View Sofia Coppola’s movie, Marie Antoinette and answer the following questions.

From whose perspective is the story told?  Is this the traditional approach to telling Marie Antoinette’s story?  If not, explain from whose perspective it is usually told and why?

When the Austrian princess, Maria Antonia travels to France to become the bride of Louis XVI, a “crossing over ceremony” takes place.  Describe what happens in this event and explain the symbolic meaning of this ceremony.  Similarly, what message does the changing of her name to Marie Antoinette carry?

According to the film, did Marie Antoinette say “Let them eat cake” in response to concerns that the French people had no bread to eat?  Why is this statement historically associated with Marie Antoinette?

Why is Marie Antoinette under so much pressure to consummate her marriage and produce an heir to the throne?  Why does it take so long for these things to happen?  How did the French people and court respond to Marie Antoinette’s apparent inability to become pregnant?

Consider the soundtrack to the movie and describe the genre of music used to support the telling of the story.  Why this particular kind of music?  What meaning and message does this unconventional choice of music lend to our understanding of Marie Antoinette?

Consider how the movie ends – what is portrayed, and what is omitted.  Why did Coppola chose to end the story here?  Why not continue the story until the Queen’s death?  How is the Queen’s and the monarchy’s demise suggested in the last scene?