Marie Antoinette (2006)

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Coppola's 2006 loose portrayal of the early life of Marie Antoinette was considered rather controversial when it was first released, especially to french audiences who felt that the film was insensitive to a period of highly revolutionary history. Having never seen the film before, I wasn't surprised to find out that I wholeheartedly loved it- initially for the visual masterpiece, and later as I empathised with the titular character. However, I feel that this enjoyment of the film made me forget to step back occasionally and examine the film critically, so swept along by the plot, costumes and punchy soundtrack as I was. In retrospect, what makes the 2006 portrayal of Marie stand out is the complete lack of toning down the luxury in Versailles- in fact, the film goes to great lengths to over-emphasise this aspect. This means the film starts to exist in it's own sphere, elevated from the trappings of historical accuracy and restraint. In terms of costume and set design, this allowed for a clear aesthetic to develop, a common feature in Coppola's films.

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The costumes, while demonstrating the opulent and constrained life she lives, also serve to act as a visual reminder of Marie's gradual loss of innocence, as we see her metamorphose from a young girl into a queen and mother. Initially, as seen above, she is dressed simply, in fashions from her home court, and simple, undone hair. Upon arriving in France, she is placed into increasingly elaborate gowns, ones that fortell her forthcoming obsession with the party lifestyle- this is particularly highlighted in the 'I want candy' scene. Lastly, following the birth of her children, we see simple white gowns, designed for country life, and flower crowns- demonstrating that she has concluded her arc, in providing heirs to the throne and solving the major plot point of the film.

The film ends with the fate of Marie unsure- yet the viewer, versed in french history, knows all too well her outcome, which comes as a sobering shock, a palate cleanser to the sheer spectacle of visual decadence that makes up the film.

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