News

Loco Films has landed international sales rights to “The Man Who Saw the Bear,” the long-awaited directorial comeback of iconic French actor Pierre Richard. The anticipated movie will world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival in the Special Screenings section, as part of a career tribute to Richard which is expected to be one of the highlights of this 78th edition.

Richard, who is now 90 and in top shape, rose to fame in the 1970’s, during which he delivered cult performances in French comedies, such as “The Tall Blond Man with One Black Shoe,” “La Chèvre” and “The Fugitives.”

“The Man Who Saw the Bear,” in which Richard also plays the lead role, marks his return as a director after 28 years. The last film he directed “Distracted,” was a box office success in 1997.

Produced by Moby Dick Films (“Trois amies”), “The Man Who Saw the Bear” also stars Gustave Kervern,...

This year’s Cannes Film Festival lineup just got a little splashier.

Kristen Stewart’s long-awaited directorial debut The Chronology of Water and the Jennifer Lawrence and Robert Pattinson-starring Die, My Love from director Lynne Ramsay have been added to the schedule. Stewart’s film, which stars Imogen Poots, will screen in the fest’s Un Certain Regard section while Die, My Love will be in the fest’s competition section.

Also joining the competition section is Woman and Child, the latest title from Iranian director Saeed Roustaee. The filmmaker previously competed for the Palme d’Or at the 2022 fest with his film Leila’s Brothers. Elsewhere, Ethan Coen’s Honey Don’t! will premiere in the fest’s Midnight section. The road trip movie stars Aubrey Plaza, Margaret Qualley and Chris Evans.

The latest title joins an already announced line-up that includes films from Richard Linklater, Wes Anderson, Julie Ducournau and Spike Lee.

As is tradition, the Cannes Film Festival has announced late-breaking additions to its 2025 festival lineup, with new films coming from Lynne Ramsay, and Saeed Roustayi.

The 78th edition will now include Ramsay’s “Die, My Love,” starring Jennifer Lawrence and Robert Pattinson, in the competition. All the Scottish director’s previous films have premiered at Cannes; the dark martial comedy/horror is her first film since 2017’s “You Were Never Really Here” won the Cannes Best Screenplay prize. Here, Jennifer Lawrence plays a wife unraveling in the country, and married to Pattinson’s character. Lakeith Stanfield, Nick Nolte, and Sissy Spacek also star in this adaptation of Ariana Harwicz’s novel. Ramsay wrote the script with Enda Walsh and Alice Birch.

The film made it into Cannes just in time as hoped, and this means we’ll be seeing Lawrence and Pattinson standing in front of glittering flash bulbs on the Palais red carpet.

After the initial main announcement and sidebars, the full Cannes Film Festival lineup has now come into focus with 16 additions today. Highlights include Lynne Ramsay’s Die My Love, starring Jennifer Lawrence and Robert Pattinson, in competition, while elsewhere Kristen Stewart’s directorial debut The Chronology of Water, Ethan Coen’s Honey Don’t, Hlynur Palmason’s The Love That Remains, Koji Fukada’s Love on Trial, Lav Diaz’s Magellan, and Pedro Pinho’s I Only Rest in the Storm have been added.

See below via Screen Daily.

Competition

Die My Love, dir. Lynne Ramsay

Mother And Child, dir. Saeed Roustaee

Un Certain Regard

Love Me Tender, dir. Anna Cazenave Cambet

A Poet, dir. Simon Mesa Soto

I Only Rest In The Storm, dir. Pedro Pinho

The Chronology Of Water, dir. Kristen Stewart

Cannes Premiere

Love On Trial dir. Koji Fukada

The Love That Remains, dir. Hlynur Palmason

Magellan,...

The Cannes Film Festival has added a fresh round of titles to its 78th edition, including Lynne Ramsay’s Die, My Love and Saeed Roustaee’s Woman And Child which will play in the main competition. (scroll down for full list)

Ramsay’s dark comedy thriller Die, My Love transposes Ariana Harwicz’s novel about a woman living in the French countryside who develops severe postpartum depression, to Montana and stars Jennifer Lawrence and Robert Pattinson.

Roustaee’s Woman and Child, is the first film from the Iranian director since his 2022 Cannes Palme d’Or contender Leila’s Brothers.

The contemporary family drama of revenge and forgiveness stars Parinaz Izadyar (Law of Tehran) as a widowed nurse struggling with her rebellious son. Tensions reach a peak during the betrothal ceremony with her new boyfriend, but when a tragic accident occurs, she finds herself confronting feelings of betrayal as she seeks justice.

The Cannes Film Festival has updated its 2025 Official Selection with 16 new films, including two new Competition titles.

Lynne Ramsay’s Die, My Love and Saeed Roustaee’s WomanAnd Child join the Competition line-up, bringing it to 21 films.

