Farewell, My Queen 2012
Directed by
Benoît Jacquot
Made by
Cohen Media Group
Plot Summary
In the year 1789, just before the French Revolution, the luxurious routines of the court at the Palace of Versailles continue, seemingly untouched by the growing chaos nearby in Paris, which lies a mere twenty miles away. This world is vividly portrayed through the perspective of Sidonie Laborde, who is devotedly serving Queen Marie Antoinette.
As news of the dramatic storming of the Bastille reaches the palace, a wave of panic sweeps through the aristocrats and servants, leading many to abandon the Royal Family out of fear for their own safety as the government appears to be crumbling. However, Sidonie, a staunch royalist, resolutely chooses to stay, convinced of her safety under the monarchy’s protection. Little does she realize that these are the final three days she will spend by the Queen’s side.
In a dramatic twist, the Queen commands Sidonie to assume the identity of Yolande Martine Gabrielle de Polastron, the Duchess of Polignac, transforming her into a decoy to facilitate the Duchess’s escape to Switzerland. Despite receiving alarming warnings from one of the Queen’s ladies-in-waiting, Sidonie complies with the Queen’s wishes. The process is quite invasive, as she is first stripped of her clothing and then redressed in an elegant green gown.
The journey takes a complicated turn when the coach carrying Sidonie is also occupied by the actual Duchess and her husband, who are disguised as her servants. Throughout the trip, they regard her with scorn, yet Sidonie manages to convincingly play her part. This ruse ultimately allows the group to cross the border safely. As the film reaches its poignant conclusion, Sidonie reflects on her transient position, noting that her sole connection to power is her role as the Queen’s reader, lamenting that soon, she will be just another nameless face in the crowd.
Timeline
Life at the Palace
In the year 1789, the luxurious routines of the court at the Palace of Versailles continue as if untouched by the turmoil brewing in Paris. The opulence of life in the palace stands in stark contrast to the unrest just twenty miles away, reflecting the disconnection of the aristocracy from the common people's suffering.
News of the Revolution
As news of the storming of the Bastille reaches Versailles, panic begins to infiltrate the palace. Aristocrats and servants alike are gripped by fear as they contemplate the safety of their positions within a crumbling government, leading many to contemplate abandoning the Royal Family.
Sidonie Chooses Loyalty
In the midst of the chaos, Sidonie Laborde, devoted to Queen Marie Antoinette, chooses not to flee. Her staunch loyalty to the monarchy drives her to remain at the palace, underscoring her belief in the safety that the royal court provides, despite the growing danger outside.
A Decoy for Escape
In a desperate bid to protect the Duchess of Polignac, Queen Marie Antoinette orders Sidonie to take on the identity of Yolande Martine Gabrielle de Polignac. This pivotal moment transforms Sidonie into a decoy, ostensibly helping the Duchess escape the perilous situation in France.
The Invasive Transformation
As part of her new role, Sidonie undergoes an invasive transformation to become the Duchess. Stripped of her clothing and adorned in an elegant green gown, she grapples with the dramatic change required to maintain the ruse, which illustrates her commitment to the Queen.
Traveling in Disguise
The journey to Switzerland becomes more complex as Sidonie shares a coach with the real Duchess and her husband. Disguised as Sidonie’s servants, the couple looks down on her, but Sidonie remains steadfast in her role, balancing the expectations of the Queen and the disdain from her companions.
Crossing the Border
Despite the initial scorn from the Duchess and her spouse, Sidonie successfully plays her role during their travel. This clever ruse ultimately aids the group in crossing the border to Switzerland, highlighting Sidonie's resourcefulness and commitment to her Queen’s mission.
Reflections on Power
As the film approaches its conclusion, Sidonie reflects on her brief and tenuous connection to power. She considers her role as the Queen's reader, realizing that soon she might just be another nameless face in the crowd, emphasizing the fleeting nature of her position.
The Fall of the Monarchy
In the aftermath of the revolution, the consequences of the political upheaval become evident. The fall of the monarchy dramatically reshapes the landscape of France, leaving those who once served in the royal court to navigate a new world devoid of the previous certainties.
A Changed Identity
Leaving the palace and the life she knew behind, Sidonie grapples with her new identity. The transformation from a loyal servant of the Queen to a fugitive underscores the bitter irony of her situation, as she reflects on the cost of loyalty in a time of upheaval.
A Lasting Farewell
Sidonie's journey concludes with a poignant farewell to the life she once knew. As she navigates her new reality, she is left with memories of her time at court and a deep sense of loss, signaling the end of an era both personally and politically.
Characters
Sidonie Laborde
Sidonie Laborde is portrayed as a devoted royalist and the reader to Queen Marie Antoinette. Her loyalty is unwavering, even as the storm of revolution approaches the palace. Throughout the film, Sidonie exhibits bravery and resilience in the face of danger, illustrating her deep connection to the monarchy and her struggles with identity as she becomes a decoy for the Duchess.
Setting
Time period
1789
The year 1789 marks the onset of the French Revolution, a pivotal period that transformed the landscape of France and impacted global politics. Social inequality and discontent brewed among the populace, leading to events like the storming of the Bastille. This tumultuous time was characterized by a clash between the monarchy and the rising demand for democracy and reform.
Location
Palace of Versailles, Paris, Switzerland
The Palace of Versailles is a symbol of opulence and the epitome of royal luxury in France. Located just outside Paris, it was the residence of kings and queens, reflecting the grandeur of the French monarchy. Paris, a short distance away, was on the brink of revolution in 1789, marking a significant shift in history, while Switzerland served as a destination of escape for those seeking refuge.
Themes
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Revolution
The theme of revolution is central to the narrative, as it highlights the tension between the opulence of the monarchy and the impending chaos of the revolution. As the characters navigate their lives at Versailles, the stark contrast between the royal lifestyle and the tumultuous events occurring in Paris serves as a backdrop for their personal struggles. The film encapsulates the fear and uncertainty faced by those loyal to the crown as the world around them crumbles.
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Loyalty
Loyalty is deeply explored through Sidonie's unwavering devotion to Queen Marie Antoinette. Despite the growing dangers that come with remaining at the palace, Sidonie's commitment illustrates the complexities of loyalty in a time of upheaval. Her journey, forced into deception for the sake of the royal family, reflects the lengths to which one might go for loyalty amid changing allegiances.
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Identity
The theme of identity plays a significant role as Sidonie assumes the persona of the Duchess of Polignac. This transformation highlights the fluidity of identity in times of crisis, as characters navigate roles dictated by circumstance. Sidonie’s internal conflict regarding her own identity presents a poignant commentary on the sacrifices made for those in power and the inherent loss of self in service to others.
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