is enough? (‘Louie Louie’, sung by The Kingsmen.) I am grateful to writer-director-star Maïwenn for introducing me to Louis XV (1710-1774), as portrayed in her film Jeanne du Barry , a lavish spectacle in which the titular courtesan enchants the King in pre-revolutionary France. I also appreciated the exchange, ‘This is barbaric.’ ‘No, this is Versailles’, which counts as so bad it’s … bad. At one time, French films split the credit between scenario and dialogues. Here, among the screenwriters Maïwenn, Teddy Lussi-Modeste and Nicholas Livecchi, no one takes responsibility. But then there isn’t much dialogue, which works to the film’s advantage. Writers such as Moliere have spoilt us. We expect wit from French costume dramas. Here, we just get fashion – nouvelle Vogue rather than French New Wave. At one point, Jeanne (Maïwenn) attracts the comment, ‘she’...