Marie Antoinette (1938)

Marie Antoinette Poster

The young Austrian princess Marie Antoinette is arranged to marry Louis XVI, future king of France, in a politically advantageous marriage for the rival countries. The opulent Marie indulges in various whims and flirtations. When Louis XV passes and Louis XVI ascends the French throne, his queen's extravagant lifestyle earns the hatred of the French people, who despise her Austrian heritage.

Film Background
"Marie Antoinette" is a 1938 American historic dramatization movie routed by W.S. Van Dyke and also produced by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. The movie is an adjustment of the 1932 bio and movie script by Stefan Zweig, which is based on the life of the titular character - Marie Antoinette, the Queen of France from 1755 to 1793. The film stars Norma Shearer ahead role, with Tyrone Power, John Barrymore, and also Robert Morley amongst the supporting cast.

Story Synopsis
The movie chronicles the life of Marie Antoinette - from her very early years as an adolescent Austrian princess, whose hand in marriage to the French Dauphin Louis XVI was organized as component of a political partnership in between the two nations, to her last days throughout the French Revolution. The story centers around Marie Antoinette's trip from an ignorant as well as innocent woman to a matured as well as thoughtful woman and also queen.

As the film starts, we witness the 14-year-old Marie Antoinette, played by Norma Shearer, leaving her house in Austria to embark on a tough journey to France. On her method, she is called for to give up all Austrian properties, also her beloved pet, as a symbolic act of leaving her old life and also fully welcoming the French royal family.

After her arrival in France, Marie Antoinette is presented to her soon-to-be hubby, Louis XVI, played by Robert Morley. The two are married in an intricate event as well as begin their brand-new lives with each other as a young couple in an extravagant Royal court filled with strict methods, rules, and political intrigue.

Marie Antoinette at first battles to discover her footing in her new residence. Her inability to generate an heir due to Louis' uninterest in being a hubby and papa brings about ridicule from both the Royal court and the public. She also deals with resistance from her brand-new family, particularly from the King's mistress Madame du Barry, played by Gladys George.

With time, Marie Antoinette ends up being increasingly frustrated and also looks for solace in extravagant spending, fashion, and parties, which gains her the nickname "Madame Deficit" amongst the French people. She locates a confidant in her lover Count Axel von Fersen, played by Tyrone Power, that offers her with emotional assistance during the hard times.

Political Turmoil and also French Revolution
As animosity grows versus the monarchy, the French individuals face economic difficulties and political agitation. The movie reveals Marie Antoinette originally oblivious to the circumstances of her subjects, which adds to their increasing rage towards the Royal family members.

However, as the hazard of the French Revolution becomes impending, Marie Antoinette begins to reveal authentic issue for her people and also efforts to come to be a more responsible queen. She starts to understand the gravity of the circumstance and attempts to take a much more active role in regulating France.

Sadly, her initiatives come far too late as the French Revolution unravels as well as the monarchy breaks down. The movie portrays the downfall of the once-mighty French Royal family members, as they are imprisoned as well as, ultimately, performed by guillotine.

Production as well as Reception
"Marie Antoinette" was just one of one of the most ambitious and also costly films generated by MGM during the 1930s. It was well-received by doubters and also audiences alike, with special praise given to Shearer's performance ahead role. The film was nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Actress for Shearer as well as Best Supporting Actor for Morley. However, it did not win any of the awards.

In conclusion, "Marie Antoinette" is an engaging historic drama that informs the tale of the rise and fall of among background's most famous as well as debatable numbers. With its lush cinematography, detailed outfits, elaborate set designs, as well as powerful efficiencies, the film serves as an engaging and also insightful representation of Marie Antoinette's life, showcasing both her strengths as well as her problems.

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