The French monarchy presented as high school drama... along with a killer soundtrack. Sofia Coppola takes a fresh and unique approach to the life of Marie Antoinette, presenting her as a sympathetic figure. The film opens with Marie plucked from her Austrian home and thrust into the opulence of French royalty. Her innocence to protocol of French government creates waves amongst the hierarchy, although she also wins a few fans. While Marie's outsider charm takes her through the first half of the film, the loneliness overcomes her in the second half as she succumbs to the over-indulgence of shopping and parties. She becomes the scapegoat of France's problems, although other problems are afoot.
Some argue about the accuracy of the material. Most biographies take liberties with the story, and here, Coppola has created a stylish piece of eye candy full of color, food, and fashion. "Marie Antoinette" opens with the song "Natural's Not In It" by Gang of Four, which sets the tone for things to come. Coppola peppers several sequences with modern music. A few of my favorite scenes include gossip around a lavish dinner complete with complements and backstabbing as well a dance sequence featuring the music of Adam and the Ants. An historic music video, if the genre exists.
Rating: 7/10
Movies I've previously seen: 4
First time viewings: 39
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