2006’s Marie Antoinette, directed by Sofia Coppola is my number seven favorite film of the decade. Yes, I will admit that I have a lifelong obsession with all things Marie Antoinette- I’ve read her biography by Antonia Fraser (highly recommended, btw), I’ve read the biography of her perfumer, I have books on her palaces and the court gardens. I have, naturally, been to Versailles where I spent an afternoon pretending I was Marie Antoinette (I can’t believe I’m admitting this).
So when Sofia Coppola’s film came out I was determined to like it for better or for worse. Luckily liking this film was not a stretch for me. I loved everything about it- from the quirky casting (Jason Schwartzman as Louis XVI!), to the indie soundtrack, to the amazing scenery (which was actually filmed in the Palace of Versailles) to the incredible costumes. I also thought Kirsten Dunst was lovely in the title role…
This film got mixed reviews from the critics but as far as I’m concerned, it was as delectable as one of Marie Antoinette’s little cakes… a true delight...
Won’t you stay tuned for my number 6 pick?
Kirsten Dunst is pictured in a scene from Marie Antoinette above.
22 comments:
I've always avoided this film because of Kristen Dunst. Maybe I should put it on my netflix queue.
I loved this film but it was more for the over the top fashion. It was like candy for me.
Love, love, love this film. A true feast for the eyes. My husband didn't share my enthusiasm, but he did like the Macaroon visuals!
Hey lovely - cute post - I must watch this film - it would be rude not to seeing as Im in Paris! Although I have to agree that Miss Dunst did have me raise my eyebrows when I heard she was in the lead role! I watched Funny Face with Miss Audrey Hepburn today and its musical 1950's charm still holds strong - its a good Paris contender on the Paris film front je crois! Gros Bis
Loved this film, love the soundtrack too. I, too, enjoyed the biography by Antonia Fraser (she is so good).
Another good read is the book "What Marie Antoinette Wore to the Revolution" by Caroline Weber, focusing on her fashions. You might enjoy it!
This is one of my all time favorites too. I loved the costumes, colors, music, scenery. And just so you know, when I was at versailles, I had the soundtrack playing on my ipod and kept imagining what it must have been like in the glorious rooms and grounds. I was having a party for one in my head that day and nobody knew. So I totally get that you pretended to be Marie while there and think that is perfectly normal. :)
Hello Jennifer,
I have a thing for Marie Antoinette too. I think she was an amazing woman and so heroic in her final days. I always cry when I read about how she was treated at the end. I also loved this film as I am a big Sofia Coppola fan as well. I think she really captured another angle to the Marie Antoinette story and her artistic vision was so lovely. I was excited recently to read Rachel Ashwell who founded Shabby Chic uses Marie Antoinette as inspiration. I also loved Versailles and my entire fourth book (which is complete but my agent wants anther rewrite) is set around Versailles. It is called The Witches of Paris. I felt very at home when we toured Versailles and it still haunts me! I also enjoyed Antonia Fraser's book and will look out for her perfumer's biography (wow) I don't think Sofia's film was my ultimate film of all time about Marie Antoinette. I would love to see a big French production which spans her later years where she really came into a very powerful transformation. I do think Kirsten Dunst was perfect in the role. Like a pretty, pampered kitten. Sigh. Such a beautiful, talented actress and Sofia is divine. Now I want to see it all over again! xx
Michael- A lot of people I know say the same thing... I think you should give it a shot- it's a feast for the eyes! xo
Lilliam- Yes! The fashion was soooooo divine... *sigh*! The costume designer should have won an Oscar! (Or did she?)
Cashmere- I was really surprised that my husband liked this film (I dragged him to see it). It's just so visually stunning- I think he begrudgingly enjoyed it :)
Paris Poodle- Hello darling! I love Funny Face! That film is a love letter to Paris. I have stolen Ms. Hepburn's black pencil pant and turtleneck look and wear it all the time! xo
Rebecca- Thanks for the book recommendation! I am always looking for books to add to my Marie Antoinette repertoire! xo
Bonjour Madame- ha! I am glad to know that I'm not the only one who has done this (although I suspected I might not be alone :) Isn't Versailles beautiful? I would love to go back...
