Jeanne is born to a monk and a cook, illegitimately which kind of seals her fate by getting deemed as a low-born. Growing up, she loves to read and understands how the world works. Ambitious Jeanne becomes a courtesan and eventually becomes the King's favorite mistress. In search of love and respect, she gets it through King Louis XV amidst strong denial from others to accept her. The film focuses on her love affair with the King and her time with him.
Again, not that familiar with the real story, this starts of as a biography of Jeanne but gets lost immediately by limiting itself around the love story and it is the kind of love story which had no spark. It simply never worked right from why a King would fall for her or how their love grew deep over the years as he stands by her throughout. Adding to that Johnny Depp as King Louis XV really underplays his character to such an extent that not only the character but even he appears bored out on screen. With close to 2hrs runtime, it simply drags along with a dull narrative.
What actually works is the whole set up of that era and the costumes. It was definitely lavishly shot and the cinematography is spendid. The writing however doesn't raise above the soap opera level as barring the non-working love story, everything else is half baked, be it her relationship with Adolphe and Zamor. Much of the emotions get narrated and it undermines the drama. The story slightly picks up with the arrival of the future queen and her rivalry with Jeanne but for the build up, it doesn't lead to anywhere. Overall, it ends up as a dull affair with no memorable performances.
Again, not that familiar with the real story, this starts of as a biography of Jeanne but gets lost immediately by limiting itself around the love story and it is the kind of love story which had no spark. It simply never worked right from why a King would fall for her or how their love grew deep over the years as he stands by her throughout. Adding to that Johnny Depp as King Louis XV really underplays his character to such an extent that not only the character but even he appears bored out on screen. With close to 2hrs runtime, it simply drags along with a dull narrative.
What actually works is the whole set up of that era and the costumes. It was definitely lavishly shot and the cinematography is spendid. The writing however doesn't raise above the soap opera level as barring the non-working love story, everything else is half baked, be it her relationship with Adolphe and Zamor. Much of the emotions get narrated and it undermines the drama. The story slightly picks up with the arrival of the future queen and her rivalry with Jeanne but for the build up, it doesn't lead to anywhere. Overall, it ends up as a dull affair with no memorable performances.