A Very Modern Adaptation of Marie Antoinette

Rating: 10/10 (1 December 2007)

Marie Antoinette is a historical film based upon the novel and life of the Austrian Queen of France, Marie Antoinette (Kirsten Dunst), wife of King Louis XVI (Jason Schwartzman). The young Austrian leaves her home, her family, all her belongings and even her little pug dog. Her mother, the Austrian Duchess Maria Theresa (Marianne Faithful), tells the young Marie Antoinette, "you may have all the French dogs you want." Arriving in Paris, Marie Antoinette is escorted to Versailles where she is married and a new life begins. "Nothing happened," King Louis XV (Rip Torn), is informed after their wedding night. After what seemed like a long time, nothing ever happens between the young couple. They are finally attended by a French Doctor. The young Louis has no desire for his beautiful bride. He is impotent. "He has spent too much time with the stable hand." It was said. King Louis XV, lies on his death bed and cries. "I know what I must do." After much coaxing from the Austrian mother, "your life in Versailles is not secure until an heir is produced." The marriage is consummated and three babies are born. I found the film to be disturbing--the guillotine is enough to disturb anyone. Marie Antoinette is blamed for the opulent lifestyle and waste of the French Royalty. At the end, Marie Antoinette sends away all of her mistresses as the revolution has begun. With a bang upon her bedroom door, the officer enters and states to the maids remaining, "tell the Queen Mother, we can not secure her." The Queen and King Louis XVI, leave in their carriage. They just drive away.
Very modern adaptation of Marie Antoinette