Versailles After Dark: Unseen Photos of Coppola's 'Marie Antoinette'

Twenty years ago, photographer Andrew Durham was granted exclusive access to the palace of Versailles for Sofia Coppola's film, 'Marie Antoinette.' Durham, a longtime friend of the director, captured intimate moments during filming and in Paris, many of which are now published in his new book, 'Making Marie Antoinette.'

He utilized a small camera, becoming almost invisible to the cast and crew, which contributed to the intimate nature of his photographs. These images offer a glimpse into the downtime and candid interactions between takes, a stark contrast to the grandeur of the film's setting.

The book highlights the unique circumstances of the film's production, noting that it predates the widespread use of iPhones and social media. This, Durham suggests, made the photographs more precious and captured a different vibe than a film made today.

Included in the book are reflections on Sofia Coppola's personality and aspirations, as well as anecdotes like the unexpected delay caused by an elephant on set. Durham also touches upon the demanding nature of filmmaking, where cast and crew often work long hours and snatch short breaks to rest.

'Making Marie Antoinette' also features observations on the cast's experiences, such as actors in full 18th-century costume using cell phones during breaks. The book serves as a nostalgic look back, akin to revisiting a yearbook, rediscovering forgotten moments from the production.