Alan Rickman’s second directorial project sees him reunited with Kate Winslet in a modern take on life at the court of Louis XIV, and the drama surrounding his biggest achievement – the building of Versailles. Interestingly, where this film differs from productions like Sofia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette is the focus it places on the ordinary workers, rather than the royalty.
We’re introduced to André Le Nôtre (played by Matthias Schoenaerts), Louis XIV’s landscaper and designer, who has the overwhelming task of meeting the ever-changing demands and whims of the monarch (while staying within budget). The mounting workload forces Le Nôtre to hire an assistant designer in the form of Sabine de Barra (Winslet), whose radical notions of organised chaos offend him in the beginning, until he visits her home to see how a modern garden can be enjoyed.
While the reality of an independent woman commanding teams of men to build an outdoor ballroom with a feature fountain in 17th century France is highly implausible, in some ways the struggle for recognition, work/life balance, and human connection is something that modern audiences will easily relate to. Schoenaerts plays the brooding Le Nôtre strongly, and Winslet gives a highly emotional and authentic interpretation of a woman struggling to overcome the tragic death of her husband and daughter by burying herself in the only passion she has left. But while there is chemistry between Le Nôtre and De Barra, it lacks the intensity of Bronte’s Rochester and Jane or Austen’s Darcy and Elizabeth.
Rickman puts on a great performance as the Sun King himself, providing the story with a comical element. There’s a particularly well-crafted scene that sees him taking refuge from everyone at court in a small garden, disguised as a local horticulturist who just wants to have a normal conversation with De Barra, minus the trappings of power. It’s light-hearted scenes like this that set the film apart from other rigid period dramas.
While A Little Chaos is unconventional in the way it handles the genre, it’s also very enjoyable and visually stunning, both in terms of set design and costumes. It might not be the most dynamic film, but it is engaging and audiences will find themselves warming to the characters, especially Louis XIV, in a way that hasn’t been achieved elsewhere.
3.5/5 stars
A Little Chaos opens in cinemas Thursday March 26.
