Monday, February 18, 2013

Farewell My Queen (2012)

Farewell My Queen • Les adieux à la reine (2012)
Farewell My Queen • Les adieux à la reine (2012)
Genre: Drama
Director: Benoît Jacquot
Starring: Diane Kruger, Léa Seydoux, Virginie Ledoyen, Xavier Beauvois, Noémie Lvovsky
Language: French, English, German, Italian
Duration: 100 min.
Rating: 6.9
Summary:
The last days of Marie Antoinette's reign as seen through the eyes of her young reader.
Farewell My Queen is a film directed by Benoît Jacquot, adapted with Gilles Taurant from the 2002 Prix Femina winning novel written by Chantal Thomas. It premiered as the opening film in competition at the 2012 Berlin International Film Festival. It was awarded the 2012 Prix Louis-Delluc, and is nominated for 10 awards including Best Film, at the 38th César Awards.

Jacquot, a veteran director who is no stranger to period films with strong female characters, crafts an interesting scenario set in Versailles amidst the chaotic early days of the French Revolution. The story is centered on the fictitious relationship between queen Marie Antoinette (Diane Kruger), and her devoted reader, Sidonie Laborde (Léa Seydoux); and is told mostly from the young servant's perspective. An original concept that gives us a thorough glimpse of life inside the palace walls from the decadent and gilded royal chambers to the cramped and dusty common quarters.

Farewell My Queen • Les adieux à la reine (2012)

The setting is iconic and detailed accordingly, and the costumes are sumptuous, but the visuals are notably downplayed, with the director choosing to shoot mostly with roving handheld cameras in natural lighting. This plays well with the film's unique point-of-view and lends a welcome, raw, almost gritty tone that these kinds of films usually lack.

German born actress Diane Kruger is impressive, convincingly portraying the frivolous and self-absorbed queen with a decayed elegance that's equal parts passion and petulance, you almost feel bad for her. While the pouty faced Seydoux is up to the task as a servant too helpful and pretty for her own good. Sadly, she isn't given much of a character to work with.

Farewell My Queen • Les adieux à la reine (2012)

No background on Sidonie is ever given (even the details revealed in the final moments provides nothing useful), and her motivations are kept a mystery, leaving us only with the immediate chemistry between the two, a relationship full of contrasts which are fascinating and tantalizing to observe. But ultimately it all feels emotionally distant. It's almost as if she only exists in order to provide us with this vantage point, thus totally negating the impact of a late pivotal moment of truth which could have made this film more memorable.

Still it's not a total loss, because the plot moves efficiently, and the beautiful cast, awards worthy decor, and exquisite detail are indeed wonderful to take in, as is the inventive take on what would otherwise be a well worn period of history.
Bonjour Tristesse
Farewell My Queen • Les adieux à la reine (2012)

Farewell My Queen • Les adieux à la reine (2012)

Farewell My Queen • Les adieux à la reine (2012)

Farewell My Queen • Les adieux à la reine (2012)

Farewell My Queen • Les adieux à la reine (2012)

Farewell My Queen • Les adieux à la reine (2012)

Farewell My Queen • Les adieux à la reine (2012)

Farewell My Queen • Les adieux à la reine (2012)

12 comments:

SDG said...

After watching its trailer many months ago, I had an impression it might be an interesting watch. Not that my impression changed but somehow this movie was lost among others and I never heard anything about it since then. Don't know what happened. But I might check it out at some point.

Margaret said...

I really like the story of Marie Antoinette and Lea Seydoux is so charming. The film doesn't look especially amazing but I'll try to see it soon. Great review!

Lisa Thatcher said...

I'm going to see this at the French Film Festival here in Sydney in a few weeks. I can't wait. It looks gorgeous, and I love the played down color. It will be interesting to see how it does at the Cesars although it has to compete with Holy Motors, Amour and Camille Rewinds.

d_4 said...

Feels like I'll watch it, enjoy it, but not think much of it a few months after. That's not a bad thing I guess.

Bonjour Tristesse said...

It's an interesting watch, nothing amazing for sure, I guess it depends on how much you like this genre/style of film in general.

Bonjour Tristesse said...

Thanks Margaret. I wasn't as impressed with Seydoux's acting here as in SISTER, but I can't argue against her charm. The film also provides an interesting counterpoint in style and execution to Sofia Copolla's Marie Antoinette. Not necessarily better or worse, just different

Bonjour Tristesse said...

The French Film Fest, sounds great. What else are you going to see?

As for the Césars, I think it's only chances are in Production Design and Costume Design. The competition is just too fierce in all the other categories.

Bonjour Tristesse said...

That's pretty much sums it up.

Lisa Thatcher said...

It will be interesting to see what happens there this year. Some really good films are up.

I'm seeing this, and Camille rewind, as well as Augustine, in the house, Our children, Sister, You aint seen nothin yet (Resnais - I'm very excited) What's in a name, Plus a bunch of others. Its a pretty good festival this year.

Bonjour Tristesse said...

Wow, that's a great lineup. I will be looking out for your reviews.

cassie l. taylor said...

Farewell My Queen played in Seattle, but the run was short and I missed it and it (unfortunately) fell off my radar. Thanks to your post on this film, it's back on my radar (and finally in my Netflix queue). Do you have any other recommendations for Diane Kruger fans?

Bonjour Tristesse said...

Hmm, off the top of my head, and assuming you've already seen Inglourious Basterds... I think Pour Elle (Anything For Her) is a decent little French thriller, and though the season has passed, Joyeux Noel (Merry Christmas) a great holiday film.

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