Scroll down for the full list of new titles

The Un Certain Regard line-up adds a further four films, including Kristen Stewart’s directorial debut The Chronology Of Water, and is now at 20 films.

The festival has also added Ethan Coen’s Focus Features title Honey Don’t!starring Margaret Qualley as a Midnight Screening; and Hlynur Palmason’s The Love That Remains and...

When people recognize Bruno Gouery on the street he usually gets one of two reactions. Some fans are delighted to see the eccentric Frenchman Luc from Emily in Paris. Others are moved to (genially) scold him as one of those gay men who murdered Jennifer Coolidge on The White Lotus.

“When they know me as Luc, people come up to me with a lot of joy and with a smile,” Gouery says, speaking over Zoom from Paris. “But when it’s from White Lotus they say, ‘You killed Jennifer!’ But either way,...

Your browser does not support the video tag. Jeanne du Barry, starring Johnny Depp, is a lush period romance set in 18th century France and hits theaters May 2. The film follows Jeanne's rise from the working class to becoming King Louis Xv's mistress, sparking scandal at the royal court. The film is a comeback of sorts for Johnny Depp, who will next be directing a movie about the great artist Modigliani, titled Modi.

Jeanne du Barry, Johnny Depp's first movie in four years, is set to release in theaters on May 2, and we have an exclusive sneak peek. The film, directed by Mawenn (who plays the titular Madame du Barry), is a lush period romance set in France during the reign of King Louis Xv (Depp) in the mid-to-late 18th century. In the clip (which you can watch above), Louis Xv is warned that his public affection for Jeanne,...

In the 1990s and 2000s, May (and specifically Memorial Day) typically marked the beginning of Summer Movie Season. Multiplexes nationwide were packed to the emergency exits with big names, big explosions and (presumably) big box office. The film industry has changed since then, obviously, and summer no longer packs the same high-octane punch that it once did. But in this evolution, release schedule space has opened up for a stellar month of Don’t-Miss Indies titles.

Jeanne Du Barry

When You Can Watch: May 3

Where You Can Watch: Theaters

Director: Maiwenn

Cast: Maiwenn, Johnny Depp, Benjamin Lavernhe, Melvin Poupaud, Pierre Richard

Why We’re Excited: In 18th-century France, Jeanne Vaubernier, a common girl eager to climb the social ladder uses her distinct charms to convince her lover, the Count du Barry (Melvin Poupaud) to introduce her to the King, Louis Xv (Depp). The Count organizes the meeting through the intermediary...

Jeanne du Barry is a regal visual feast thanks Mawenn's keen direction. Mawenn and Johnny Depp have a genuine chemistry and portray a distinct love in quiet, subtle ways. The portraits of Jeanne, Louis Xv, and other people may be a bit one-dimensional and ahistorical, but Jeanne du Barry has impressive themes and gorgeous visuals nonetheless.

Jeanne du Barry is a film of gestures and glances, not sweeping monologues and action. It has some of the court intrigue found in titles like The Other Boleyn Girl, The Madness of King George, and Dangerous Liaisons, but ultimately isn't too interested in the backroom wheeling and dealing of monarchic power players. As the title implies, the film is a biography of Jeanne Bcu, who would become Madame du Barry, and mostly focuses on her time at Versailles as the chief mistress of King Louis Xv.

Jeanne du Barry offers a gorgeous look...

Mawenn clarified that when she called Johnny Depp "scary," she meant his impressive charisma and star status, not negative intimidation. She admires Depp's talent, comparing him to Marlon Brando for his genius, sufferings, generosity, and paradoxes, despite any on-set arguments. Depp himself is critical of big budget movies, indicating his desire to distance himself from franchises and pursue more independent projects.

Jeanne du Barry director Mawenn has clarified comments made about scary Johnny Depp in an interview with The Independent last week, slamming the tabloid for not grasping the subtlety of her view of the actor. In the interview at the time, the French director and star of the movie noted that the crew were afraid of Depp, and he would frequently attempt to rewrite parts of the script. However, speaking to Variety, Mawenn dismissed the way the interview had been interpreted, and shared her disappointment at the way the article was written.

Maïwenn’s Jeanne du Barry is a work without a unifying thesis. Born Jeanne Bécu in 1743, Louis Xv’s favorite mistress (played as an adult by Maïwenn herself) was a courtesan who was elevated to a countess, and to the scandalized horror of the French court. At first, the film seems primed to deliver a send-up of courtly ritual and hypocritical noble decorum, à la Sofia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette. But like the real Countess du Barry, it’s eventually caught up in the very pomp and splendor that it initially lampoons.

It’s in that initial, comical examination of court etiquette that Maïwenn’s film is at its strongest. When Jeanne, a courtesan favored by aristocrats who take her along to court, arrives at Versailles and is offered like livestock to Louis Xv (Johnny Depp), we see through her eyes how the palace has turned every single action into...