Josephine- First of all let me say that your next book sounds like a dream to me! I can't wait to read it! Witches? Versailles? Paris!? I can't wait until it's finished! I am so excited to finally read one of your books. I can tell that you love Marie Antoinette- your blog decoration is very Antoinette-esque... Also, I don't doubt that Rachel Ashwell draws inspiration from MA... we have a Shabby Chic store in Santa Monica that I adore... xo
I loved this movie too. So much to look at and take in. It really was a feast for the eyes and very quirky. And I love quirky.
Can you believe it? I haven't seen it. Embarrassing, non? I better get it. Merci for the cultural push.
Tishxo
The film was like a big Paris pastry, the colors and fashion were so much fun to watch. Thank you for stopping by and leaving such kind comments on my blog, your well wishes are much appreciated.
I adore this movie! It's one of my all time faves, too. And I really need to get a hold of that biography by Antonia Fraser, you're probably the third person I've seen blogging about it. And I can't wait to read the "Scented Palace!" And I used too many "And"s...
I'm glad I stopped by I was on the fence regarding "drag me to hell" now I think I will rent it
For those of you who haven't seen this movie: look for the purple converse sneakers in the closet.
Daily - I loved Antonia Fraser's biography of Mary Queen of Scots.
Thanks everyone for your comments!
Tessa- I missed the purple converse sneakers in the closet... what scene are they in?! I will check out Antonia Fraser's Mary Queen of Scots biography...
I thought the details in this film were terrific. Lavish, resplendent, delicate, over the top. Quite amazing! (And it made my own fascination with French footwear pale in comparison...)
It was an odd combination of historical epic à la pop culture, but I rather liked that. And I thought Kirsten Dunst did a terrific job.
One of my all time favorites!!! I watch it constantly.
I love how sometimes the story is told through the music, or imagery rather than just alot of dialogue.
It really is a movie that is pure eye candy too
I read your last posts since I have been here and your theme of what you are into is interesting. With this being number 7 it will be interesting to see what your top 6 will be.
I love Antonia Fraser's book. The film seems to capture the essence of MAT, good or bad, which I love. I like the take on it that she was young and cool and using modern things to show us that. Brilliant soundtrack, incredibly cinemtography and art work all round. Good enough to eat! I actually only wish Sofia had carried on and done the end of the story- but it would change the tone of the film too much I suppose.
I loved the movie too! I think Sofia Coppola is a genius. I loved all of the little character moments that she added, like when Marie Antoinette's brother came to visit and you could tell he thought her pastel pastries were idiotic, or when Jason Schwartzman won the little fooseball-style game and he looked around the room to see if anyone had noticed, and the attempts Marie Antoinette made in the bedroom with Louie were just hilarious. I was watching 'The Girls Next Door' the other day (with the new girls) and I got SO jealous because Sofia Coppola invited the twins to be in her next movie. Seriously, seriously jealous. How does sleeping with Hef get them roles in a Sofia Coppola movie?! And now that I'm completely off the subject, I have to tell you the episode had a hilariously uncomfortable moment: when Hef met Sofia, he said, "I have to tell you, I'm a really huge fan..." to which Sofia replied, "Thank you!" and Hef continued,"...of your father's." Lol!
God was that a good film -- and the music worked perfectly fine as well. Of course some purists will have problems with an anachronistic soundtrack, but why not do it this way for a change? I thought it painted an accurate psychological picture of a very, very young queen perfectly. (And the opulence of the production, filmed on locatoin!) Excellent.
A must-see film, and not just for the visuals. Coppola really pins the tail on the donkey by letting us see MA as a teenager wanting to live a teenage life; no more, no less.
By the way, if you don't already know Viennese writer Stefan Zweig's biography of MA, get it: I'm sure there's an English translation of the original German. Zweig was an expert in putting things into psychological persepectives, and his bios of both MA and Mary Stuart are some of the best reads, historical or otherwise, ever. They're so modern in approach that it's hard to belive the books date back to the 1930's.
Best,
Michael
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