ALLAN HUNTER at the Movies

HOW DO YOU follow a film like ‘Lost In Translation’? That was the problem facing Sofia Coppola after her Oscar-winning triumph with that wistful, beguiling Bill Murray treat.

Her follow-up is an irreverent historical yarn that turns Antonia Fraser’s respected biography of Marie Antoinette into an extravagant romp where the fun never stops.

It is history but not as we know it. If you are anticipating a typical period drama then think again. ‘Marie Antoinette’ is a giddy, glorious attempt to make the past accessible to a generation who know more about Paris Hilton than Paris, France.

Kirsten Dunst’s Marie seems as innocent and vulnerable as Princess Diana when she is escorted to the court of Versailles and wed to the rather cool and distant dauphin, Louis (Jason Schwartzman).

Suddenly, she is the centre of attention, the object of malicious gossip and unable to decide whether people want to know her for herself or for all the powerful connections and influence she may now wield.

Although it is informative, ‘Marie Antoinette’ is a film that revels in its own superficiality. Once Marie gains in self-confidence, her life becomes a giddy merry-go-round of masked balls, shopping, trips to the hairdresser, fabulous frocks, mouthwatering patisserie and even the occasional romantic dalliance with men much more passionate than her well-mannered but distant husband.

You can almost begin to understand why she might have no notion that a spirit of revolution was growing among the ordinary people.

Filled with witty dialogue, eye-catching locations and juicy star turns, Marie-Antoinette should be approached as an invitation to a party where there will be interesting people, dancing, fireworks, a little scandal and lots of gossip. Great fun.

Nationwide release
Director: Sofia Coppola
Stars: Kirsten Dunst, Jason Schwartzman, Judy Davis, Rip Torn, Rose Byrne, Asia Argento, Shirley Henderson
Screenwriter: Sofia Coppola based on Marie Antoinette: The Journey by Antonia Fraser
Certificate: 12A
Running time: 123 mins
Country: USA/France/Japan
Year: 2006

© Allan Hunter, 2006