"Jeanne du Barry", set in France 1768, is directed by Maïwenn, starring Johnny Depp, Maïwenn, Melvil Poupaud and Pierre Richard, releasing May 2, 2024 in theaters:

“…the film follows the life of ‘Jeanne Bécu’ (Maïwenn), who was born as the illegitimate daughter of an impoverished seamstress in 1743…

“…and went on to rise through the Court of Louis Xv (Depp)...

"...to become his last official mistress…”

Click the images to enlarge…...

Big-budget movies could be a thing of the past for Johnny Depp, who now prefers intimate projects with substance over Hollywood blockbusters. Depp's unique perspective on fame and fortune shapes his approach to life and career, making him a far cry from ordinary. Jeanne du Barry marks Depp's return to the big screen after a tumultuous period, emphasizing his preference for smaller projects.

Johnny Depp may have ruled himself out of ever returning to the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise – even if there were to be an offer on the table in the future – after blasting Hollywood’s obsession with big-budget “dreck” that audiences just don’t want to see anymore. Depp’s comments came as he promotes his upcoming movie, Jeanne du Barry, a film that certainly doesn’t come with the multi-million-dollar spend of some of his previous films, but does, more importantly, signal his first movie release...

Maïwenn faced challenges working with Depp due to script interference and tardiness, affecting the production of the historical drama. Depp's unpredictable on-set behavior raised concerns among the crew, creating a tense working environment during the filming. Despite struggling with their working relationship, Maïwenn and Depp managed to use the tension to create a more genuine on-screen dynamic.

French filmmaker Maïwenn has openly shared her experiences directing Johnny Depp in the historical drama Jeanne du Barry, candidly addressing the issues she faced due to Depp’s script interference, tardiness and general on-set presence. The film is the first movie to feature Depp since his legal battle with Amber Heard in 2022. In an interview with The Independent, Maïwenn delved into the complexities of working with Depp, who portrayed Louis Xv in the movie that became a big controversy at the Cannes Film Festival.

Maïwenn, who has become known for not playing it safe in her creative choices,...

Johnny Depp has been on the longest hiatus of his career ever since making it in Hollywood. Even with his defamation case with Amber Heard having settled, fans wondered just when he would step in front of the camera again. That came at last year’s Cannes Film Festival, when Depp and director Maïwenn unveiled Jeanne du Barry, the actor’s first film since 2020’s Minimata. Now, Depp is giving due credit to his director for standing by his side and giving him the chance that even some of his closest collaborators were hesitant to.

Posting on Instagram, Depp shared a photo from a red carpet event for Jeanne du Barry – in which he plays Louis Xv – along with the following caption: “Endlessly grateful to the incomparable Maïwenn for choosing me as her King of France in ‘Jeanne du Barry’. Now playing across the UK & Ireland. Jd.X”

While we...

Vertical has unleashed a brand new U.S. trailer for the historical drama ‘Jeanne du Barry’ starring Johnny Depp.

The French-language film, set in the 18th century, tells the story of Jeanne Bécu (Maïwenn), the daughter of an impoverished seamstress who rose through the Court of King Louis Xv (played by Depp) and became his last official mistress.

Jeanne Vaubernier, a young working-class woman hungry for culture and pleasure, uses her intelligence and allure to climb the rungs of the social ladder one by one. She becomes the favourite of King Louis Xv who, unaware of her status as a courtesan, regains through her his appetite for life. They fall madly in love. Against all propriety and etiquette, Jeanne moves to Versailles, where her arrival scandalizes the court.

Directed by French actress and filmmaker Maïwenn (whose films include “DNA” and “My King”), the movie also stars Benjamin Lavernhe, Melvil Poupaud,...

"Jeanne du Barry", set in France 1768, is directed by Maïwenn, starring Johnny Depp, Maïwenn, Melvil Poupaud and Pierre Richard, releasing May 2, 2024 in theaters:

“…the film follows the life of ‘Jeanne Bécu’ (Maïwenn), who was born as the illegitimate daughter of an impoverished seamstress in 1743…

“…and went on to rise through the Court of Louis Xv (Depp)...

"...to become his last official mistress…”

Click the images to enlarge…...

"You're in danger, Madame." Vertical has unveiled an official US trailer for Maïwenn's Jeanne du Barry, which is finally getting a theatrical release in he US one full year after it premiered at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival last May. It already opened in France the same week as its Cannes premiere, but hasn't shown up in the US until now. In this film, Jeanne Vaubernier, a young working-class woman hungry for culture and pleasure, uses her intelligence and her allure to climb the rungs of the social ladder one by one. She becomes the favorite of King Louis Xv who, unaware of her status as courtesan, regains through her his appetite for life. They fall madly in love. Against all propriety and etiquette, Jeanne moves to Versailles, where her arrival scandalizes the court... The film also stars Maïwenn as Jeanne, plus Johnny Depp as King Louis Xv, along with Benjamin Lavernhe,...

