Cannes Juror Brie Larson Deflects Question About Johnny Depp: Why The Silence?

Cannes jury member Brie Larson, a vocal supporter of the #MeToo movement, gave a surprised reaction when a journalist inquired if she would be watching the fest’s opening night film, starring Johnny Depp

Johnny Depp was in town for the Cannes Film Festival's opening feature, Jeanne du Barry. Produced by him, the film also stars Depp in a pivotal role. He walked Cannes' red carpet, blew kisses, shook hands, and dabbed his eyes for a moment. Moreover, Jeanne du Barry also received a seven-minute standing ovation during its world premiere at Cannes.

This was one of the first grand appearances of the actor after a year since sensational details concerning his tumultuous relationship with his ex-wife Amber Heard were made public during a live-televised trial that became an international sensation and was widely perceived by observers as a reaction to the #MeToo movement.

The actor received the loudest and friendliest of welcomes at the Cannes Film Festival's opening-night film, from "We Johnny!" and "Viva Johnny!" signs, to shouts from fans for pictures and autographs. Although protesters were prohibited this year, there were still demonstrators at some French theatres handing out posters warning viewers about the movie's scenes with Depp, claiming that he is known to have engaged in violent acts against his ex-wife Amber Heard.

Cannes Juror Brie Larson On Johnny Depp

Before all of this occurred on Wednesday, jury member Brie Larson, a vocal supporter of the #MeToo movement, gave a surprised reaction when an American journalist inquired if she would be watching the movie on Tuesday afternoon.

She responded, "You’re asking me that? I’m sorry, I don’t understand the correlation or why me specifically." The journalist claimed that he had questioned her as a result of her campaigning against misogyny in Hollywood. For those who don't know, Casey Affleck won the Best Actor Oscar in 2017; however, there were allegations of sexual misconduct against the actor at the time, and Larson made an instance of not clapping. She also sat on the now-dissolved advisory board of Time’s Up, an advocacy group founded at the height of the #MeToo movement.

To Johnny Depp's question, she further responded, "You’ll see, I guess if I will see it, And I don’t know how I’ll feel about it if I do."

While Larson dodged the question, Adèle Haenel, one of France's top actors, announced in a letter just before this year's festival that she was quitting acting because of the French film industry's "complacency towards sexual aggressors," in reference to allegations against Roman Polanski and Gérard Depardieu. She claimed that Cannes was "willing to do anything to defend their rapist chiefs."

According to reports, Johnny Depp's Hollywood career is currently in trouble as he was fired from the Harry Potter' spinoff series Fantastic Beasts. But in France, Depp was undoubtedly the star of opening night. Moreover, according to Variety, Depp hasn't been fully booted out of the entertainment business because he continues to win tribute and career achievement awards at prestigious international film festivals and maintains a lucrative brand ambassadorship with the high-end fashion label.

While many were baffled by Depp's heroic portrayal at Cannes, The Washington Post reported that opening Cannes with Depp's first leading role in three years looks like an intentional, on-brand courting of controversy from a festival known for edgy films that provoke boos, walkouts, and French journalists yelling at the screen.

Heard's situation is different, though; according to reports, she "quit Hollywood and moved to Madrid." The Daily Mail reports that a source has said that Heard "quit Hollywood and quietly relocated to Spain with her young daughter, Oonagh."

This merely demonstrates the double standards of society; it is unfair and unjustified that only women lose employment opportunities following a public controversy while men do not.

A situation like that continues to keep gender disparity and prejudice in the workplace alive. In an ideal world, everyone would be given the same chances, obligations, and consequences at work, regardless of their gender.

In the workplace and in society at large, women can contribute their skills, abilities, and viewpoints just like men can. Everyone, regardless of gender, should have access to a workplace setting that promotes equality, allows them to pursue their professional goals, and is appreciated for their skills. The entertainment industry also needs to foster an inclusive environment that embraces the same.

Views expressed by the author are their own. Image credits: MIKE COPPOLA/GETTY IMAGES