Delicate pink pastries, intricate hair-styles, exotic feathers, colorful shoes, brightly decorated dresses, vivid sunsets and breathtaking views of Versailles are only some of the many visually engaging images one finds in Marie Antoinette, written and directed by Sophia Coppola (Lost in Translation).
Starring Kirsten Dunst, Marie Antoinette is the story of the French queen, who, at the outbreak of the Revolution, is forced to leave Austria, marry Louis XVI and rule an unfamiliar nation at the mere age of 16. Because of its use of history, symbolism and extravagance this film is much more than its colors and scenery. It brilliantly displays the story of an immature girl who is forced to become a woman before she is ready to leave her trivial world of champagne and parties, to enter the reality of politics, the suffering French people and the importance of producing a male heir.
She spends the first year of her marriage living in fear and embarrassment of not showing any signs that an heir is on the way.
After Marie Antoinette gives birth to her first child, Marie Theresa -- who is by far the most adorable creature I have ever seen -- she is given a house in the country to recuperate. She spends her time having an affair with a Swedish soldier, running through the fields, picking flowers, reading Rousseau and watching sunsets. Once again, the film excels, portraying pleasing images of nature at its finest.
Even though Marie Antoinette often has good intentions, it takes her time to develop the proper skills. When told that the French people are unhappy with her lavish expenses and their suffering, she replies, "Don't send more diamonds." She figures that this would solve all of their problems. She was clearly lacking the essentials; she had never been given the "Being Queen for Dummies" handbook. By the end of the film, however, her development becomes obvious -- she refuses to leave her husband's side during the start of the Revolution and puts duty over safety.
The movie is not action-packed, nor is the dialogue particularly spectacular, but by no means does this make it boring.
It is easy to get absorbed in the trivial yet luxurious ways of Versailles. As Marie Antoinette herself puts it within days of arriving at the palace, "This is ridiculous." But for a viewer, the long procedure of passing the queen's nightdress from one noble lady to another is rather entertaining. Dunst gives a strong performance, but I would suggest that she never be expected to cry on screen again. Still, any weakness is quickly forgotten as she wins the audience over with her blue eyes and high cheekbones that sparkle in every costume she wears. And believe me, there were quite a few.
I found none of the other actors to be very significant. Neither giving nor taking away from the film.
Coppola did an exquisite job of proving that the story of this misunderstood monarch is truly timely. Most can relate to the idea of having to grow up too fast or being placed in a situation where we are forced to come out of our comfort zone too early in life.
From the opening credits, I noticed the spunky modern soundtrack that nicely complements the classic, historical qualities of the movie.
When going to see this film, do not expect to be sitting on the edge of your seat with anticipation. Instead, be prepared to have your mouth wide open as you see some of the most visually stimulating work available.
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