Jeanne du Barry features Johnny Depp as Louis Xv in a scandalous period drama set in 18th century France. The film has received mixed reviews, with critics praising Depp's performance and the lavish costumes and visuals. Despite initial critical reception, Jeanne du Barry has been a success at the box office in France, hinting at Depp's comeback.

A new trailer for Johnny Depp’s comeback film, Jeanne du Barry, is now live. Directed by Maïwenn, Jeanne du Barry is a period piece that takes place in France in the 18th century and depicts the affair between the titular character and King Louis Xv. Depp plays Louis Xv and Maïwenn plays the titular role, and the rest of the cast consists of stars like Pascal Greggory, Pierre Richard, Benjamin Lavernhe, India Hair, and Pauline Pollmann as Marie Antoinette. The period movie is expected to be released in the U.S. on...

Fathom Events and Vertical Entertainment have released the official trailer for Jeanne du Barry, the period drama written, directed, and produced by Maïwenn and starring herself and Johnny Depp.

Jeanne du Barry follows Jeanne Vaubernier (Maïwenn), a working-class woman determined to climb the social ladder. She uses her charms to escape her impoverished life.

Her lover, the Comte du Barry (Melvil Poupaud), wishes to present her to King Louis Xv and orchestrates a meeting through the influential Duke of Richelieu (Pierre Richard).

The encounter goes far beyond his expectations, for it was love at first sight for the King and Jeanne. Through this ravishing courtesan, the king rediscovers his appetite for life and feels he can no longer live without her. Making Jeanne his last official mistress, scandal erupts as no one at Court will accept a girl from the streets into their rarified world.

The French-language film was written by Maïwenn,...

Fluff your powdered wig and fill your snuffbox because a trailer for French filmmaker Maïwenn’s Jeanne Du Barry is here to give you a front-row seat to one of history’s most notorious scandals. The lavish footage depicts Johnny Depp as Louis Xv and Maïwenn Besco as Jeanne Vaubernier, a woman willing to give a gloved middle finger to tradition to rise through society’s ranks. Decadent, scandalous, and filled with more drama than a season of Bridgerton, today’s Jeanne Du Barry trailer highlights Depp’s first significant feature since his public court battle with his ex-wife Amber Heard.

Here’s the official synopsis for Jeanne Du Barry:

“Jeanne du Barry follows Jeanne Vaubernier (Maïwenn), a working-class woman determined to climb the social ladder, using her charms to escape her impoverished life. Her lover, the Comte du Barry (Melvil Poupaud), wishes to present her to King Louis Xv...

Johnny Depp's comeback film Jeanne du Barry now has a trailer and will make US theatrical debut May 2. The film chronicles the story of a peasant courtesan rising through King Louis Xv's court, captivating audiences worldwide. Depp gains momentum after his legal battles in an acting comeback, with new projects like directing Modì and a rumored role as Satan.

The comeback movie of Hollywood A-lister Johnny Depp, Jeanne du Barry, has now been given a theatrical release date in the United States courtesy of Fathom Events and Vertical, along with a trailer you can watch above. They have partnered to bring the Cannes Opening Night sensation Jeanne du Barry, which stars Johnny Depp and Maïwenn in the lead roles, to audiences nationwide with an exclusive theatrical engagement in over 500 theaters beginning May 2nd. Based on true events chronicling a peasant woman’s meteoric rise through the Court of King Louis Xv,...

Johnny Depp is back on the big screen with “Jeanne du Barry.”

Helmed by co-writer/director/producer/star Maïwenn, the 18th-century-set drama follows the ill-fated romance between King Louis Xv (Depp) and Jeanne Vaubernier (Maïwenn), a working-class woman determined to climb the social ladder. Jeanne’s lover, the Comte du Barry (Melvil Poupaud), presents her to King Louis Xv (Depp) through the influential Duke of Richelieu (Pierre Richard). The meeting turns into an affair, and Jeanne becomes the King’s last official mistress. Scandal erupts as no one at Court will accept a girl from the streets into their rarified world.

Benjamin Lavernhe and Pascal Greggory also star, with Pauline Pollmann portraying Marie-Antoinette in the feature that opened the 2023 Cannes Film Festival.

“Jeanne du Barry” was also written by Teddy Lussi-Modeste and Nicolas Livecchi. The film is produced by Pascal Caucheteux and Grégoire Sorlat.

The feature was acquired by Vertical...

Jeanne Du Barry starring Johnny Depp (Photo Credit – IMDb)

The last film Johnny Depp starred in was W Eugene Smith’s Minamata. In 2022, the actor was busy with the court trial in a defamation case filed against his ex-wife, Amber Heard. The trial lasted six weeks, and Johnny won a defamation suit. Depp has been absent from movies since then. Well, his film Jeanne Du Barry is all set to release in theatres soon.

