If you are expecting Marie Antoinette to be an accurate historical biopic about the tragic French queen, you’ll probably hate it. Quite effortless, you can find several mistakes where the life of the young woman is concerned, some anachronistic details can bother some and the music seems, at first, quite out of place for Versailles or any kind of historical movie by that matter.
It’s obvious that Sophia Coppola only cared about some parts of the queen’s personality or even her life. Her youth and lost adolescent when faced with a never ending list of heavy responsibilities seemed to be more attractive at the director’s eyes. During an interview she says quite clearly: “It is not a lesson of history. It is an interpretation documented, but carried by my desire for covering the subject differently.”
Marie Antoinette is the story of a teenager who leaves home and family at the age of 14 to face an hostile and strict world with very severe rules – the court of France. Her marriage is far from being perfect, Louis XVI is gentle but sloppy and mostly interested in his mechanisms and other hobbies. Not the most romantic partner for a young and lively young woman who seems to aspire for love and a real companionship.
Jason Schwartz’s Louis XVI is attaching but we can easily see why his wife seeks her happiness elsewhere, with her friends, some lovers (the Count of Fersen being the most famous one), her parties and some excesses, but not as many as rumored at the time. Her obvious sadness and solitude makes you think more deeply about the life of this woman who, after 30 years living at the court of Versailles, was still considered for many as a foreigner – l’Autrichienne.
The movie is fresh and original, even if sometimes fluffy, and you easily let yourself carried away. The beauty of the wardrobe is simply stunning (it won an Academy Award for Best Achievement in Costume Design in 2007), the Chateau de Millemont and Versailles are incredible settings who will seduce you right away, the colors will make this experience unforgettable and the food (prepared by Ladurée) will leave you mouth watering and wishing for a trip to a French bakery. Even the music doesn’t seems as out of place as initially appeared to be once you understand where the director wants you to go. Let’s not forget Kristen Dunst’s performance, even if far from being flawless it makes this story enjoyable and quite entertaining. A especial mention for Asia Argento who is an interesting Mme du Barry.
Definitely a movie that you either love or hate.
Oh, I love this one!
Especially b/c Sophia Coppola doesn’t care a bit about the whole history / costume drama / period stuff.
It’s an orgy of costumes and food and music – I love it. And Kirsten Dunst is perfect in it.
I must write something about this movie soon for my blog… and watch it again!
I recently pulled this out of the DVD closet to watch late at night. With all the Masterpiece classics – a gorgeous pastry of a movie!