The Rise of Louis XIV (1966)
Directed by Roberto Rossellini
Genres - Drama |
Sub-Genres - Period Film, Biopic [feature] |
Run Time - 100 min. |
Countries - France |
MPAA Rating - NR
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Synopsis by Hal Erickson
Given the opportunity to turn out a Sacha Guitry-style spectacle, director Roberto Rossellini charts his own neorealist course for The Rise of Louis XIV. It's as if a documentary cameraman was let loose in the royal court of the 17th Century Sun King, here played by Jean-Marie Patte. The use of unfamiliar actors in the major roles adds to the film's realism. Though shown to be the product of a decadent lifestyle, Louis is depicted as being trapped by his royalty, forced in spite of himself to be a raconteur and trendsetter. The Rise of Louis XIV was one of several innovative films made for French television by the Italian Rossellini.
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Themes
Keywords
aristocracy, corruption, eccentric, France, gigolo, history, king, nobility, reputation