Is Johnny Depp’s Comeback Film Falling Flat With Critics?

Johnny Depp’s latest film, Jeanne du Barry, made its debut at the Cannes Film Festival, marking the actor’s return to the international stage after a three-year hiatus. Depp plays Louis XV in the French-language film which tells the story of a woman who becomes the French king’s final mistress. The film received a standing ovation, but critics have been lukewarm in their assessment of the movie. Despite being sumptuously made with jaw-dropping costumes, it was described as kind of bland. Moreover, the decision to invite Depp to the festival has been controversial, leading to the hashtag #CannesYouNot trending on social media. This report discusses the reasons behind the lukewarm reviews of Depp’s performance in the film and the impact of legal woes on his career.

## Depp’s Film Critique

The criticism surrounding Depp’s performance in Jeanne du Barry is noteworthy because of the anticipation for his return to the big screen after years of legal battles and personal struggles. Critics have noted the lack of passion on screen and Depp’s superficial role in the film. Damon Wise of Deadline noted that Depp’s role was suspiciously light on dialogue, while Peter Debruge of Variety criticized Depp’s lack of complicity, which affected the chemistry between the two leads. Rafaela Sales Ross of the Playlist found Depp “very misplaced” in the film due to his French accent, calling the film “dire latest.”

## Controversial Invitation

Moreover, Depp’s presence at the Cannes Film Festival stirred controversy, with the hashtag #CannesYouNot trending on social media, questioning the decision to invite someone accused of domestic violence and losing a libel case. While festival director Thierry Fremaux said he was not interested in Depp’s legal woes, adding: “I am interested in Depp the actor,” some critics believe that the controversy overshadowed the film‘s premiere, delaying its path into oblivion.

## Impact on Career

Given the impact of Depp’s legal troubles on his career, critics have been questioning whether Depp’s latest film will serve as a recovery vehicle for the actor. Kevin Maher in the Times said the film represents “probably the best recovery vehicle that Depp is going to get.” However, others believed that Depp’s performance was hindered by his notoriety. Depp’s case has also attracted attention as the losses in the UK put his career at risk. Even though he won the defamation case against Heard in the US last year, the damage to his image is done.

## Conclusion

In conclusion, Johnny Depp’s comeback film, Jeanne du Barry, has received lukewarm reviews from critics, highlighting the controversies surrounding his legal battles and their impact on his performance. Although the film was sumptuously made with jaw-dropping costumes, it was also kind of bland, and Depp’s superficial role did not evoke passion on screen. As a result of the controversy, the film‘s premiere was overshadowed, delaying its path into oblivion. While some critics believe that the film represents the best recovery vehicle for Depp, others question whether his career can be salvaged as Depp’s image is permanently tarnished.