Great period atmosphere in this film about a timid, phlegmatic king, terrified by the threat of revolution, who attempts to become--through the manipulation of finances, architecture, court etiquette and high fashion--the unassailable, indisputable ruler of his realm. Rossellini causes the non-actor Jean-Marie Patte to give a non-performance performance almost worthy of Bresson. This is a dense film, but a rewarding one, for--unlike most historical films--this one is actually about history.

738

#742

This is the worst kind of period drama. It's stuffy and flat and boring. The costumes and sets aren't even interesting to look at. The acting... I mean, to my eyes there's barely any going on. Each scene feels twice as long as it needs to be. I mean, it's just painful.

It accomplishes what it wants to do, but what it wants to do isn't very interesting.

The political intrigue is interesting, the direction is good and the costumes are nice but despite wanting to like it the whole thing just felt a little dull. It was still good, but I have a hard time finding anything in it especially memorable.

# 527

527

What this film best shows is the alienation & temptation of grandiose one must have as being raised as royalty. Meanders for the first half before settling into its prime; with an impressive score to help. Jean-Marie Patte is another weak pick as lead, conveying the insecurity and fearful nature of the king with wavering success, the supporting cast does little in way of improvement. I can see why this would be deemed a horror film, and the tone works.

There are moments of subdued drama, and even some humor. But it does lean towards the didactic, and Patte seems to be constantly reading from cue cards or concentrating on hitting his marks. Bresson elicited minimalist performances from non-actors in ways that seemed to hint at hidden depths. Patte is utterly lacking in depth, he makes it feel like amateur hour. I can't say I didn't get anything out of this film. It was educational. It wasn't even terribly dull. Nothing special about it, though.

"...it emphasizes the small details of life that are often ignored in movies that are built around narrative or visual spectacle."