Jeanne Du Barry is cited as Johnny Depp’s comeback film after his trial ended. He has had no release for three years now. On the other hand, Amber Heard was last seen in Aquaman 2 (2023). Depp’s film was premiered during the opening of the 2023 Cannes Film Festival. The Depp starrer has not got a US release date. Read more details about the same below.

Jeanne Du Barry Cast

The film stars Johnny Depp as Louis Xv,...

Iceland’s Stockfish Film Festival has announced a new prize, the Eva Maria Daniels Award for Vital Filmmaking, which honors the legacy of the Icelandic filmmaker who died last year. With the support of Daniels’ partner Moritz Diller and son Henry, the festival will honor one standout producer or director in the shorts categories will receive the inaugural award commemorating her achievements and continued contributions to Iceland’s next wave of filmmakers. The prize includes a $1.5 million Icelandic krona award.

Daniels’ credits include “Reality” and “Joe Bell.” The 10th edition of the festival runs April 4-14.

“Eva’s approach to producing was to listen and support undeniable talent,” said her producing partner, Riva Marker, who will oversee the prize committee. “We will never know all the beautiful stories she would bring to audiences, but we’re honored to create an inaugural award endowed to storytellers that we believe Eva would have championed.

Johnny Depp's comeback film "Jeanne du Barry" will make US theatrical debut. The film chronicles the story of a peasant courtesan rising through King Louis Xv's court, captivating audiences worldwide. Depp gains momentum post-legal battles in acting comeback with new projects like directing Modì and rumored Satan role.

The comeback movie of Hollywood A-lister Johnny Depp, Jeanne du Barry, has now been given a theatrical release date in the United States courtesy of Fathom Events and Vertical. They have partnered to bring the Cannes Opening Night sensation Jeanne du Barry, which stars Johnny Depp and Maïwenn in the lead roles, to audiences nationwide with an exclusive theatrical engagement in over 500 theaters beginning May 2nd. Based on true events chronicling a peasant woman’s meteoric rise through the Court of King Louis Xv, the film received a 7-minute standing ovation after its opening night world premiere at the 76th Cannes Film Festival.

The Johnny Depp film “Jeanne du Barry” from director and star (and producer and co-writer) Maïwenn will open in U.S. theaters on May 2 as part of a special engagement via Fathom Events and distributor Vertical.

The film will open exclusively in more than 500 U.S. theaters on May 2, 2024, with the possibility that the film could run longer than its “limited” engagement if it’s a success. The first big theatrical release of May 2024 is 20th Century’s “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes,” which will command many more screens beginning May 10.

“Jeanne du Barry” was the opening night film at last year’s Cannes Film Festival and was a modest box office hit, grossing $13 million outside of the states. Vertical picked it up last June but has yet to release it here.

With more than 500 screens in tow, the movie will be the widest opening for Depp in the U.

A first-look trailer has dropped for the historical drama ‘Jeanne du Barry’ starring Johnny Depp, and we have an exclusive look at both the trailer and these two new posters for the film.

The French-language film, set in the 18th century, tells the story of Jeanne Bécu (Maïwenn), the daughter of an impoverished seamstress who rose through the Court of King Louis Xv (played by Depp) and became his last official mistress.

Jeanne Vaubernier, a young working-class woman hungry for culture and pleasure, uses her intelligence and allure to climb the rungs of the social ladder one by one. She becomes the favourite of King Louis Xv who, unaware of her status as a courtesan, regains through her his appetite for life. They fall madly in love. Against all propriety and etiquette, Jeanne moves to Versailles, where her arrival scandalizes the court.

Directed by French actress and filmmaker Maïwenn (whose...

French artists rally behind Gérard Depardieu, claiming his artistic contributions shouldn't be overshadowed by sexual misconduct allegations. Depardieu's artistic genius is celebrated as integral to the history of art in France and his unique personality cannot be ignored. Despite the allegations, French President Emmanuel Macron praised Depardieu, calling him a source of national pride.

The sexual harassment case brought against Gérard Depardieu by actress Hélène Darras has been dropped by prosecutors due to the statute of limitations. Darras is one of thirteen women to have accused the French star of sexual assault, with incidents going back decades. Depardieu has not been convicted of any charges brought against him and continues to deny all wrongdoing.

Previously, 56 French artists and performers spoke out against the "lynching" of the renowned actor in light of public outrage stemming from numerous sexual misconduct allegations. An open letter, titled Don't Erase Gérard Depardieu and published on...

Paris and Los Angeles-based sales agency has boarded films by Nicolas Benamou, Artus and Christophe Duthuron

Paris and Los Angeles-based Other Angle Pictures has boarded three French comedy dramas: Nicolas Benamou’s We Should Have Gone to Greece, Artus’ A Little Something Extra and Christophe Duthuron’s Happiness Therapy.

