When I first heard Sofia Coppola was prepping her next film and it would star Kirsten Dunst in the lead role I was a bit wary. Then I saw the trailer and became even more wary, but still optimistic because I loved Lost in Translation so much, but when Marie Antoinette made its debut at the Cannes Film Festival today Variety reports that it was met with a “cacophony of Gallic-accented boos”.
The folks in France are trying to recall any previous movie that was met with such contempt. It seems the reason behind the distaste is not necessarily based on the direction or the acting, but more on the way that “Coppola’s candy-coated take on their country’s most infamous queen” approached a level of pop sensibility. However, others apparently reveled in the idea.
At a press conference following the screening Coppola was asked about the reaction and said, “Well that’s disappointing to hear. It’s better to get a reaction, it’s better than a mediocre response. Hopefully some people will enjoy it. I think it’s not for everybody.”
Variety goes on to say that early reviews out of France painted the film in a particularly favorable light and audiences have been flocking to the screenings.
So what is the beef here? Apparently “the main gripe is that a signal moment in French history — la Revolution — is pushed to the sidelines.”
One critic was quoted saying, “It’s Marie Antoinette gets bored, Marie Antoinette goes shopping, Marie Antoinette gets laid.”
A favorable and opposing viewpoint on the flick came from Le Monde’s Thomas Sotinel who was quoted saying, “All of Sofia Coppola’s films tell the same story, about a young girl struggling to find her place. That’s what this film is about.”
Based on all this I remain on the fence over the film and I am still anxious to see it. If I were to base my opinion on trailers I would say I don’t think I am going to like this movie, fortunately I don’t base my opinion on trailers and I believe Coppola is a capable and confident writer/director, which is why I am still anxious to check Marie Antoinette out for myself.
Marie Antoinette is currently slated for an October 13 release, click here to check out our picture gallery and trailer links.
