09/11/12……A Royal Affair at Thame Cinema
THE next film showing at Thame Cinema, The Players Theatre, Nelson Street, Thame, will be ‘A Royal Affair’ –
Denmark 2012, 128 minutes, 15 certificate, Directed by Nikolaj Arcel, Starring Alicia Vikander, David Dencik, Mads Mikkelsen, Mikkel Boe Folsgaard, Trine Dyrholm.
This sensational costume drama offers a rich portrait of European courtly life in the eighteenth century and the political implications of changing social politics in the decade preceding the French revolution. Caroline Mathilde, sister of England?s ‘mad’ George III, has been married off to the Danish King Christian VII, who turns out to be a bit mad himself, violent, drunken, licentious ? a liability. Johann Struensee, a German physician with dangerously progressive political views, is recruited to manage the King?s excessive behaviour, becoming his trusted physician and confidante, using this position to manipulate his patient and effectively rule Denmark.
In his attempt to innovate cruelly repressive politics under the influence of Enlightenment philosophy, Struensee has a like minded ally in the Queen. The two embark on a risky affair that does not go unnoticed by their enemies at court. Based on what, to British audiences, might be a little known true story, this riveting film is a compelling drama of passion, politics and power. Think The Madness of King George with the sombre chill of The Killing.
