Review of Farewell, My Queen (2012) by Adrian Z — 19 Sep 2014

Marie-Antoinette's (Diane Kruger) downfall as seen from the eyes of the servants around her, particularly Lea Seydoux's character, the queen's librarian. Benoit Jacquot's adaptation of Chantal Thomas' novel feels natural and vivid, foregoing any semblance of stilted dialogue or strong cinematic dramatism - letting, instead, the dire reality of the situation gradually catch up with the viewer and the various characters in their different stages of confusion, while the film's mise en scène captures time and place seemingly well.