"Marie Antoinette"
Written an directed by Sofia Coppola
Starring Kirsten Dunst, Jason Schwartzman, Rip Torn, Marianne Faithful, Molly Shannon


I was determined not to like Sofia Coppola's efforts in translating Antonia Frazer's biography of the last French queen to the screen. Hollywood's last attempt in the 30s starred Norma Shearer and was good, but very difficult to believe a pushing 40 Norma Shearer as a 14 yead old Austrian princess as the film began. After that, the film lost track of historical accuracy and got bogged down in a sequin and feather explosion. Of course, I'm prejudiced.

I've been fascinated by 18th century France and the French monarchy since I was in college. Sort of sad but, hey, such is my life. And, if I do say so myself, I'm a bit of an expert when it comes to Louis XVI and Antoinette. Most of what has been written ("Let them eat cake." UGH!) is just plain wrong or been changed as history dims memories.

I had my doubts about Kirsten Dunst in the title role. The only time I ever saw her was in a cheerleading movie. Marie Antoinette with pom-poms and doing a split....I don't think so. But, much to my surprise, she was quite good. I think the role overwhelmed her and instead of over-acting to compensate, she kept her naivete, insecurity and nervousness and used them to full advantage in her character development. These were the emotions of a 14 year old princess 'sold' by her mother to seal a political agreement with Louis XV. She was thrust into a dangerous, complex court in which she was already an enemy; France and Austria had been at war for many years. So Kirsten WAS the young Antoinette.

I thoroughly enjoyed Jsson Schwartzman's interpretation of the young Louis XVI, a difficult role because Louis was so multi-faceted. He could be the imperious and absolute King or the shy, lonely boy making keys on the roof with his best friend, his servant Gamin. Schwartzman brought Louis to life as a delightfully quirky and somewhat detached dauphin who slowly grew to love Antoinette deeply and completely. He was the only French king not to take a mistress.

The real star of the show is the magnificent, exquisite palace of Versailles. It is not to be missed. The French government gave unheard of permission to Coppola to use the entire palace for the shoot. I was shocked to see actors behind the barrier in Antoinette's bedroom and even entering her private area hidden behind the bed. These areas have been strictly off limits. Scenes shot in the Hall of Mirrors, the chapel and the theatre should not be missed.

So, what do we have with Marie Antoinette? A film that ignores major happenings that affected the monarchy in favor of scenes of opulent gowns and shoes being selected for the dressmaker. Important characters have been eliminated so that fantastic, mouth-watering gourmet foods can be shown (DO NOT see this movie if you are hungry.) A moving story that lets the viewer imagine Louis' and Antoinette's ultimate fate; we are spared the horror of their beheadings.

One thing I was determined to hate is the mixture of rock and classical music in the soundtrack. Except for the opening credits where the producer tries to blast you out of you seat with ear drum shattering music that you always hate, I really didn't notice the mixture. The second time I saw the movie, the music blend was very effective and complemented the story.

Treat your eyes (and your soul) to the glory of France be it a macaroon or a gateau aux fraises.

I haven't seen this movie yet, but I'm DYING to. I hope a big, multi-disc DVD set comes out in region 1. I'll buy it then, sight unseen. Just so I can see it in an ultimate edition.