FILM REVIEW: Farewell My Queen

For those not familiar with their French Revolution history, you should hit the books, or Wikipedia, before viewing Farewell My Queen.

In a bit of an oversight, director Benoit Jacquot assumes that viewers will have an understanding or background with his very small snapshot into French history.

Farewell My Queen focuses on four days at the start of the French Revolution.

A reader and important lady-in-waiting, Sidonie Laborde, (Lea Seydoux) is extremely loyal to Queen Marie Antoinette (Diane Kruger) and holds a good position to gain insight on the turmoil surrounding the kingdom. However, she doesn’t truly comprehend the significance and danger of what is happening, until her loyalty is tested.

This costume period drama is beautifully shot by Jacqutot at Versailles, who also uses lighting to emphasise the two extremes of the time: the elegant halls and accessories for the palace compared to the squalor and vermin-infested quarters of the servants.

Kruger and Virginie Ledoyen (who plays Marie Antoinette’s supposed lover) have great performances, while Seydoux portrays a range of emotions for such a naïve character.

There is no real action in the film, but there is still suspense as to what will happen to Sidonie.

But in the end this doesn’t seem to matter, which is perhaps the whole point of the film.

While it is a wonderfully shot period drama, Farewell My Queen lacks emotion and doesn’t lead to anywhere amazing.

By Isabella Pittaway
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