The 25 Best Movies of the Century: No. 10 - 'Marie Antoinette’

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• The hosts selected Sofia Coppola's 'Marie Antoinette' for their 25 Best Movies of the Century list over 'Lost in Translation' because it represents a superior, quintessential execution of Coppola's singular directorial vision, despite 'Lost in Translation' being generally more accepted.  Copied to clipboard!
• The film is characterized as the 'complete Sophia Coppola cinematic universe package,' utilizing the 'blank check' from her previous success to create a visually rich, rock-and-roll-soundtracked, sympathetic portrait of a reviled historical figure focused almost entirely on 'girl stuff' and female relationships.  Copied to clipboard!
• Kirsten Dunst's performance is highlighted as essential to the film's success, embodying a vulnerable yet sweet 'mean girl' energy that communicates much of the film's narrative through reaction shots, aligning with Coppola's highly observant, non-verbal directorial style.  Copied to clipboard!

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Marie Antoinette vs Lost in Translation

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(00:00:12)

• Key Takeaway: Marie Antoinette is considered a superior film to Lost in Translation by the host making the selection.
• Summary: The selection of ‘Marie Antoinette’ over ‘Lost in Translation’ was anticipated by listeners, though one host’s husband disagreed with the choice. The host who chose ‘Marie Antoinette’ acknowledges liking ‘Lost in Translation’ more as a film but views ‘Marie Antoinette’ as a superior artistic achievement. ‘Lost in Translation’ received significant critical acclaim, including an Oscar for screenplay and nominations for Best Picture and Director.

Coppola’s Blank Check Execution

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(00:03:04)

• Key Takeaway: Marie Antoinette was a legendary ‘blank check’ film utilizing unprecedented access and resources for an unconventional subject.
• Summary: Coppola leveraged the success of ‘Lost in Translation’ to secure unprecedented access to the Palace of Versailles for this $40 million epic costume drama. The film features seven wardrobe trucks of costumes and an anachronistic rock/post-punk soundtrack, presenting a sympathetic portrait of Marie Antoinette focused on ’teen girl shit.’ This execution is described as deeply characteristic of Sofia Coppola’s filmmaking style.

Girl World and Male Influence

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(00:06:10)

• Key Takeaway: Marie Antoinette is Coppola’s most siloed ‘girl world’ film, with male figures being largely incidental to the narrative structure.
• Summary: Unlike her other films narrated by or centered around male figures (like ‘The Virgin Suicides’ or ‘Lost in Translation’), the rules, approval, and companionship in ‘Marie Antoinette’ are dictated by women. Male characters, including Louis XV and Louis XVI, are incidental, with the primary concerns revolving around fashion, social dynamics, and relationships among the women.

Filmmaking Style and Observation

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(00:12:24)

• Key Takeaway: Coppola’s filmmaking is highly observant, communicating judgment and perspective through deliberate camera angles and visual inclusion/exclusion.
• Summary: The criticism that Coppola is ‘inarticulate’ is refuted by pointing to her keen observational skills, where judgment is communicated visually rather than through dialogue. The film is described as a ‘vicious movie about everyone involved,’ even while sympathetic to the lead, and it intentionally omits the beheading, which is seen as a smart, considered artistic gesture.

Soundtrack and Energy

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(00:16:04)

• Key Takeaway: The film possesses a unique electrical energy, largely driven by its soundtrack, contrasting with the more analog feel of traditional costume dramas.
• Summary: The soundtrack, featuring bands like The Strokes and Bow Wow Wow, provides a modern electricity that traditional costume dramas, like ‘A Room with a View,’ lack. This music selection reflects Coppola’s dual interest in sincerity and coolness, which is central to her overall cinematic project. The music lights up moments and helps bridge the gap between historical setting and contemporary feeling.

Key Crew and Cast Members

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(00:22:46)

• Key Takeaway: The film featured a phenomenal crew, including cinematographer Lance Acord and four-time Oscar-winning costume designer Milena Canonero.
• Summary: Lance Acord shot the film, marking one of his final collaborations before a long hiatus from features. Costume design by Milena Canonero was so extensive it required 60 crew members and 10 rental houses near Versailles for storage. The cast included early roles for Jamie Dornan and Rose Byrne, alongside established actors like Rip Torn and Judy Davis.

Dunst’s Central Performance

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(00:27:35)

• Key Takeaway: Kirsten Dunst masterfully portrayed Marie Antoinette as a vulnerable, oblivious, yet sweet ‘mean girl’ navigating courtly rules.
• Summary: Dunst’s performance is praised for communicating complex emotions through subtle facial reactions, essential in a film light on dialogue. Specific comedic moments, like her reaction to the Countess DuBarry and the ‘I’ll take the small trees’ scene, are highlighted as laugh-out-loud successes. Her choice to avoid French or British accents was deemed a wise decision.

Influences and Reception

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(00:30:50)

• Key Takeaway: Coppola cited Kubrick’s Barry Lyndon and Ken Russell’s Listomania as key influences, while the film faced initial critical division at Cannes.
• Summary: Cited influences include the characterization in ‘Barry Lyndon’ and the gonzo style of Ken Russell’s ‘Listomania,’ which aligns with Coppola’s rule-breaking approach to costume drama. The film won only one Oscar (Costume Design) and premiered at Cannes where it was reportedly met with aggressive booing, though this reception was downplayed later. Some critics judged the film as a ‘silly, soft defense’ of Marie Antoinette, mirroring contemporary public reception of the Queen.

Placement and Future Episodes

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(00:40:03)

• Key Takeaway: The placement of ‘Marie Antoinette’ at number 10 is considered good list-making strategy to generate discussion and engagement.
• Summary: The hosts feel the ranking of ‘Marie Antoinette’ at number 10 is effective for generating listener reaction, similar to how Michael Clayton was placed at 25. The next episode in the ‘25 for 25’ series will be number nine, with four entries scheduled for October. The hosts will also release an episode covering the Best Picture power rankings soon.