Sofia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette (2006) is not so much a dramatic historical biopic, but more of a humanizing look at the life of the adolescent queen. The film opens on Marie (Kirsten Dunst) sprawling on a chaise lounge surrounded by cakes, with rock music blasting, a smirk splayed across her face. In establishing her lavish lifestyle right off the bat, they establish something else. She’s a kid. And despite the lifespan looking different in the 1700s compared to today, her teenage-status is ever-present in how she is represented here.   

At age 14, Marie is set to marry the Dauphin of France, Louis XVI, (Jason Schwartzman)–in order to maintain peace between France and Austria. Marie is both literally and figuratively stripped of her identity before entering France. Her pet dog is even taken from her, with the promise of as many French dogs as she wants. But that’s the catch. They need to be from France. 

Marie is portrayed as a more sympathetic character, married off in a foreign land, away from her friends, family, and everything she knows. Her new home, Versailles, is large and opulent, filled with people and rules she does not understand. 

The feeling of isolation grows while Marie is married to the Dauphin. Mounting pressure is put on Marie to bear an heir to the throne, yet her attempts to seduce the Dauphin are unsuccessful. 

Over time Marie is able to make life work for herself at Versailles, befriending others at the palace and taking full advantage of the privilege that comes with her new role. More modern alternative rock music is juxtaposed with classical, as Marie embraces the party lifestyle at her fingertips.

Visually, Marie Antoinette is stunning. The excess is showcased perfectly, from the setting at Versailles and the lavish parties Marie partakes in. Surrounded by flowing champagne, pastries, bejeweled heels, and a pair of converse in the corner, the movie is filled with a vibrant color palette and gorgeous costuming. 

 As you likely know, this lifestyle of excess does not last for long as the people of France grow in their anger for the queen’s oblivion to their struggles. While this is touched on in the movie, Marie Antoinette feels more like a lavish montage of a child who doesn’t fully grasp her place in the world at Versailles. It is an enjoyable watch, even if not the most serious take on the infamous queen. 

Marie Antoinette
2006
dir. Sofia Coppola
118 min.

Screens on 35mm Monday, 4/15, 7:00pm @ Coolidge Corner Theatre
Part of the ongoing series: Big Screen Classics