Making Marie Antoinette is a tale of two Coppolas

Eleanor and Sofia Coppola's documentary reveals Marie Antoinette's timeless story.

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Oct 20, 2026

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Making Marie Antoinette is a tale of two Coppolas

Eleanor and Sofia Coppola's documentary reveals Marie Antoinette's timeless story.

In brief

Eleanor and Sofia Coppola's documentary reveals Marie Antoinette's timeless story. Eleanor Coppola's documentary 'Making Marie Antoinette' shows Sofia's 20-year-old film as a modern classic through behind-the-scenes footage. Originally reported by Salon.

Marie Antoinette documentary release

Eleanor Coppola's documentary 'Making Marie Antoinette' premieres in theaters October 23 before streaming on MUBI November 6.

Sofia Coppola's film soundtrack

Sofia Coppola used 1980s punk and new wave songs for Marie Antoinette's soundtrack, creating a personal connection to the queen's youth.

Critics' initial reaction

Critics' initial reaction

Critics called the soundtrack 'not interesting enough to save this bauble' and suggested Coppola lacked conviction in her new wave approach.

Eleanor's behind-the-scenes work

Eleanor Coppola filmed over 90 hours of behind-the-scenes footage during Marie Antoinette's production, documenting the filmmaking process.

Eleanor's perspective on filmmaking

Eleanor viewed filmmaking as a 'boy’s club' but found her daughter's leadership in Marie Antoinette's production inspiring.

Sofia's filmmaking approach

Sofia's filmmaking approach

Sofia Coppola's film shows Marie Antoinette as a teenager overwhelmed by responsibilities, creating a relatable story of young leadership.

Eleanor's journal entry

Eleanor wrote in her journal: 'Maybe making movies is a way of moving back and forth, in and out, of linear time'.

“Maybe making movies is a way of moving back and forth, in and out, of linear time”

Sofia's film legacy

Sofia's 'Marie Antoinette' remains a modern classic 20 years after its release, praised for its timeless storytelling.

Eleanor's role in production

Eleanor's role in production

Eleanor Coppola acted as a mother figure, watching Sofia's growth while filming Marie Antoinette's production.

Documentary's significance

The documentary shows how filmmaking and family life intersect, creating a lasting legacy for both mothers and daughters.

Sofia's film impact

Sofia's film resonates with audiences as a story of teenage identity and the pressures of leadership.

Eleanor's legacy

Eleanor Coppola's documentary completes her legacy as a filmmaker and mother, showing Sofia's growth through Marie Antoinette.

Family filmmaking bond

The Coppola family's shared filmmaking journey creates a unique bond between mother and daughter through their art.

The headline

Eleanor Coppola's documentary 'Making Marie Antoinette' shows Sofia's 20-year-old film as a modern classic through behind-the-scenes footage.

Read the original on Salon

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