Justifying A ROYAL AFFAIR
Alicia Vikander plays Queen Caroline Mathilde in A ROYAL AFFAIR. Catch European films for free during Cine Europa at Shang Cineplex, Shangri-La Plaza mall from Sept 5-14, 2013.
Written by
Jude Bautista
Dr. Johann Friedrich Struensee (Mads Mikkelsen) didn’t bother to wear a costume or even a mask at the much-awaited royal masquerade ball. It wasn’t something that interested him, but he knew he’d see her there. Queen Caroline Mathilde (Alicia Vikander) captivated him in a way that no one else has. They shared a love for the philosophers and thinkers of the era. Her youthful countenance came alive whenever she’d see him. She couldn’t help but tease, “Your costume it’s not very imaginative.” The dance was the only physical contact they’ve had since meeting. Their hands touching, their faces, lips inches away. At the end of the dance, Johann literally ran away from her trying to control passions ignited within.
Queen Caroline Mathilde (Alicia Vikander) and Dr. Johann Friedrich Struensee (Mads Mikkelsen) dance in A ROYAL AFFAIR. Catch European films for free during Cine Europa at Shang Cineplex, Shangri-La Plaza mall from Sept 5-14, 2013.
from left: Italian Amb. Massimo Roscigno, FDCP Chairman Briccio Santos, Shangri La Plaza Mall GM and EVP Lala Fojas and EU Head of Political and Press Information Lubomir Frebort attended Cine Europa 16 opening film A ROYAL AFFAIR. Catch European films for free during Cine Europa at Shang Cineplex, Shangri-La Plaza mall from Sept 5-14, 2013. Photo by Jude Bautista
A ROYAL AFFAIR of Denmark is just one of 21 films you can catch for free at Cine Europa 16 in Shang Cineplex, Shang Rila Plaza Mall. The film fest will run from September 5 to 14 at the Shang Cineplex Premiere Theatres and proceed to Cinematheque Baguio City (September 17-22 ), Cinematheque Iloilo City (September 23 -29), Ayala Center, Cebu City (October 4 -6), Liceo de Cagayan University (October 10-13) and Cinematheque Davao City (October 15-20).
Dr. Johann Friedrich Struensee (Mads Mikkelsen) steals a kiss from Queen Caroline Mathilde (Alicia Vikander) in A ROYAL AFFAIR. Catch European films for free during Cine Europa at Shang Cineplex, Shangri-La Plaza mall from Sept 5-14, 2013.
Dr. Johann Friedrich Struensee (Mads Mikkelsen) photo from from official facebook site https://www.facebook.com/ARoyalAffairMovie. Catch European films for free during Cine Europa at Shang Cineplex, Shangri-La Plaza mall from Sept 5-14, 2013.
Mads Mikkelsen as Dr Struensee is the biggest talent from Denmark, having starred as the 007 villain Le Chiffre in CASINO ROYALE (2006) and CLASH OF THE TITANS (2010). Now he is the lead star in the hit TV series HANNIBAL, shown in the Philippines through AXN. Queen Caroline Mathilde played by Alicia Vikander, started her acting career very young in Sweden but is most recently seen in the critically acclaimed ANNA KARENINA, starring Keira Knightley, which was shown exclusively in Resort’s World Manila, Eastwood Mall and Lucky Chinatown Mall.
Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Chairperson Etta Rosales and EU Political Counselor Julian Vassalo attended Cine Europa 16 opening film A ROYAL AFFAIR. Catch European films for free during Cine Europa at Shang Cineplex, Shangri-La Plaza mall from Sept 5-14, 2013. Photo by Jude Bautista
Queen Caroline Mathilde (Alicia Vikander) and Dr. Johann Friedrich Struensee (Mads Mikkelsen) dance in A ROYAL AFFAIR. Catch European films for free during Cine Europa at Shang Cineplex, Shangri-La Plaza mall from Sept 5-14, 2013.
On the surface A ROYAL AFFAIR seems to be similar with ANNA KARENINA concerning extramarital relationships by the aristocracy. In reality they’re worlds apart. A ROYAL AFFAIR is far more politicized, while ANNA KARENINA is very visual, dealt with the personal tragedy of a scandalous affair, here the stakes are higher. Their relationship influenced how a nation was ruled and in some respects influenced the whole of Europe.
Queen Caroline Mathilde (Alicia Vikander) and Dr. Johann Friedrich Struensee (Mads Mikkelsen) in A ROYAL AFFAIR. Catch European films for free during Cine Europa at Shang Cineplex, Shangri-La Plaza mall from Sept 5-14, 2013
For any viewer who appreciates history, the decadence of the 18th century monarchs, ROYAL AFFAIR is a must see. The film is a great insight as how a romance was able to change people’s way of thinking in politics and philosophy.
It was a meeting of the minds between Dr. Johann Friedrich Struensee (Mads Mikkelsen) and Queen Caroline Mathilde (Alicia Vikander) in A ROYAL AFFAIR. Catch European films for free during Cine Europa at Shang Cineplex, Shangri-La Plaza mall from Sept 5-14, 2013.
