Marie Antoinette
About the event
Teenager Marie Antoinette, the youngest daughter of the Holy Roman Empress and Emperor of Austria, is sent away to wed Louis-Auguste, Dauphin of France. Displaced and isolated in Versailles, she finds comfort in parties and the frivolities of royal life. Coppola’s creative reimagining of the famous young monarch’s life caused a stir upon release, with many critics thrown by the lack of historicity and interest in politics. Instead, the film is resplendent with its gorgeous cinematography, Rococo style and a banging soundtrack, featuring everything from Siouxsie and the Banshees, Adam and the Ants and Bow Wow Wow to New Order, The Cure and The Strokes. Dunst’s wonderful performance, combined with the lustrous imagery and unique approach to history offers a singular, intimate portrait of the pressures and desires of girlhood. A previously misunderstood masterpiece, this might just be Coppola’s finest film. Kimberley Sheehan, Lead Programmer A Park Circus re-release. Screen: NFT4. Screening details: 4K Restoration.
