The Death of Louis XIV (2016)

Upon returning from a hunting expedition, King Louis XIV feels a sharp pain in his leg. He begins to die, surrounded by loyal followers in the royal chambers.

Director:

Albert Serra

Writers:

Thierry Lounas (scenario), Albert Serra (scenario)

Stars:

Jean-Pierre Léaud, Patrick d'Assumçao, Marc Susini

13 wins & 24 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Jean-Pierre Léaud	...	Louis XIV
Patrick d'Assumçao	...	Fagon
Marc Susini	...	1er valet du roi
Bernard Belin	...	Maréchal
Irène Silvagni	...	Madame de Maintenon
Jacques Henric	...	Père Le Tellier
Vicenç Altaió	...	Le Brun
Alain Lajoinie	...	Le Pelletier
Olivier Cadiot	...	Médecin 1
Philippe Crespeau	...	Médecin 2
Alain Reynaud	...	Médecin 3
Richard Plano	...	Médecin 4
Adrian Dunãrintu	...	Assistant Fagon
José Wallenstein	...	Médecin 5
Francis Montaulard	...	Duc d'Orléans

Storyline

Upon returning from a hunting expedition, King Louis XIV feels a sharp pain in his leg. He begins to die, surrounded by loyal followers in the royal chambers.

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Plot Keywords:

pain | king | king louis xiv | french history | bad smell | 

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Genres:

Biography | Drama | History

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Details

Official Sites:

Official site [France] Official site [Japan]

Country:

France Spain Portugal

Language:

Latin French

Release Date:

2 November 2016 (France)

Also Known As:

The Death of Louis XIV

Filming Locations:

Château de Hautefort, Hautefort, Dordogne, France

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$8,002, 31 March 2017, Limited Release

Gross USA:

$42,694, 7 July 2017

Company Credits

Production Co:

Capricci Films,Rosa Filmes,Andergraun Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

115 min

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The Death of Louis XIV (2016) was the 10th best film of 2016 according to the annual 'Sight & Sound' poll in which 163 critics and curators named their 5 top movies of the year.

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Soundtracks

Mass in C Minor, K. 427
Written by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Conducted by Helmuth Rilling

User Reviews

Not a film for everyone, but a perfect film for people who like long, quiet movies

The French film La mort de Louis XIV was shown in the U.S. with the translated title The Death of Louis XIV (2016). The movie was co-written and directed by Albert Serra.

The film starts the with the realization that the King Louis is very ill, and ends with his death. Louis XIV was called the "Sun King." The Greek sun god Apollo was immortal. Louis never claimed to be a god, but he certainly acted like one during his extremely long reign from 1642 to 1715. It's not surprising that the people of his court found it hard to believe that he could really be dying.

We watch the king dying during the course of about a week. Director Serra gives us many, many details about his last days. The film was shot with a small cast and only the one interior setting--Louis's chamber, and the room directly outside it.

For artistic and financial reasons, director Serra doesn't attempt to "open up" the movie. There are no scenes that take place outside the palace. No Three Musketeers. No Paris streets with beggars, filth, and noise. It's all quiet interior. The actors are frequently filmed in closeup. In order for a movie like this to work, the actors must be superb.

Two of the three leading actors are: Patrick d'Assumçao, as Fagon, Louis's personal physician, and Marc Susini as Blouin, Louis's chief valet. Both actors are highly experienced professionals and they play their parts very well. Actually, the people they portray are also highly experienced professionals, who are dedicated to serving—and saving—the king.

A movie like this will rise or fall based on the actor who portrays Louis. Jean-Pierre Léaud is perfect for the role. Not only is Léaud a immensely talented actor, but he even looks like portraits of Louis XIV. He was born to play this role, and he will be remembered for playing it for many years to come.

After the movie ended, people had very different thoughts about it. Some said that they were tired of it after the first five minutes. Others said it was too long and/or too dark and/or too quiet. I can see, understand, and respect their point of view.

However, my wife and I found the film profoundly moving and truly fascinating. We happen to enjoy long, quiet movies. We enjoy great acting. We were pleased to watch a great actor starring in a great role, being directed by a masterful filmmaker.

We watched this movie at the wonderful Dryden Theatre at Rochester's George Eastman museum. If you're able to see this film, even on the small screen, I'd suggest you see it. Remember that it's long and slow. Remember that it's a masterpiece.