The film will appeal to an audience of all ages
Director: Alan Rickman
Starring: Alan Rickman, Kate Winslet, Matthias Schoenaerts, Stanley Tucci, Helen McCrory, Steven Waddington, Pauline Moran
Running time: 117 min
Release: 17th April 2015
A LITTLE CHAOS is veteran actor Alan Rickman’s second directorial effort, following a 17 year hiatus after THE WINTER GUEST starring Emma Thompson and Phyllida Law. With a stellar cast including Kate Winslet, Matthias Schoenaerts, Stanley Tucci and Rickman himself, it tells the story of female landscape-gardener Sabine de Barra and the gardens of Versailles. Under the tutelage of André le Nôtre and by order of King Louis XIV, Sabine is hired to construct the Rockwork Grove, an outdoor ballroom which actually exists at the Palace of Versailles.
Set in the 17th century, de Barra (played by a charming Kate Winslet) is hired by le Nôtre (Matthias Schoenaerts) after beating a number of male competitors for the privileged position. Her new position means she is thrust into spotlight at the court of the Sun King Louis XIV, where she is looked down upon by the other women as an unmarried, working woman. She catches the eye of Helen McCrory’s Madame le Nôtre, who is most unpleased with the new position Sabine plays in her husband’s life, despite her numerous affairs with other men at court. Sabine is nothing if not resilient however, and she is able to largely ignore the whispering and curious glances her new ‘celebrity’ status affords her as she moves in the intricate inner circle of King Louis’ court. She also has a personal tragedy which moves to the forefront of her mind, as she feels guilt over her new feelings for le Nôtre and has to deal with her the ghosts of her past before she is able to move on.
Winslet is charming as Sabine and the relationship between herself and le Nôtre is slow and believable – the romance takes it’s time and does not feel at all rushed. Schoenaerts is brooding and enigmatic while Rickman shows off his fantastic comic timing with his dry humour. There is a hilarious scene between Winslet and Rickman where she mistakes him for the King’s gardener, with Rickman receiving howls of laughter from the audience. Stanley Tucci is also fantastic as the King’s camp bisexual brother, although I do wish he had featured more in the production as his scenes seem all too brief.
Although the premise of the film may not sound particularly exciting, this is a film that audiences both young and old will enjoy, with its theatrical feel, exquisite costumes from Joan Bergin and stunning sets (including Blenheim Palace and Hampton Court Palace). Special mention also needs to go to composer Peter Gregson, whose haunting score adds depth and emotion to each scene. Rickman’s direction means the pace is steady throughout with drama, comedy and romance blending together seamlessly to create a visually outstanding piece which screenwriter Allison Deegan and Rickman should be incredibly proud of.
Verdict
