'Beautiful' period drama filmed in spectacular royal palace is 'masterpiece'
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There's no disputing the visual appeal of this film, with audiences captivated by its "pastel-colour" scenes and lavish costumes, all set against the grand backdrop of the Palace of Versailles. Whether you appreciate the film for its historical context or not, Sofia Coppola's Marie Antoinette is undeniably stunning.
Since its release in 2006, fans of period dramas continue to explore the world that the director crafted to narrate the tale of the Austrian princess. Writing on Rotten Tomatoes, one viewer called the film "An absolute masterpiece".
"Sofia Coppola built an entire cosmos; the external world is an expression of the interior of the character and vice versa," they wrote. "Marie Antoinette is not a historical figure; she is an epiphany of the rococo, the excess, the separation between the reality of France and her royal experience."
(Image: Publicity Picture)
Marie Antoinette was the final queen of France before the French Revolution kicked off in 1789, having married into the royal family when she wed Louis XVI. The film portrays her tumultuous time as Dauphine of France, which she began at the tender age of 14, and follows her through her reign as queen when her husband took the throne.
Another viewer commented: "This is, above all, an image over substance movie. Don't expect a typical period film, because this movie is the tale of a doomed queen in beautiful pastel colour shots and a couple of phrases," reports the Mirror US.
"Its two hours are too much and its dialogue too little, but it doesn't affect the film's capacity to create compassion for a girl that has it all and doesn't know how to restrain herself, even when it's needed. Boring at times, but always stunning."
(Image: Unknown)
Kirsten Dunst takes on the role as the Queen of France in what could be classed as an iconic portrayal, adding to her impressive portfolio featuring smash hits like the 2000s Spider-Man trilogy, Jumanji, and Mona Lisa Smile following her stint in Sofia Coppola's The Virgin Suicides.
Jason Schwartzman joins her as her royal partner, with Rose Byrne dazzling as the Duchess de Polignac. Upon its debut, the movie received mixed reviews, yet the consensus highlighted its aesthetic allure which was recognised when it bagged the Best Costume Design at the 79th Academy Awards.
Critics concur that the film's visual allure remains its crowning glory. One shared their perspective, noting: "The film, beautiful to stare at, features stunning costumes, a remarkable set (it was shot at the actual Palace of Versailles), a surprisingly solid performance from Dunst, and countless beautifully framed shots. Why the divisiveness?
"The film has little in the way of a narrative arc, and the soundtrack/score swings between classical music and modern rock. If you can get past its faults, if they are indeed faults, the film is a visual wonder from start to finish."
If you fancy diving into Sophia Coppola's dreamy pastel universe, Marie Antoinette is available for rent on Amazon Prime.
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