I don’t know why I’d never seen Sofia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette before, but I’m glad I finally rectified that. This movie is A Vibe. It’s what the kids call “aesthetic.” It’s a feast for the eyes and a plunge into privilege so heightened it feels like indulging into one too many French pastries. It’s all gorgeous costumes, on-point set decorations, real jewelry, Manolo Blahnik shoes and Laduree desserts in a candy-hued, post-punk/New Wave soundtracked gift box. (For more about the amazing details of making this movie, including how they actually shot in Versailles, this British Vogue oral history is comprehensive.)
As I write this I’m watching the movie for the second day in a row. I put it on while getting work done and now work’s done and Marie Antoinette is in Petit Triannon in the most ethereal cottagecore gowns traipsing around her faux-rustic estate and I’m delighted.
I don’t remember that this movie was panned (or at least had mixed reviews). While I’m enchanted with it, I understand why it would be derided. The view towards the extravagant queen is extremely sympathetic and there is no perspective of the suffering people of France, whose disgruntlement led to the French Revolution. The movie ends (spoiler) with the King and Queen of France leaving Versailles and not to their bloody end. Like most of Sofia Coppola’s work, the POV is extremely privileged white girl and her small world. The taste and the vibes are immaculate, but insular.
And yet…I loved it. Just like The Virgin Suicides and Lost in Translation and heck even a bit of The Beguiled, I loved it, flaws and all. “Dreamy” and “girlish” is often used to describe Coppola’s work, but I think, as richie cool girl as her milieu is, she manages to transcend that into something universal. For some reason, her films capture that moody, inward-facing female gaze. Our friendships, frustrations and yes, especially our frivolities–they find expression in her color palettes and soundtracks and gauzy light.
Much has been written as this movie has been reappraised over the years–this Refinery29 piece is a great read. Ultimately, for me, something sumptuous and aesthetic and vibey and immaculate and anchored by Kristen Dunst’s incredible performance is just what I’ve been wanting to consume. And who doesn’t want a bit of Versailles extravagance every now and then?
Bianca Mori 