Actress Brie Larson, of Fast X and The Marvels fame, will be a member of the 2023 Cannes Film Festival’s official jury. There is, however, considerable doubt as to whether or not she will be present at the festival’s opening night film. Johnny Depp’s first significant part after his widely publicized trial with ex-wife Amber Heard is in Jeanne du Barry, a French film directed by Mawenn. The film, in which Depp stars as King Louis XV, was chosen to premiere at Cannes on its first night. Controversy has surrounded Mawenn and Jeanne du Barry ever since she was accused of spitting on a journalist while interviewing them. Larson was perplexed when asked her opinion of the picture at a news conference following its Cannes premiere. Because Jeanne du Barry is not a member of the competition, Larson answered, “You’re asking me that? I’m sorry, I don’t understand the correlation or why me specifically.” It’s up to her to decide if she wants to see the movie or not, and she may still be on the fence. Since Larson is a vocal advocate for the #MeToo and Time’s Up movements and Depp has been accused of sexual misconduct by Heard, it’s probable that this is why the question was addressed. But it’s important to note that a judge found the accusations to be “false and defamatory,” clouding the picture. Larson appears to be confused about where she stands on the issue as a result of the lack of clarity. Larson said, “You’ll see, I guess, if I will see it,” adding, “And I don’t know how I’ll feel about it if I do.” Her response reveals the complexities of the situation and her internal struggle to reconcile her advocacy for abuse survivors with the legal proceedings and varying perspectives surrounding Depp and Heard’s relationship. Larson’s final verdict on Jeanne du Barry is still up in the air, and it will be fascinating to watch how she handles the controversy surrounding the film and its star performer in her capacity as a jury.
