Sofia Coppola opened up about an unexpectedly personal experience while discussing Making Marie Antoinette, a documentary created from footage her late mother, Eleanor Coppola, filmed during production of the 2006 movie.
The director admitted she initially felt uncomfortable watching herself handle the pressures of the large-scale project. However, she eventually came to view the footage differently after her mother’s death.
Sofia Coppola admits feeling embarrassed by behind-the-scenes footage her late mother filmed on Marie Antoinette
During a talk at the London Film Festival, Coppola said her mother had captured more than 80 hours of material while she directed Marie Antoinette.
As per Variety, Eleanor later suggested revisiting the footage during the COVID-19 pandemic. Coppola said she had never watched it before then.
“We were all in a bubble together in our childhood home, and she said, ‘Oh, let’s get out that footage,’” Coppola recalled.
The documentary did not come together at that point. However, Eleanor returned to the idea near the end of her life and told her daughter that she wanted the film completed.
Coppola then felt responsible for carrying out her mother’s wish.
Watching the old material proved uncomfortable at times. Marie Antoinette marked only Coppola’s third feature and represented her biggest production at that stage of her career.
“I would never like to share such a personal thing because I’m in it and it’s embarrassing to see myself as a younger director — I’m not as comfortable being assertive with my words,” she said.
Still, Coppola believed younger filmmakers could benefit from seeing how a director developed over time.
She also reconsidered the footage through a more personal lens.
“It’s also a gift to spend this time seeing myself through my mom’s eyes,” Coppola said.
The director added that becoming a mother herself changed how she interpreted Eleanor’s perspective while filming her on set.
Coppola also remembered the intense pressure surrounding Marie Antoinette. She said delays caused by elaborate costume changes left the production constantly behind schedule.
“It still stresses me out,” she said while looking back at the experience.
Despite that pressure, Coppola praised the work that went into the film, including its costumes, food and art department. She also recalled the excitement of filming at Versailles.
Making Marie Antoinette arrived as the original movie marked its 20th anniversary.
