Review: Marie-Antoinette
I’m not a big fan of costume dramas (understatement), but 3 years after Sofia Coppola’s break-out indie hit Lost in Translation, I had to try this one. As I’m not a sucker for history lessons, I don’t mind the creative license usually taken, as long as it’s entertaining. So, what’s the result ?
Well, I can be pretty positive about the first half. Everything you don’t expect in a costume drama is here. No irritating Ya Olde Language babbling. Laced between the scenes are several electric pop-rock songs/score. Contemporary dialogue about old customs, etiquette and tradition. The hardships of arranged marriage and the pressure thereafter. And all that’s holding it up are the sparks created by Kirsten Dunst.
The second half loses focus though, and drags on quite a bit, with the story not working towards an end. The sparks have died out by then, and it’s on the edge of being bored.
All in all, can’t say I’ve lost all faith in Sofia (definitely worth a second chance), but I can’t recommend this to the average movie-goer either.6-.