Watch The Secret Versailles of Marie Antoinette

The Secret Versailles of Marie Antoinette is a docudrama that delves into the personal life of the infamous queen of France, Marie Antoinette, and her connections to the Palace of Versailles. The film starts with a brief history of the Palace of Versailles, its construction, and its evolution into the center of power during the reign of Louis XIV, the Sun King. It then introduces Marie Antoinette, who married Louis XVI as a teenager and moved to Versailles to live a life of luxury and excess. The film shows how Marie Antoinette used the palace as a personal sanctuary, away from the rigid protocols of court life, to explore her true self and maintain her sanity in the midst of the French Revolution.

The film features interviews with historians and palace experts who provide insight into the queen's life and how she used different parts of the palace to express herself. Through reenactments and stunning visuals, the film showcases the many hidden rooms and secret spaces that Marie Antoinette used as a retreat from the pressures of her public life. These spaces include her bedroom, dressing room, personal library, and private theater. The film also highlights how the queen used hidden passages and staircases to move around the palace unnoticed, further emphasizing her need for privacy and secrecy.

One of the most interesting aspects of the film is its focus on Marie Antoinette's relationship with the artist and architect, Richard Mique. He was responsible for designing many of the queen's private spaces and helping her create an environment in which she could truly be herself. The film suggests that Mique and Marie Antoinette were more than just collaborators, and that their relationship may have been romantic in nature.

Throughout the film, there is a strong sense of contrast between the luxurious public spaces of Versailles and the intimate and personal spaces that Marie Antoinette created for herself. This contrast highlights the duality of the queen's life, and how she struggled to reconcile her public duties with her private desires.

Overall, The Secret Versailles of Marie Antoinette is a fascinating look into the personal life of one of history's most infamous figures. By focusing on the hidden spaces of Versailles and the private life of the queen, the film provides a fresh perspective on a story that has been told many times before. It is a must-see for anyone interested in the history of France, the palace of Versailles, or the life of Marie Antoinette.

The Secret Versailles of Marie Antoinette is a 2018 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes.