A look at the relationship between Marie Antoinette and one of her readers during the first days of the French Revolution.
Opens on Bastille Day, July 14, 1789, and observes the events inside the royal palace of Versailles through the eyes and knowledge of Sidonie Laborde (Lea Seydoux), a poor young woman who is the official reader to Marie Antoinette (Diane Kruger). The servants learn of events in Paris by rumor and gossip, and in a few days see the majesty of the monarchy crumble. What will this mean for the servants? Director Benoit Jacquot, who filmed on location at Versailles, does an atmospheric and engrossing job of depicting the dread gathering in the palace shadows. - Three and a half stars
