Another View of Marie Antoinette: 'Let Them Eat'

Another View of Marie Antoinette: 'Let Them Eat'

A Film by Leslie Cottle Just Out on DVD From Poetica Productions on the Eve of Sophia Coppola's Film - Some Are Not Pleased

Religious Groups Mixed on Vision of a Female God in the Film

HOLLYWOOD, Calif., Oct. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- "Let Them Eat" is a haunting journey which spans the turbulent time of the French Revolution to present day. The film segues from the prison cell of the former queen of France, Marie Antoinette, to Bella, a woman who seems to be leading a parallel life with a deep connection to the former queen. Seamlessly drifting from present to past, each woman's story unfolds while both struggle to make peace with their past before one leaves the Earth and the other can embrace her future. Laced within the story are beautiful spoken word poems which delve deep into the hearts and souls of our two heroines, exposing their secret world of passion, lust, pain, love and triumph.

Cottle, a native of Montreal and all of its French influence, has a real life fascination with the former Queen of France and has studied her for many years, even dedicating the film to her memory.

Leslie Cottle's decade long career includes appearances in such films as "Confessions of a Dangerous Mind," directed by George Clooney and starring Sam Rockwell, Drew Barrymore and Julia Roberts. She also portrayed opera diva Maria Callas in the CBS mini series "Jackie O." Cottle also appeared in the controversial mini series "Reagans" and Lucky McKee's long awaited horror film "The Woods" just out on DVD.

Reviews:

There is a huge thirst for information on all things Marie Antoinette. Politics in France and the U.S. have generated political pros and cons about Sophia Coppola's Kirsten Dunst film and Leslie Cottle's work. Some of The Queen's die-hard fans, especially from France, are also upset with any film that has her having an affair with a Swedish Count or acting like an 18th century Paris Hilton. Marie Antoinette historian and author, Elena Maria Vidal (http://www.emvidal.com/), reviews Cottle's film here:

* "'Let Them Eat' is a brilliant montage of poetry and image carefully crafted by gifted actress and filmmaker Leslie Cottle, who in a breathtaking performance captures the dark night of the soul of Marie Antoinette. The last temptation, the last struggle with despair, and the final act of forgiveness are depicted in a heart wrenching manner. Although Leslie and I may diverge on some points philosophically, especially concerning Marie Antoinette's alleged affair with Count Fersen, I found myself weeping over the farewell scene of the thwarted lovers, very tastefully and powerfully depicted. I am grateful for the skillful and compassionate portrayal of the much maligned queen, who showed great courage and spiritual strength in her hour of tragedy."

Elena Maria Vidal, author of "Trianon" and "Madame Royale"

* "I have always enjoyed stories of the macabre, and murder and even horror. In 'Let Them Eat' you get all of this tempered with history and sprinkled with an insider's view of the Queen's last thoughts about her children and true love."

Shirley Jones, Oscar winning and Emmy nominated actress

* "Leslie Cottle, a beautiful and talented poet, has written some powerful poetry that all men and women will truly appreciate. It's simply beautiful."

Larry King

* "'Let Them Eat' has been discussed on many Marie Antoinette chat groups for months now and the release of the DVD is long awaited for many of the dead queen's fans. There are reports that the Coppola organization has shown disdain for this project not only because it has been released on DVD to a mass audience before the scheduled release of their Kirsten Dunst film this weekend, but the theme of 'Let Them Eat' is upheld by serious Antoinette scholars and researchers who dislike the pop rock and contemporary treatment of the queen and her court."

Brian Cowan - LMS Newswire

"Let Them Eat" portrays God as a woman in obvious voice form, which has infuriated many evangelical Christian religious groups who state that the Bible repeatedly refers to God by Jesus as the "Father," a universal term for the male gender. Many Christian, conservative, evangelical, Catholic fundamentalist, and non-denominational groups take offense at God being portrayed as a woman.

"Let Them Eat" on DVD, visit the official website: www.let-them-eat.com

About Leslie Cottle: www.lesliecottle.com

"Let Them Eat" (Poetica Productions) $19.99, now available in stores -- and Amazon.com.

Source: Poetica Productions

CONTACT: Edward Lozzi & Associates, +1-310-922-1200, epl@lozzipr.com,
for Poetica Productions

Web site: http://www.emvidal.com/

Web site: http://www.let-them-eat.com/

NOTE TO EDITORS: Promotional copies "Let Them Eat" DVD available to reviewers.

-------
Profile: intent