Marie Antoinette- the 18^th century Austrian princess-turned-French queen has been a controversial figure in history. Her infamous statement- “If they don’t have bread, let them eat cake” and her (and her husband King Louie XVI’s) violent end under the guillotine are known to those even with the most rudimentary knowledge of French Revolution. But director Sophia Coppola (‘Lost in translation’-fame) decides to give a positive, sympathetic spin to the much maligned Queen’s colourful life-story in her movie version based on Antonia Fraser’s biography.

So we see a young innocent yet poised Marie coming from Austria and getting married to a diffident French Prince. Suddenly her private life becomes a public affair. Cumbersome French Royal customs and a long-standing non-consummation of her marriage destroy Marie’s self-esteem, making her feel caged and desperate. She seeks solace in an extravagant life-style- overspending on clothes, shoes, jewels, gambling and parties and even has a brief, torrid affair with a Swedish army officer. But slowly her crumbling marriage comes around and Marie becomes a dutiful wife, a doting mother and a conscientious queen!

Coppola akes it a lavish period film with grand palaces, glittering costumes and good performances but she also tries to make you unlearn whatever you have learnt about Marie Antoinette in the past! Kirsten Dunst (of Spider Man-fame) plays the title role quite admirably- she even succeeds in making you sympathize and empathize with such complex and reviled historical character.