The company will launch sales for all three films at this week’s Unifrance’s Rendez-Vous in Paris in the French capital.

We Should Have Gone to Greece is the latest feature from Benamou, known for co-directing local and international hit comedies Babysitting and Babysitting 2 with Philippe Lacheau, 2020’s Mystery in St. Tropez,...

Some 600 French art and entertainment world figures have signed a “counter-petition” decrying moves to defend iconic actor Gérard Depardieu in the face of multiple accusations of sexual assault and one of rape.

The petition described a recent open letter in support of Depardieu, signed by 56 cinema world celebrities, and French President Emmanuel Macron’s public defense of the actor on a talkshow before Christmas as a slap in the face for all victims of sexual violence.

“It is the sinister and perfect illustration of the world which refuses to let things change,” read the letter posted on the site of investigative news website Mediapart on Friday.

“It is the reversal of roles where the executioner places himself as a victim, with the help of his friends. As always in cases of gender-based and sexual violence against women, the ‘presumption...

French artists rally behind Gérard Depardieu, claiming his artistic contributions shouldn't be overshadowed by sexual misconduct allegations. Depardieu's artistic genius is celebrated as integral to the history of art in France and his unique personality cannot be ignored. Despite the allegations, French President Emmanuel Macron praises Depardieu, calling him a source of national pride.

56 French artists and performers are speaking out against the "lynching" of renowned actor Gérard Depardieu in light of public outrage stemming from numerous sexual misconduct allegations. The open letter, titled Don't Erase Gerard Depardieu and published on Christmas in the French newspaper Le Figaro, was signed by celebrities including former First Lady of France, model and musician Carla Bruni, and actors Carole Bouquet (Depardieu's former partner), Pierre Richard, Victoria Abril, and Charlotte Rampling.

Per Deadline, the letter (in part) reads:

"We don't want to enter into debate, and we leave the judiciary to do its job.

Fifty-six French stars, including Carla Bruni, Charlotte Rampling and Carole Bouquet, signed an open letter defending Gerard Depardieu, the Oscar-nominated actor who has been charged with rape and accused by more than a dozen other women of sexual assault, harassment or groping.

The essay, published in the conservative-leaning French newspaper Le Figaro, reads, in part: “We cannot remain silent in the face of the lynching targeting him, the torrent of hate being dumped on his personality” (via AP). “When Gerard Depardieu is targeted this way, it is the art [of cinema] that is being attacked. … Depriving ourselves of this immense actor would be a drama, a defeat. The death of the art. Our art.”

Other signatories included actors Pierre Richard, Victoria Abril and Nathalie Baye, and directors Bertrand Blier and Francis Veber.

Depardieu has not been convicted in connection with any of the allegations and denies wrongdoing. He called the open letter “beautiful” and its signatories “courageous,...

Nearly 60 actors and public figures, including British actress Charlotte Rampling and former French first lady Carla Bruni, have signed an open letter claiming that French actor Gerard Depardieu is the victim of a “torrent of hatred.”

Depardieu, who was previously charged with rape in 2021, is currently facing a new sexual assault allegation after a French actress, Hélène Darras, filed a police complaint claiming he groped her in 2007. Last week, French President Emmanuel Macron defended the actor in an interview, saying he “makes France proud.”

The letter, published in French newspaper Le Figaro on Christmas Day,...

Some 50 French entertainment personalities have signed an open letter speaking out against the public “lynching” and cancelling of Gérard Depardieu in the wake of multiple accusations of sexual assault and one of rape.

The signatories include former first lady, top model and musician Carla Bruni as well as popular actors Charlotte Rampling, Carole Bouquet, Nathalie Baye and Pierre Richard.

The signatories said they did not want to pass comment on the accusations against Depardieu but could not remain silent in the face of the backlash against the actor in recent weeks.

“We are artists, writers and cinema producers. It’s in this capacity that we’re expressing ourselves here,” read the letter, published in Le Figaro newspaper on Christmas Day.

“We don’t want to enter into debate, and we leave the judiciary to do its job. Gérard Depardieu is probably one the greatest actors. One of the last sacred icons of cinema.

Next time someone wistfully insists, “They don’t make ’em like they used to,” why not point that nostalgic cinephile to the work of Dominique Abel and Fiona Gordon? The Belgium-based creative couple are almost single-handedly keeping the classic burlesque tradition alive on-screen — if the word “single-handedly” can fairly be used to describe a near-silent comic duo with four hands between them, plus a growing company of collaborators (including dancer Kaori Ito) and a prosthetic arm with a mind of its own.

