Trailer for Eleanor Coppola’s Making Marie Antoinette doc

Mason Carter 10/08/2026

There are some stories that deserve to be told not just on the silver screen, but in the intimate light of the behind-the-scenes process. Mubi has recently unveiled a trailer for a documentary that pulls back the velvet curtain on one of cinema’s most enduring legends: Making Marie Antoinette.

This isn’t just a film about history; it’s a deeply personal journey into the creation of the cult classic film Marie Antoinette from 2006. The project is driven by the unique perspective of Eleanor Coppola, Sofia Coppola’s mother, who essentially served as the primary observer and archivist for the spectacle.

Eleanor’s involvement is profoundly personal. She originally watched her daughter filming on set and amassed over 80 hours of raw footage from the Versailles shoot in early 2005. These precious hours of visual history became the foundation for what is now a remarkable documentary.

The process of assembling this footage and crafting the narrative unfolded during a unique time, even navigating the early pandemic. It was a collaboration born from a shared passion, transforming raw material into an intimate time capsule.

The documentary offers an unparalleled, access-all-areas invitation behind the scenes of the film, exploring the making of an auteur through the eyes of a guiding force. It offers a look at the delicate balance between art, history, and family.

One of the most touching moments highlighted in the documentary features Eleanor Coppola turning her camera on her daughter, Sofia, as she captured her playing Marie Antoinette at the age of 34. It’s a beautiful demonstration of artistic lineage and maternal legacy.

The film also captures the energy of the on-set environment, featuring moments with notable figures like Jason Schwartzman, offering glimpses into the collaborative spirit that defined the production.

This documentary is more than just a retrospective; it is a warm, reflective look at the creative crucible from which a masterpiece emerged. It reminds us that the most captivating stories are often found in the moments between the official scenes.

The documentary is now available alongside a 4K re-release of the original Marie Antoinette film, which is premiering in theaters this month. It invites audiences to experience the magic of the creation and the art itself in stunning clarity.