You are here:

Madame du Barry

Name: Madame du Barry
Director: J. Gordon Edwards
Released: 1917
Duration: 105 min

Representation Score

2.1/10

Limited

1917

Passed

Director

J. Gordon Edwards

Runtime

105 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Madame du Barry is a period drama centered on a female protagonist who navigates the strict social hierarchy of the 18th century. She drives the plot by maneuvering the sexual politics of the French court, challenging traditional limitations on female mobility. However, the film is constrained by the demographic standards of its era. The cast is entirely white, and the narrative adheres to strictly heterosexual romantic structures, offering no representation for LGBTQ+ identities or diverse ethnic backgrounds. While the film offers a critique of aristocratic excess and centralized power, it remains a product of its time, operating within narrow social and demographic frameworks.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Madame du Barry have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film focuses solely on heterosexual relationships and traditional monarchy power dynamics. There are no queer subtexts or non-traditional gender identities represented.

How does Madame du Barry portray gender?

Good

Jeanne Bécu is portrayed as a strong female character who uses her influence to navigate the Versailles court. Her rise from poverty to becoming the King's favorite showcases her significant role in driving the story.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Madame du Barry?

Minimal

The production features a predominantly white cast, reflecting the standards of 1917 cinema. There is no indication of intentional racial diversity.

How does Madame du Barry represent religion and culture?

Fair

The story critiques the decadence of the French aristocracy and absolute monarchy. It highlights the socioeconomic gap between the protagonist's humble beginnings and the opulent royal court.

Does Madame du Barry include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no focus on characters with visible or invisible disabilities in this production.

Present on Screen

The film provides meaningful ability to act to its female lead, positioning her as the primary driver of the plot.
The narrative offers a critique of the corruption and excess found within the absolute monarchy.

Limited or Absent

The production lacks ethnic diversity, featuring a homogeneous white cast.
There is no representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-traditional gender characters.
The film does not address disability representation.

Official Synopsis

After Jeanette becomes the mistress of the ambitious Jean du Barry, he marries her off to one of his cousins so that she has an entre to the royal court. She soon becomes the favorite of the King and Jean du Barry becomes a regular around the court too. But all this is disturbed when Madame du Barry falls for Conte Brissac of the King's Guard. Jean du Barry's attempts to expose her affair only get him banished from the court.

How are these scores produced? →