Marie Antoinette review

 

I enjoyed this film more than I had originally thought I would. The beginning I was very confused due to the lack of historical background regarding the characters, which was only somewhat explained in their cultural relevance. I noticed that this film used a LOT of symmetry and all these extravagant backgrounds and shots, it was compelling to just look at all the detail they put into each scene. The costumes were also very detailed and intricate. Especially Marie’s hair, I was curious how tall it would be as the film was continuing.

 If im being honest I was very lost with the story that was being told, to me it seemed to be about a woman who married into power to help protect her country. But once she married in, she just started having a lot of fun and did not seem really focused on any political issues or dealing with how the French were viewing her. Granted she is fairly young during this time; I feel like I didn’t get something crucial in understanding this film. What I loved though was the awkwardness between Marie and her husband and that whole interaction. Each time she tried to make a move and him shutting it down instantly was both hard and hilarious to watch.

The shot choices in this were also interesting, for example in the wedding dance scene, I noticed that it continuously is focusing on the father and his approval as he watches the newly weds do what I can only assume is a traditional dance. The use of the rule of thirds was blaring, and used in such a way that created all the encapsulating, breathtaking scenes. The end scene also was rather strange to me as it shows the results of all the rioting leading to Marie fleeing. It was a very mid scene in my honest opinion and lacked that final punch to spark any intense response.