In “The Falling Star,” Abel and Gordon bring their old-school comedic sensibility to what could loosely be described as a detective story, told in a film noir style punctuated with flashes of color: a red dress, a tiny green car, a bright yellow scooter. Centered on a tiny Brussels bar, the pair’s relatively minor new project features a missing persons investigation, a sorta-kinda kidnapping, a fugitive couple...

After making its debut at the Cannes Film Festival last month, Johnny Depp’s comeback film “Jeanne du Barry” has been scooped up by Vertical, which acquired North American distribution rights to the period drama.

“Jeanne du Barry” stars French actress Maïwenn (who also directed and co-wrote the screenplay) as the titular Jeanne du Barry, with Depp playing King Louis Xv.

“‘Jeanne du Barry’ follows Jeanne Vaubernier (Maïwenn), a working-class woman determined to climb the social ladder, using her charms to escape her impoverished life,” reads the film’s synopsis. “Her lover, the Comte du Barry (Melvil Poupaud), wishes to present her to King Louis Xv (Depp) and orchestrates a meeting through the influential Duke of Richelieu (Pierre Richard). The encounter goes far beyond his expectations for it was love at first sight for the King and Jeanne. Through this ravishing courtesan, the king rediscovers his appetite for life and...

Jeanne du Barry, the opening night from this year’s Cannes Film Festival that stars embattled actor Johnny Depp, will get a North American release.

Vertical has landed the domestic rights to the period drama, which was directed by and co-stars Maïwenn. Depp play King Louis Xv and the film follows his relationship with Jeanne Vaubernier, a working-class woman who rises to the level of the king’s mistress.

North American release plans, including theatrical, are not yet confirmed.

The $22 million budgeted feature, which was shot on location in France, including Versailles, has proven successful at the French box office with 401,481 admissions (or $2.56 million U.S.) in its first week of play, the best showing in a decade for a Cannes opening-night film in the country, according to French distributor Le Pacte.

Benjamin Lavernhe, Pierre Richard, Melvil Poupaud and Pascal Greggory also star in the movie. Teddy Lussi-Modeste and Nicolas Livecchi...

Period drama has earned more than $4m in France through Le Pacte.

Vertical has acquired North American rights to recent Cannes opener Jeanne Du Barry starring director Maïwenn and Johnny Depp.

‘Jeanne Du Barry’: Cannes Review (opening film)

“With Johnny’s huge appeal, we feel moviegoers that may not typically seek out foreign films just might turn out for this one,” said Vertical partner Peter Jarowey, who along with SVP of acquisitions Tony Piantedosi negotiated the deal with CAA Media Finance and Goodfellas on behalf of the filmmakers.

Jeanne Du Barry stars Maïwenn as Jeanne Vaubernier, a working class...

After receiving significant cheers at this year’s Cannes Film Festival, Maïwenn’s Jeanne Du Barry is heading stateside. Vertical brings the film to North America. At the same time, Johnny Depp’s loyal supporters are eager to experience the actor’s first acting project since his lengthy court battle with ex-wife Amber Heard. The film received a seven-minute standing ovation at Cannes, with many praising Maïwenn’s period drama as an elegant look at a controversial figure in our history.

Depp plays a supporting role in the film as King Louis Xv. Maïwenn directs the feature in addition to co-starring as Louis Xv’s courtesan lover. Filming began in July last year in locations ranging from Versailles and other chateaux in Paris to France’s Why Not Productions. Jeanne du Barry is Depp’s first production in three years. Depp won his defamation trial against ex-wife Amber Heard last...

“Jeanne Du Barry,” the latest film from French director Maïwenn that stars Johnny Depp, has found a North American distributor in Vertical following its Cannes debut, an individual with knowledge told IndieWire.

“Jeanne Du Barry” was the opening night film at the Cannes Film Festival last month, where it received a 7-minute standing ovation from the crowd in the Palais. But it was a controversial choice because of Depp’s continued career rehab following the highly publicized defamation trial between him and ex-wife Amber Heard, but also because of a report against Maïwenn that accused her of assaulting a journalist, an accusation she later admitted to.

The film stars Depp as the French King Louis Xv in a supporting role and primarily follows Maïwenn as Jeanne Vaubernier, an 18th Century French working class woman who became King Louis Xv’s lover. Here’s the full synopsis:

“Jeanne du Barry” follows...

Maiwenn’s “Jeanne Du Barry,” a costume drama starring Johnny Depp as Louis Xv, has been acquired by Vertical for North America following its world premiere on opening night of the Cannes Film Festival, Variety has learned.

The movie, which was greeted with a seven-minute standing ovation, marks Depp’s first leading role in three years. The movie has been having a strong run at the French box office, where it’s been handled by Le Pacte and grossed nearly $4.1 million from more than 550,000 tickets during its first two weeks in theaters.

