The Death of Louis XIV

Description

King Louis the XIV is dying, but his doctors are unclear as to what is the cause. He is on bed rest; ordered not to see his beloved dogs, visitors must come to him to be greeted as standing proves to be too difficult, and eating is an applauded act, as any nourishment for his Majesty is a triumph. In Albert Serra’s masterful The Death of Louis the XIV, we are a guest in the bedchamber of King Louis (Jean-Pierre Léaud ) where, among his loyal servants, all energy and concern is devoted to the King’s wellbeing and hoped-for recovery. Serra draws from literary references for historical accuracy; the scenes lit by candelight and the sets and costumes are intricate and detailed. Distinctly, Serra approaches the story slowly, hovering between the somber reality of death and the humor that lies in the details. pick up at “With groans, exhales. Distinctly, Serra approaches the story slowly, hovering between the somber reality of death and the humor that lies in the details. With groans, exhales, and simple flicks of the wrist, Léaud subtly commands the room from his bed, adorned in lavish cloaks with even more lavish wigs. The film observes royalty with painstaking attention to detail, making arduous traditions seem antiquated but necessary. His Majesty is slowly dying and we are a part of the final act, but unlike all those inferior to him, it is a King’s death, where the water must only be served from the finest crystal glasses. –Amanda Salazar

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