Visually fantastic but lacking in story or character

Rating: Null/10 (28 December 2018)

This is a misfire by Sofia Coppola not because it is a bad film but because considering the subject it could have been so much more than what we have got. MarieAntoinette is mostly about the Dauphine's adjustments to the customs of the French court and her attempts to conceive. The more interesting material, including a possible affair and the growing unrest of the common people, is left to the film's final 40 minutes. By then, a portion of the audience will have fallen asleep. The movie looks great, with impeccable period detail and glorious visuals, but the plot is stagnant. The lack of character development results in an uninteresting story. Plus, there's no villain to provide conflict. For a while, it appears that Madame du Barry might fill the role, but she is removed about half-way through the film, leaving a void. This is a disappointing film.