We get a glimpse into the indulgent lifestyle led by Marie Antoinette and her court in the latest film written and directed by renowned director Benoît Jacquot: Farewell, My Queen.
This French Spanish co-production tale of excess and opulence during the last days of Marie Antoinette (played by the perfectly cast Diane Kruger) is adapted from the bestselling novel by Chantal Thomas. It is seen through the eyes of one of Marie’s Ladies-in-Waiting, her young reader Sidonie (Léa Seydoux) who is willing to risk the ultimate sacrifice if it is in the Queen’s best interest.
It is July 1789, three days before the French Revolution. Situated a safe distance away from Paris, in the Palace of Versailles is King Louis XVI (Xavier Beauvois) and his 33 year old Queen Consort, Marie Antoinette. They continue living their usual carefree lives with their courtiers yet they are practically left alone when the news of the storming of the Bastille reaches them. Panic sets in, resulting in most of the aristocrats and their servants fleeing Versailles.
This leaves the King and Queen to consider their options – do they join the other Nobles or do they stay? They decide to remain in Versailles, leaving Marie Antoinette with her Ladies-in-Waiting. This includes her PA Madame Campan (Noémie Lvovsky from “Camille Rewinds” 2012) and her reader Sidonie while she continues her scandalous lesbian relationship with Duchesse Gabrielle de Polignac (Virginie Ledoyen).
Diane Kruger is perfectly cast as Louis XVI’s Queen consort. However her Marie Antoinette is different to the one that many historians describe of a fashion addict devoted to living a lavish existence. Kruger’s Marie is neither overly spoilt nor particularly concerned for others.
Despite Kruger and Lvovsky giving great performances, it is undoubtedly Léa Seydoux who stands out and almost takes the show away with her portrayal of the young woman entirely devoted to her mistress. She will be most remembered as the lovely French girl who meets Owen Wilson in Woody Allen’s Oscar-winning Midnight In Paris (2011) and her successful future in films is pretty much guaranteed.
This film is so visually lavish that it could almost be considered as a travel advertisement for France! The attention to detail is outstanding, in not only the stunning scenery and production design, but in the magnificent costumes which are essential in such a period drama. This are thanks to Valérie Ranchoux, who dressed Catherine Deneuve and Gerard Depardieu in Changing Times (2004) and Christian Gasc.
Unless you are a serious historian, you will probably be a bit like Sidonie and not realise that these are the last three days she will spend in her Queen’s company. It is much appreciated that we do not see the execution of the gorgeous Diane Kruger!
Despite this film focusing on an event in the 18th Century, it is comforting to know that while many things may have changed over time, emotions in relationships don’t.
Kirstey Whicker
Rating: 3/5 Stars
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