Marie Antoinette (2006): Kirsten Dunst as the Ill-Fated 18th Century Queen of France
Written, produced and directed by Sofia Coppola, Marie Antoinette (2006) is a vibrant and visually intoxicating film… which deservedly won the Academy Award for Best Costume Design. Beginning in 1770, the story follows the loveless marriage of Marie Antoinette of Austria and Louis XVI, Dauphin of France, leading up to the French Revolution. Great attention to detail was given in recreating the extravagant atmosphere of 18th Century Versailles. However, Coppola's choice to include modern Rock music as the film's soundtrack greatly diminishes the admirable efforts of the costume designers and set dressers in maintaining a true historical cinematic sojourn. The music is distracting and adds nothing to the feel, simply being bold for the sake of disarming purist audiences. Nevertheless, the non-music intervals are quite good. Kirsten Dunst does a fine job as the lustful and unloved Marie Antoinette. Jason Schwartzman is good, but miscast as Louis XVI. The rest of the cast is hit or miss, including Judy Davis, Rip Torn, Asia Argento and Molly Shannon.
