I rarely get interested in a television series so much that I begin looking for the next season's premiere date as soon as the last episode airs. But that is what has happened with me when watching PBS's Marie Antoinette (2022). The settings, costumes, characters, and the dilemmas that occur when a teenage girl is sent from one country to another to create an alliance had me captivated. I was hooked within the first few moments.
I have no idea how realistic and historically accurate this portrayal of Marie Antoinette is. Frankly, while I read some historical novels I know that history is not my strength. However, I find myself wanting to know more after getting this glimpse at not only this family but of how countries chose to support each other. Especially after the episode in which young King Louis XVI makes a controversial decision to support the Americas as a country versus a colony. But I'm jumping ahead.
Beautiful, young (just recently a teenager) Marie Antoinette leaves her home in Austria to join her in-laws in France. She is expected to marry the Dauphin(1) of France (Louis XVI) and to quickly become pregnant with his child. A male child. Antoinette is moved to Versailles where she is expected to follow the complex, confusing rules and etiquette there. Will she become Queen? Will she produce an heir - not only to continue her family line but for this Royal Family in France?
Young Louis XVI is being raised by his grandfather. His Grandfather Louis XV and essentially his mistress, Madame du Barry. Louis XVI is far more gentle compared to his brother Provence. Provence eventually marries Josephine and in this series they are portrayed as trying to undermine Louis XVI and Antoinette.
While history disagrees with the cause, it is true that Louis XVI and Antoinette take a very long time to consummate their marriage and then take years to have a child. It is true that pornographic and disparaging pamphlets and rumors are spread about Antoinette in the French Court. Becoming Queen in a new country is not an easy thing.
People who review this series seem to love it or hate it. I love it. I love the setting, the costumes, and the portrayal of children who are expected to become leaders of countries. I fell in love with the children Louis XVI and Antoinette... temper tantrums and all. I love the family drama and the relationships that rise and fall when power is involved. People who dislike the series seem to dislike it due to the factual problems that come when a historical setting is portrayed by modern actors/actresses from a modern script. I don't believe it helped that this Marie Antoinette is advertised as feminist. I approach movies and television series as entertainment with a dash of educational benefit (an example of that educational benefit is realizing the Louis XVI was a mere 20 years old when he became King of France. I don't recall that from High School history class). I assume that things on my screen are going to be factually inaccurate. It is with that bias that I found myself LOVING this version of Marie Antoinette and look forward to the 2nd season. I loved these characters so much that I have more factual (reportedly) portrayals lined up to read and watch.
While I have watched Marie Antoinette (2022) on PBS I have also viewed episodes on Amazon Prime Video. The Season 1 DVD is available on the PBS site.
Content advisory: nudity, violence, frightening scenes, alcohol use, foul language, sexual content
(1) Dauphin - the title of the eldest son of the King of France, the heir apparent to the crown, from 1350 to 1830
I never thought about history being portrayed in a television series. Your description of Marie Antoinette sounds fascinating and what an interesting way to bring history to life. Thanks for introducing me to this PBS series.
ReplyDeleteLike you, Dawn, I watch TV series primarily for entertainment and tend to rely on documentaries or books for historical accuracy. My husband and I loved the PBS Masterpiece series Victoria and I think we might enjoy Marie Antoinette as well. Thanks so much for the recommendation!
ReplyDeleteThis does sound a very interesting, fascinating TV series. The characters, history, drama, costumes and portrayal of Marie Antoinette sound great to watch. Thank you for your review and recommendation.
ReplyDeleteI don't watch a whole lot of TV but I always look for something that I know I'll enjoy. This sounds like one of those series that I would definitely watch and enjoy. Thank you for this review, my TV viewing hours will go up now!
ReplyDeleteI did see the promo for this and was considering it - I'm sure I'd be hooked - like you, the I'm anticipating the directors to take creative license on these historical pieces and don't go in expecting it to be a history lesson - for me, like you, it's a way to escape, just entertainment. Hmmmm I'm considering this one now :)
ReplyDeleteThis is a thought provoking review! I do prefer depictions of historical figures to be accurate, or at least as accurate as possible. A series about Marie Antoinette isn't one that would normally interest me since I am not a fan of that queen, but your review has tempted me to watch the series in the light of fiction. Plus, I always like the movies you recommend! Like Barbara, I'm considering this one now :)
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