Kirsten Dunst, Sofia Copolla, Marie Antoinette DVD Review

Marie Antoinette directed by Sofia Coppolla and starring Kirsten Dunst and Jason Schwartzman was, released this week on DVD. This film has a vivid palette and is a colorful and refreshing take on a very familiar, iconic historical figure. The intent of the filmmaker seems to have been a liberalized, humanistic approach to the unfolding of this historical epic. Kirsten Dunst thoroughly embodies Marie Antoinette. Her performance is candid, naturalistic, and unaffected. She has a curious combination of vulnerability and grace that allows for an open portrayal.

The scenery and costumes are breathtakingly vivid. The entire design of the production is eye popping and enticing. This is no starchy historical melodrama. The soundtrack is riddled with 80's tunes, which give the audience a sense of vitality and presence in the characters and settings. The problem is this effect is at times jarring, when the soundtrack slips into more conventional classical pieces. The film is certainly an unusual hybrid. There are moments of transcendence, and almost ethereal reflection. All in all though, I would say the film is fragmented.

The characterizations redeem it though. The quirky cast infuses it with life. The varied cast includes Molly Shannon,Judy Davis and Marianne Faithfull. Rip Torn is wonderful as the gregarious monarch, and Jason Schwartzman embodies the role of Louis the 16^th with a certain boyish detachment and unsure footing that is most sincere.

The story focuses squarely on Marie Antoinette's personal journey. She is essentially forced into a situation that renders her powerless. She is given to marriage to a young monarch who is clearly immature and inattentive. She takes on her station in life as best she can. She endures bitter court gossip, and the dejection of her people. Thrust into an impotent position,she escapes through indulgence and materialism.

Her excesses allow for the scandalous reputation she gained among her people. We are given a personal perspective, and see the young and naïve person grappling with identity, behind the legend. The pressing issue of producing a male heir is much complicated by the constant pressure and vying of her courtiers and the absolute detachment of her young husband. The marriage after all wasn't consummated for 7 years or so.

A dysfunctional coupling if ever there was one! The film moves about at a slow pace, endless scenes tracking the immanent journey to the marriage bed, followed by escapist frolics in color and texture. It is an interesting film from an artistic standpoint, and may gain a cult following among the mtv set. All in all it is a film worth viewing. If not for historical accuracy, perhaps for pure escapism. It is a treat for the eyes, a candy box of color and texture.