“Jeanne du Barry” stars Maiwenn as Jeanne Vaubernier, a working class woman in 18th century France who rises the social ranks and becomes King Louis Xv’s lover. Her working class roots make her a social pariah at the Versailles Palace. The movie’s acclaimed supporting cast includes Benjamin Lavernhe, Pierre Richard and Melvil Poupaud.

Represented in international...

After being greeted with a seven-minute standing ovation on opening night of the Cannes Film Festival, Johnny Depp’s comeback movie “Jeanne du Barry,” directed by Maiwenn, has charmed French audiences after debuting in cinemas.

The costume drama, which stars Depp as the French King Louis Xv and marks his first leading role in three years, has been having a strong run at the French B.O., proving that the controversial star is still bankable. At least in France.

The film was widely released by Le Pacte on 650 screens and has grossed nearly $4.1 million from more than 550,000 tickets sold in two weeks, according to Comscore France. Currently playing across 800 screens, the film got mixed reviews in Cannes, but still has the potential of selling up to 850,000 tickets (an estimated $6.4 million), according to Eric Marti at Comscore France.

“‘Jeanne du Barry’ is doing the job, it’s a well polished film...

Recently screening at the Cannes Film Festival, "Jeanne du Barry" is a New France-produced period feature, directed by Maïwenn, starring Johnny Depp, Maïwenn, Melvil Poupaud and Pierre Richard, with release dates Tba :

“…the film follows the life of ‘Jeanne Bécu’ (Maïwenn), who was born as the illegitimate daughter of an impoverished seamstress went on to rise through the Court of Louis Xv (Depp)...

"...to become his last official mistress…”

Click the images to enlarge…...

The 2023 Cannes Film Festival is jam-packed with buzzy world premieres, from Martin Scorsese’s “Killers of the Flower Moon” to Wes Anderson’s “Asteroid City.” Todd Haynes is also back to unveil “May December,” featuring the A-list pairing of Natalie Portman and Julianne Moore, while Disney is bringing Harrison Ford to the Croisette for “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.” New films from Pedro Almodovar, Jessica Hautner, Jonathan Glazer, Catherine Corsini, Hirokazu Kore-eda and more are also set to make their debuts at Cannes this year.

Cannes is often seen as a launching pad for Oscar season. Warner Bros. in 2022 kicked off its lengthy awards run for Baz Luhrmann’s “Elvis” on the French Riviera, with the film going on to land eight Academy Award nominations, including best picture. Palme d’Or winner “Triangle of Sadness” also picked up Oscar nods for best picture, director and original screenplay. Two international film nominees,...

Recently screening at the Cannes Film Festival, take a look at new clips of footage from "Jeanne du Barry", the France-produced period feature, directed by Maïwenn, starring Johnny Depp, Maïwenn, Melvil Poupaud and Pierre Richard, with release dates Tba :

“…the film follows the life of ‘Jeanne Bécu’ (Maïwenn)...

"...who was born as the illegitimate daughter of an impoverished seamstress in 1743…

“…and went on to rise through the Court of Louis Xv (Depp)...

"...to become his last official mistress…”

Click the images to enlarge…...

Recently screening at the Cannes Film Festival, "Jeanne du Barry" is a New France-produced period feature, directed by Maïwenn, starring Johnny Depp, Maïwenn, Melvil Poupaud and Pierre Richard, with release dates Tba :

“…the film follows the life of ‘Jeanne Bécu’ (Maïwenn), who was born as the illegitimate daughter of an impoverished seamstress in 1743…

“…and went on to rise through the Court of Louis Xv (Depp)...

"...to become his last official mistress…”

Click the images to enlarge…...

‘Jeanne Du Barry’ opened the Cannes Film Festival last night.

Following the world premiere of Cannes opening film Jeanne Du Barry, the film’s director and star Maïwenn, and co-star Johnny Depp, arriving late, fielded a slew of fiery questions at an overcrowded festival press conference today (May 17).

Depp was absent from the pre-conference photo call, sparking French journalist and conference moderator Didier Allouch to announce the conference would start as planned – nearly 30 minutes late – and that Depp would join later, which he did accompanied by festival director Thierry Fremaux.

When he did arrive, Depp was asked about being “boycotted...

Where’s Johnny?

In a normal year at the Cannes Film Festival, the premiere of a warmly received French period drama would be followed by a decidedly understated press conference, with director and stars patiently lined up to discuss the work’s creation for the international media. But that’s not how it goes down when the film happens to star Johnny Depp, one of the world’s biggest celebrities in the midst of an attempted career reboot following several years of damaging and divisive scandal.

On the first full day of screenings Wednesday at the world’s most prestigious film festival, the hottest ticket in town was nonetheless the press conference for the prior night’s opening film, Jeanne du Barry, starring Depp as King Louis Xv and the director Maïwenn as his favored mistress. But as the film’s director and cast walked into the hall for the press briefing,...