Sofia Coppala's Best Film by Far

Rating: 10/10 (22 May 2009)

After a betrothement, Marie heads off to France, stripped (almost literally) of all Austrian background. Her marriage is awkward, and after the two soon find themselves ruling.
It is possible this is the best picture of the year. It was the most beautifully written, most expertly modernized, and the most fantastically directed film I have seen in recent times. Antoinette was like a rockstar, uncaring of the peoples' view of her and almost tragically uncareful. It was stunning. After seeing it, there is nothing but fireworks, large hair, beautiful costumes, and absolutely sensational set design. It was stylized to a point where it was no longer a film about Marie Antoinette. It was a film about the royal lifestyle, a satire on how royalty was a modern day kind of celebrity.
I was moved by this film. I have never been so stunned by Kirsten Dunst (except perhaps in Interview with the Vampire). She held her role almost swimmingly. It was one of my favorite performances of the year. Equally fabulous acting was contributed by Jason Schwartzmen.
The directing was perfection. It was definitely part of the stylization. The last film that opened my eyes to a way of stunning directing was the marvel American Beauty. Indefinitely, this was the most finely directed film of the year.
The writing is phenomenal. Sofia Coppala has always had a way with words, and it shines through in Marie Antoinette. She surpassed Lost in Translation by about seven billion points. It is, again, the most expertly written film of the year.
My one complaint has been the way the main character is portrayed. You get a feel of her emotions, thanks to Ms. Dunst, but you don't feel like you know her and how she feels about the people around her properly by the end. Its probably some tragic editing mishap, but there is just something missing from the character.
It is hardly noticed though. The film is a tour de force. Its fantastic.