Marie Antoinette

If you only watch the first half hour and the last, her transformation is as good as anything Meryl Streep ever did (they could almost be twins). I guess they stripped off her makeup at the end, but the change in her performance is pretty amazing.I recently read a newer biography of Marie Antoinette's daughter Marie-Therese, and, given that biopics always skip some details, this movie seems to mirror that book by Susan Nagel.

Loved everything about receiving 1938 movie Marie Antoinette

If you are reading these reviews I assume that you are trying to decide whether or not to purchase this film. What I can tell you is this: if my house were on fire, of the over 1100 videos and DVDs therein, this is the one I would rescue. I first saw MA in 1957 and fell in love with Norma Schearer because of it. It was the film that defined my standards for films and started my life-long love affair with the movies. If I were teaching film to students, this would be required viewing because even today, the technical standards remain the finest. It is the apotheosis of the art of film making and should be cherished just for what it is. This is a "prestige" film from MGM, and this type of film was made to increase the prestige of the studio with little regard for the expense, or concern for return on investment. They didn't care if it would be popular. What did happen was film magic, and without computer-generated imagery. It should also be appreciated for the many-layered delineation of the title role by one of Hollywood's most capable actresses--Norma Schearer, who had been in films almost from their very beginnings. This is her tour-de-force performance; she IS Marie Antoinette. I am always amazed that she is more well-known for her role in THE WOMEN, since this is a much more demanding, and riveting endeavor. Near the end of MAYTIME, John Barrymore says to Jeanette MacDonald, "Tonight you surpassed even yourself; they are calling it a 'living emotion'". And that's what happened here. It is rare magic to see such delineation of a character by an actor; at the moment I can only recall Vivien Leigh's Scarlett, and Bette Davis' Charlotte Vale (NOW VOYAGER) for being as textured and defined. Norma worked very hard on this part--she wasn't known as "queen of the lot" just because she had been married to Irving Thalberg. She had to work at overcoming a cast in her left eye, that is never apparent even in her close-ups, and she had to get it right the first time, because Van Dyke (not her choice for director) did not coddle female stars, and was known as "one-take Van Dyke". Of course the concert of artists and technicians contributed their expertise to this period piece too. Costumer Adrian had been in Europe for 3 years searching for authentic materials for her gowns and even when he did find some, since they were silk, they had rotted on the bolts and had to be rewoven. (There was no polyester in the 18th century!) Adrian also refused to use rhinestones on his headpieces and gowns. When Power sees Schearer standing on the stairs of the gaming house (for the first time), those are real diamonds in her hair and on her gown! Only a few select seamstresses were trusted in sewing on those diamonds, and in removing them from the dresses when the film was finished--and they were counted both ways. Such extravangances were not seen again until 1963's CLEOPATRA, when Sharaff made the cloth of gold gown for Elizabeth Taylor, and is unlikely to happen ever again. This film is a true classic and my definition of a "classic" is any film you can watch over and over and it is just as good each time. Schearer's Antoinette is a magic carpet ride to the 18th century and now you can go there any time you want.

If you read the other reviews you will find what a true masterpiece this film is. I always loved Tyrone Power and in his prime he must have been irrestible. However, this film was not a strong vehicle for him but rather Norma Shearer. After watching the "SHEAR" (sheer) emotions that she is able to emote with such grace and humility I was transformed by her acting not only to France but became her number one fan, many long years after her death. It made me watch every movie she had ever been involved in. Oh, and when I see her brother's name listed on any film, I know it will be a true work of art as well. Norma started out in the silent films and every bit of her training just bursts of the scene. She made me laugh, cry and feel the shock, wonder and horror of her role. The fact that it was filmed in Black and White did not bother me at all as far as the story goes. It did make me wish however that those magnificent ball gowns could be seen in color. I have to tell you that I will never get over experiencing how Shearer and Moorely (sp?) created the scene in the bedroom palor just after the wedding. One of the most powerful pieces of acting I have ever witnessed without guns, blood and sex. The way they both stumble along trying to get through those first awkward moments when you actually witness SHEARER's genius attempt to coax him into her arms, his intense uncomfortable fears being released to her.The anguish they both suffer from the stark realization they must act normal for others, while secretly living out a complete life of dissapointment together. She nails it with the way she comforts him while herself utterly tormented by him. Yes Bette Davis was herself a comsumate actress with almost no peer,but during those few minutes I realized that Norma was the ultimate Queen. To award the Oscar to Bette while leaving behind Norma, was either a designed barb or a complete lack of discernment. Through the movie she continued on with gem after gem of absolutely perfected skill. When I think of this unbeatable piece of film, I always see the stark contrast of her standing in the staircase while blown away with Tyrone's presence, the stars twinkling in that unreal hair style, jeweled beyond belief. I then see her on her way to the Guillotine and how she has accepted her death, her complete betrayal and innocence, the lose of her children, husband and already dead in spirit as she climbs the stairs. It is number One for me and there is so much film I love, but if I could only chose one for it's acting it would be this one.

Some good performances, especially by Robert Morley, but there are so many historical inaccuracies! It provides a sympathetic portrait of the tragic and unfortunate Queen, that spans her whole life, starting in Austria and ending in the guillotine. Most of the relationships are misrepresented or exaggerated, so watch it on it's own merits, and not as a study aid!

classic film

Another great addition to my home DVD collection of classic films from the 30's!Thank you seller.Kind regards.Harry Donaghy.

Very long film but excellent.

A very lush production. A fine cast, stunning sets and wonderful costumes.