During a post-screening Q&A at the New York Film Festival, Sofia Coppola shared that watching her late mother’s new documentary, “Making Marie Antoinette,” evoked complex emotions about the creation of her 2006 film. The fly-on-the-wall doc, part of the festival’s Spotlight section, compiles 80 hours of footage shot by Eleanor Coppola during the production at the Palace of Versailles.
Eleanor, who passed away in 2024 at age 87, had long expressed frustration that her extensive behind-the-scenes records were never edited into a final film. With assistance from editor Aaron Matthews, Sofia brought her mother’s vision to life, narrated by Diane Lane reading Eleanor’s contemporary diary entries. The project was conceptualized as an observational piece inspired by the style of Frederick Wiseman.
The footage captures a young Coppola navigating the pressures of a major period production, alongside antics from stars Kirsten Dunst and Jason Schwartzman, who also happens to be Sofia’s cousin. While the original film received mixed reviews upon release, it has since achieved cult status.
In the documentary, viewers see the production team struggling with the sheer volume of extras and the extensive time required for hair, makeup, and costuming. The film also serves as a tribute to costume designer Milena Canonero, who created over 70 original dresses for Dunst and won the Academy Award for Best Costume Design for her work.
One of the most striking sequences involves Coppola standing her ground against cinematographer Lance Acord, who advocated for more shots from King Louis XVI’s perspective. Coppola, then 34, defended her commitment to the female point of view. “It’s hard to believe twenty years ago that the female point-of-view was so unusual,” she noted during the Q&A. “Now I’m more comfortable at being assertive at what I want.”
Reflecting on the raw footage, Coppola admitted to moments of personal difficulty during the shoot. “It’s embarrassing for me… When I’m in the trailer complaining that I don’t want to talk to my mom and being not nice… but it’s important to show all the sides, and I’m crabby sometimes!” she said.
Despite the stress of the production, Coppola expressed gratitude for the opportunity to revisit the experience. “I felt so lucky that [my mother] gave this to me, and to have this tribute to her and being with her again,” she said.
“Making Marie Antoinette” is scheduled for release on Mubi on October 23.
Diane Lane narrating Eleanor’s diary entries sounds like a perfect creative choice. Can’t wait to watch it on Mubi next month.
Was it really that controversial to center the story on the female experience? Glad she has found comfort in being assertive now.
Twenty years later, the debate about Marie Antoinette’s point of view feels even more relevant. Great to see Sofia standing her ground.
I never realized the production struggles were so intense. The costume design by Milena Canonero was absolutely legendary back then.
It is remarkable how Eleanor’s archives finally saw the light. A beautiful tribute to her persistence and artistic vision.