Farewell, My Queen (2012)
"Les adieux à la reine" (original title)

A look at the relationship between Marie Antoinette and one of her readers during the first days of the French Revolution.

Director:

Benoît Jacquot

Writers:

Benoît Jacquot (scenario), Gilles Taurand (scenario),

Stars:

Léa Seydoux, Diane Kruger, Virginie Ledoyen

5 wins & 9 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Léa Seydoux	...	Agathe-Sidonie Laborde
Diane Kruger	...	La reine Marie Antoinette
Virginie Ledoyen	...	La duchesse Gabrielle de Polignac
Noémie Lvovsky	...	Henriette Genest dite Madame Campan
Xavier Beauvois	...	Le roi Louis XVI
Michel Robin	...	Jacob-Nicolas Moreau - l'archiviste de Versailles
Julie-Marie Parmentier	...	La servante Honorine Aubert (as Julie-Marie Parmentier de la Comédie Française)
Lolita Chammah	...	La domestique Louison
Marthe Caufman	...	La domestique Alice
Vladimir Consigny	...	René dit Paolo
Dominique Reymond	...	Madame de Rochereuil
Anne Benoît	...	Rose Bertin
Hervé Pierre	...	L'abbé Hérissé (as Hervé Pierre Sociétaire de la Comédie Française)
Aladin Reibel	...	L'abbé Cornu de la Balivière
Jacques Nolot	...	Monsieur de Jolivet

Storyline

In July 1789, the French Revolution is rumbling. Far from the turmoil, at the Château de Versailles, King Louis XVI, Queen Marie-Antoinette and their courtiers keep on living their usual carefree lives. But when the news of the storming of the Bastille reaches them, panic sets in and most of the aristocrats and their servants desert the sinking ship, leaving the Royal Family practically alone. Which is not the case of Sidonie Laborde, the Queen's reader, a young woman, entirely devoted to her mistress; she will not give her up under any circumstances. What Sidonie does not know yet is that these are the last three days she will spend in the company of her beloved Queen...

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Plot Keywords:

revolution | marie antoinette | french revolution | reader | servant | 

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Genres:

Drama | History

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for brief graphic nudity and language

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook [fr] Official Facebook [us]

Country:

France Spain

Language:

French English German Italian

Release Date:

21 March 2012 (France)

Also Known As:

Farewell, My Queen

Filming Locations:

Chateau de Versailles, Versailles, Yvelines, France

Box Office

Opening Weekend:

$72,100 (USA) (13 July 2012)

Gross:

$72,100 (USA) (13 July 2012)

Company Credits

Production Co:

GMT Productions, Les Films du Lendemain, France 3 Cinéma

Technical Specs

Runtime:

100 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital Dolby SR

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Eva Green was originally cast as Marie Antoinette but dropped out to do Dark Shadows and was replaced by Diane Kruger.

User Reviews

Farewell, My Queen...a Few Days at Court

Farewell, My Queen is a French film that covers three days in the life of servant Sidonie. She is Marie Antoinette's reader. The three days cover the early days of the French Revolution as seen through her eyes. Be advised, this is not a film about Marie Antoinette. If you are entertained by the series Downton Abbey or Upstairs Downstairs and enjoying stealing a glimpse behind the inner workings of court life this film will not disappoint.

There is no exposition at the beginning of this film. The dialog is French with English subtitles. The original audience would be expected to be familiar with the basic history and players of the French Revolution. If you are not familiar, it's a good idea to review this time period before seeing the film.

A sense of mystery is evoked by a combination of narrative reveals and soundtrack. It's a handsome film that duly contrasts the masters and servants via costumes, sets and cinematography. The performances are particularly effective as Diane Kruger and Lea Seydoux are well cast and empathetic in their roles.