Eleanor Coppola, a celebrated documentarian in her own right, diligently captured the production of "Marie Antoinette" two decades ago, filming on location at the Palace of Versailles. Though she passed away in 2024 at 87, her long-held desire to assemble the footage into a film was realized posthumously by Sofia, with the assistance of editor Aaron Matthews. As reported by Variety, Sofia shared at the NYFF Q&A that revisiting the material with her family brought back a flood of memories, fulfilling her mother's vision for an observational film in the vein of Frederick Wiseman, narrated by longtime family collaborator Diane Lane using Eleanor's original diary entries.

The documentary provides an unfiltered look at the demanding production, showcasing the sheer scale of the undertaking. Viewers witness the logistical hurdles of managing countless extras and the notoriously lengthy processes for hair, makeup, and the intricate costuming, which included over 70 original dresses designed by Oscar-winner Milena Canonero for Kirsten Dunst’s Marie Antoinette alone. Sofia Coppola herself admitted to feeling “stressed watching it,” recalling how unprepared the team felt for the complexities of a period film. The footage also captures lighthearted moments, with Jason Schwartzman, playing King Louis XVI and Sofia's cousin, engaging in playful antics on set.

Crucially, "Making Marie Antoinette" highlights Sofia Coppola's unwavering artistic vision and her development as a director. The film prominently features a compelling exchange between a 34-year-old Sofia and her cinematographer, Lance Acord, who advocated for more shots from King Louis XVI's perspective. Sofia firmly pushed back, asserting her commitment to centering Marie Antoinette’s point of view. Reflecting on this, Sofia noted how challenging it was to champion a female perspective two decades ago. “I was still trying to find my way of being assertive on set about what I wanted,” she explained during the Q&A, underscoring her growth into the confident filmmaker she is today.

Ultimately, "Making Marie Antoinette" is a deeply personal project, a testament to the bond between mother and daughter. Sofia expressed profound gratitude, stating, “I felt so lucky that [my mother] gave this to me, and to have this tribute to her and being with her again.” While the film offers candid insights into the occasional frustrations of filmmaking—Sofia even admitted to some “embarrassing” moments of being “crabby”—it primarily celebrates her precise and graceful execution of her creative vision, now recognized as a cult classic. The documentary is scheduled for release on Mubi on October 23.