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Marie Antoinette By Harry Forbes Catholic News Service NEW YORK (CNS) -- The pulsating rock music and hot pink lettering of the opening credit sequence would seem to indicate that what is to follow will be a far cry from the stately MGM Norma Shearer epic of the 1930s. In fact, from a visual standpoint, "Marie Antoinette" (Sony) is as traditional as one could wish, with much on-location photography done at Versailles. If only the drama were as outstanding as the sumptuous 18th-century production design. Though not exactly dull, the film registers as an inert biography of France's most celebrated queen (Kirsten Dunst), an Austrian princess, her arranged marriage to the future King Louis XVI (Jason Schwartzman) of France, and the lengthy period it took them to consummate their marriage and produce an heir. And then, frustrated by her initially dull and aloof husband, and feeling utter loneliness in this foreign court, she finds release in heedless spending and pleasure-seeking, including an affair with a Scandinavian count. That liaison is shown to be consummated, though historically the facts are not conclusive. In any case, all of this would infuriate the public, and help lead to the downfall of the monarchy. Director Sofia Coppola has brought some interesting contemporary flourishes to the period, and for the most part adheres to the historical facts, but rather disappointingly ends with the royal family's arrest. Unfortunately, the film only hints at the queen's transformation from epicurean young woman to politically savvy political prisoner, one of the most fascinating aspects of the story, though it does suggest her growing maturation as a loving wife and devoted mother. The performances are sound, though the flat American accents of the leads are a detriment. (If only this were a silent film!) As it is, Dunst, Schwartzman and Rip Torn as old King Louis XV, to their credit, all look their parts and project the requisite gravitas. The global smorgasbord cast, with its motley accents, includes the very traditional Judy Davis as the Comtesse de Noailles, as well as Asia Argento as Louis XV's mistress, Madame Du Barry; Marianne Faithfull as the queen's mother, Empress Maria Teresa of Austria; Danny Huston as the queen's brother; and so on. Coppola's dialogue, striving for naturalism, is pretty uninspired, even as historically valid quotes are peppered throughout, such as when the young couple drop to their knees upon hearing of the old king's death, and declare, "God protect us, we are too young to reign." Elsewhere, intentional anachronisms abound, such as the disco-flavored music at a Parisian ball. The film contains much speculation about the royal conjugal dilemma, brief partial nudity, an adulterous sexual encounter and innuendo, restricting viewing to adults and older adolescents. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-III -- adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG-13 -- parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13. - - - Forbes is director of the Office for Film & Broadcasting of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. More reviews are available online at www.usccb.org/movies. END Copyright (c) 2006 Catholic News Service/USCCB. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed. CNS · 3211 Fourth St NE · Washington DC 20017 · 202.541.3250 |
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