Rumors swirled around the Cannes Film Festival after the screening of Jeanne Dubarry, with organizers facing accusations of endorsing violence in the wake of the premiere, according to reports cited as News coverage.
Directed by Maivenn Le Besco and featuring Johnny Depp in a leading role, the film drew mixed reactions, with some critics labeling it offensive while others praised its audacity and storytelling choices.
As noted by film critic Nikolai Nikulin, the premiere prompted conversations about personal histories involving Depp and the Amber Heard divorce, a narrative that some observers say was stirred by the publicity machine surrounding the festival. Nikulin contended that branding the film as offensive appeared to be a maneuver to manufacture controversy and to leverage the festival’s spotlight for greater name recognition. He added that the Cannes Film Festival should serve as a platform for genuine artistic discourse, rather than a vehicle for sensational headlines aimed at personal notoriety.
Meanwhile, the Cannes audience responded to the premiere with a brief, standing ovation that lasted only a few moments, signaling a divided reception among attendees and critics alike while the film’s provocative elements continued to generate discussion beyond the theatre walls.
In related activism, more than a hundred actors and actresses joined a petition on Change.org calling for reforms in the French film industry, focusing on issues such as sexual harassment and racism. The broad show of support reflected ongoing concerns within the industry about working conditions and the treatment of contributors, underscoring how industry dynamics can intersect with festival narratives and public perception.