'Absolute masterpiece' period drama filmed in real historic royal palace
Sofia Coppola's 2006 period drama might not be historically accurate, but it's an absolute "masterpiece" in the eyes of many viewers, who are still raving about the film
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 grandeur 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 described the film as "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 said. "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."
Marie Antoinette was the final queen of France before the French Revolution erupted in 1789, having married into the royal family when she wed Louis XVI. The film portrays her tumultuous time as Dauphine of France, which began when she was just 14 years old, 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.
Although this movie has its shortcomings, particularly with a two-hour runtime with very little dialogue, its ability to evoke sympathy for a girl who seems to have everything but lacks self-control remains intact. While the pacing may be slow at times, it is consistently visually stunning.
Kirsten Dunst stars as the Queen of France, revisiting her partnership with Sofia Coppola after her role in The Virgin Suicides. Her impressive Hollywood resume includes notable films such as the 2000s trilogy of Spider-Man films, Jumanji, and Mona Lisa Smile.
She is joined on screen by Jason Schwartzman, who portrays her royal husband, and Rose Byrne, who plays the Duchess de Polignac. The film received mixed reviews upon its release; however, its visual appeal was universally praised, culminating in an Academy Award for Best Costume Design at the 79th ceremony.
One reviewer concurred that the film's aesthetic qualities are its true standout feature. They said: "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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