Versailles, France — It was 20 years ago that the film Marie Antoinette emerged on the big screen and offered an intimate glimpse into the Château of Versailles, where it was filmed. A world of pastel colors, pink cakes, trays of oysters, copious quantities of champagne and flowers, flowers everywhere emerged. There were big hair, big cakes, big hats and an atmosphere of fun, fetes and feasting. There were the glorious clothes, the joyful jewels and scenes in which the very young queen of France, who was born in Austria, enjoyed the company of her friends with one memorable scene being a milk drinking « party » at the dairy in the pastoral hamlet at Versailles. And of course there is the iconic scene in which the unforgettable pinkish, worn Converse sneakers pop up alongside 18th centuries shoes and all of those cakes. When the film came out it did not exactly receive the greatest of reviews. But now 20 years later is is considered by some, and rightly so, to be a masterpiece. 

The American film maker Sophia Coppola adapted her screen version from the book Marie Antoinette: The Journey written by the British author Lady Antonia Fraser.  But arguably the main character in the film is French, the palace of Versailles itself. Today the chateau is hosting in the Petit Trianon and in collaboration with Sophia Coppola an exhibition devoted to the making of the movie. The show explores the genesis of the work, the aesthetics and its cultural impact. Marie Antoinette an Austrian princess,  remains one of the most iconic characters in the rich history of Versailles. She was only 15 when she arrived at court, was married to the future Louis XVI on May 16th, 1770 in the Royal Chapel at Versailles. Part of the lavish wedding ceremonies included the opening of the Royal Opera.  During her reign she loved court balls, and a harpist herself she encouraged the arts. 

The film is both colorful and delicate at once and Sophia Coppola presents Marie Antoinette not so much as a queen but rather a young woman a portrayel that contributed to changing the public’s perception of the ill-fated royal. And the film, now cult, brings a human dimension to the palace of Versailles itself. The exhibition is being presented in the Petit Trianon, the small estate on the palace grounds where the real Marie Antoinette enjoyed spending time. The show brings together documents, the director’s first mood boards, costumes, accessories, props and set decors all of which contributed to the sophisticated, loveable, pastel universe created in the film. The exhibition was made possible through the patronage of the house of Cartier. ©Trish Valicenti for The Gourmet Gazette. Until January 24th. Place d’Armes, 78000 Versailles, France. In the Estate of Trianon from 12.00 pm to 6.30 pm. Closed on Mondays. https://en.chateauversailles.fr/