Friday, June 16, 2006

Marie Antoinette

A left over from the Rodin post. The Thinker is very small but he is under the Eiffel Tower.

I saw Sophia Coppola's Marie Antoinette last night. I don't know if it is out in the States yet, but it definitely worth seeing. I am not saying it is a great film, but the cinematography is excellent. It is very colorful; the costumes are amazing; and Versailles is beautiful! And I have seen most of the setting in person. During the movie, I felt like hitting my French friends and telling them I had seen all that stuff until I realized they had seen it too. Honestly, it is magnificent!

Just a few quick notes on Versailles. It is not actually in Paris; it is located west of Paris, but is a relatively short train ride from central Paris (30 minutes, maybe). It was the seat of power under Louis XVI, supposedly so he could move all the nobility out of Paris and keep an eye on them. Before Versailles, the Louvre was the royal palace. Versailles remained the royal powerhouse until the beginning of the French Revolution.

I don't want to give anything away, but the movie is really ambiguous. One of the most noticeable things is Kristin Dunst's lack of acting (I have always thought she was a terrible actress), but I think maybe that is what Coppola was going for-a total lack of inference-in order for members of the audience to come to individual conclusions about the personalities and events. Most of the characters were like talking mannequins, but this really doesn't take anything away from the movie.

It is a good flick: loads of pretty colors, delicious looking food, awe inspiring shots, and lots of rock and roll. Go see it if for no other reason than the pleasure of seeing Versailles.

6 comments:

SB said...

gosh you're hard towards the film!!
:))
check out my blog: i think we agree somehow...
i've downloaded the soundtrack: absolutely superb!!!

Anonymous said...

I loved "Lost in Translation" and "Virgin Suicides", so I will take your advice.

I read your comment at Julie's heavenly food blog. Julie's sister, Miz S is a delight! My eldest daughter has a business degree from Blaise Pascal Universitaire and lived in Clermont-Ferrand for a year.

I shall enjoy reading on down...

Anonymous said...

No fucking way!!!!

It's Geocelyne, the Canadian who lasted about a week out in Cergy. I've always been wondering if you stuck it out and then voila I stumble upon your blog today!!!

I'm shocked! Glad to hear things presumably worked out OK (haven't read the entire blog so I don't exactly know, but since you're still there I'm guessing things are good).

Anyway, hello! Give that bitch at the accueil the finger for me, will you?

Anonymous said...

Usually I avoid historical fiction like the plague but this sounds interesting.

And how cool is it that you get to visit Versailles and then see it in the movie? Go on with you and your cool Paris lifestyle!

Unknown said...

Geocelyne-send me your email address and I will tell you ALL about it!

Lotus Reads said...

Ooooh, yes, I would go see the movie just to see Versailles in all its glory. I had read about the movie when reading about the Cannes Festival, but thanks for the reminder, Angela. And yes, you are lucky to have seen Versailles...maybe one day we will be, too! :)