Marie Antoinette (DVD)

It is shocking to me that Marie Antoinette was split among reviewers, but after looking at most of the negative reviews a little closer it seems the writer either didn't get what writer/director Sofia Coppola was going for. I base this on the way they describe the movie in their reviews and it is surprising because it isn't a confusing theme. It is actually very deliberate and oftentimes sad. Of course many critics also took shots at historical inaccuracies in the film, but Coppola has said she never meant for it to be a biopic, it is simply the story of a girl that was asked to grow up far too soon.

Kirsten Dunst stars as the infamous Marie Antoinette, a 14-year-old Austrian girl who has left her home to become the queen of France and marry Louis XVI played by Jason Schwartzman. Certainly the fact that Dunst is playing a 14-year-old girl at the beginning of this film and never seems to age as the movie goes on is a bit of a logic problem, especially since the fact that she starts of at the age of 14 is a highly effective plot point, but one that is undoubtedly missed by many.

Marie's marriage into French royalty is obviously a political play on the part of both sides, but politics aside her role quickly becomes the supplier of an heir to the throne of France. This is the primary point this film balances on. At the young age of 14 Marie is already being asked to become pregnant and Louis is asked to be the one to do so. Unsure of what to do Louis ignores the duty and Marie quickly becomes the source of public ridicule, a heavy burden to lay on the shoulders of such a young girl. Yeah, there are several scenes of partying and cake eating, but all of that circles around the central idea of the growth of a girl who was too young to rule. Figure out this detail and you are sure to enjoy this movie.

As for the DVD the special features are rather limited. The first of which is a 25-minute behind-the-scenes featurette that is actually quite good, at least it will be for those that enjoy the film. You even get a shot of Coppola in a skeleton style shirt as she directs her actors, good stuff I say.

There are two deleted scenes, one of which is worthless and deserved to be dropped, but the other I think would have helped the film. Before each scene there are on-screen notes from Coppola telling you why she dropped each, and her reasoning for dropping what would have been the second opera scene is a bit off in my opinion. She believes the cut helped the other two opera scenes in the movie more powerful while I think the first one is powerful no matter what, this one reinforces it and makes the third one that much more important. Of course if you have not seen the film yet I am talking gibberish, but it actually is quite a good scene and you will see what I am talking about should you decide to pick it up.

The third feature is an MTV style “Cribs” episode with Schwartzman guiding you around the set as Louis. It is actually quite stupid. Other than that you get the teaser trailer and the theatrical trailer and that's it. Personally I would have loved a commentary with Coppola and Dunst, but perhaps Criterion will get their hands on this title and give it its due.

If you haven't done so already click on the Buy Now button above and add this one to your collection. Watch it once and if you don't like it re-read this review and my theatrical review and watch it again. Trust me, this is a fantastic film and once you get it you will love it too.