Johann Friedrich Struensee was not particularly charming or good looking. He was an intellectual who wanted to contribute to society. As a doctor he devoted himself to caring for needy patients. Appointed as the King’s physician he became more like a glorified home boy (barkada). He was the ultimate wingman. Everything changed when he met her. Theirs was more a meeting of the minds.
from left: Christian VII (Mikkel Boe Følsgaard) and wing man Dr. Johann Friedrich Struensee (Mads Mikkelsen) in A ROYAL AFFAIR. Catch European films for free during Cine Europa at Shang Cineplex, Shangri-La Plaza mall from Sept 5-14, 2013.
The Age of Enlightenment bore the greatest political thinkers of Europe. Centuries of suffering in a feudalistic society made these minds search for a more just and equitable form of government. A vast majority of people lived in poverty and servitude to royalty and the noble class. “Man is born free but is everywhere in chains.” Queen Mathilde quotes Jean Jacques Rousseau to Johann, they also both admired Voltaire and Locke.
Poverty and servitude was prevalent in a feudalist, monarchial system, 1760s Europe in A ROYAL AFFAIR. Photo from http://aroyalaffairthemovie.com/uk. Catch European films for free during Cine Europa at Shang Cineplex, Shangri-La Plaza mall from Sept 5-14, 2013.
The mere possession of these books was considered an act of treason in 1737. Not just in Denmark but most of Europe, which were ruled by monarchs. Johann under a pseudonym had written and published his thoughts on political reform, freeing the serfs from a lifetime of what we now define as slavery. He sent these papers to the Queen as a love letter tied with a red bow.
Alicia Vikander plays Queen Caroline Mathilde in A ROYAL AFFAIR. Photo from http://aroyalaffairthemovie.com/uk. Catch European films for free during Cine Europa at Shang Cineplex, Shangri-La Plaza mall from Sept 5-14, 2013.
Christian VII played by Mikkel Boe Følsgaard, was touted to be a Mad King although he was never despotic. By modern standards he could easily be diagnosed with several and fairly common disorders such as bi-polar, Asperger’s syndrome. Mostly Christian could also be perceived as any young royal of today. He’s just out to have a good time, skirting his official responsibilities of governing by touring Europe, going to the Opera and theater. He was also known to frequent brothels and get drunk in dinners and parties.
from left: Christian VII (Mikkel Boe Følsgaard) was known to frequent brothels and Dr. Johann Friedrich Struensee (Mads Mikkelsen) in A ROYAL AFFAIR. Catch European films for free during Cine Europa at Shang Cineplex, Shangri-La Plaza mall from Sept 5-14, 2013.
Queen Mathilde was educated in England, fluent in German, French, English and Danish. She’s an accomplished pianist and singer. Their marriage however was more out of filial duty than any common bond or romance. One could also make the argument that the King was far closer and had a deeper relationship with Dr. Strunsee because of their shared admiration for Shakespeare. Johann had this ability of controlling the King’s unreasonable or ‘mad’ behavior not by admonishing but through reverse psychology and simply by being a real friend to him.
from left: Christian VII (Mikkel Boe Følsgaard) and wing man Dr. Johann Friedrich Struensee (Mads Mikkelsen) in A ROYAL AFFAIR. Catch European films for free during Cine Europa at Shang Cineplex, Shangri-La Plaza mall from Sept 5-14, 2013.
From right: both Queen Caroline Mathilde (Alicia Vikander) and Christian VII (Mikkel Boe Følsgaard) fell for German physician Dr. Johann Friedrich Struensee (Mads Mikkelsen) in A ROYAL AFFAIR. Catch European films for free during Cine Europa at Shang Cineplex, Shangri-La Plaza mall from Sept 5-14, 2013.
Johann’s bond and closeness with the King is the opportunity that Queen Mathilde suggested they use to institute real reforms in changing people’s lives for the better. Denmark became the light of Europe in having a more just and equitable society. Voltaire himself, wrote to the King in admiration for the reforms they have made. Both the King and Queen fell in love with this seemingly plain doctor from Germany. With nobility eschewing reform, their love can easily turn to scandal and pain.
People are manipulated into an uprising in A ROYAL AFFAIR. Photo from http://aroyalaffairthemovie.com/uk. Catch European films for free during Cine Europa at Shang Cineplex, Shangri-La Plaza mall from Sept 5-14, 2013.
Dr. Johann Friedrich Struensee (Mads Mikkelsen) steals a kiss from Queen Caroline Mathilde (Alicia Vikander) in A ROYAL AFFAIR. Catch European films for free during Cine Europa at Shang Cineplex, Shangri-La Plaza mall from Sept 5-14, 2013.
DOMÉ at ground floor of Shangri La Plaza mall, was the site of our post ROYAL AFFAIR drinks. Catch European films for free during Cine Europa at Shang Cineplex, Shangri-La Plaza mall from Sept 5-14, 2013. Photo by Jude Bautista
DOMÉ at the ground floor of Shangri La Plaza mall, was the site of our post ROYAL AFFAIR drinks. From left: Cyril Ver Constantino, Japan Foundation Proj Coordinator Roland Samson, Cultural writer Adrian Lontoc, French Press Attaché Camille Eva Marie Conde, Writer Photographer Jude Bautista and Classical Music and film reviewer Ibarra Mateo.
Passion and Judgment in Anna Karenina
Keira Knightley (Anna) and Aaron Taylor-Johnson (Count Vronsky) could not deny their burning desire. ANNA KARENINA is exclusively shown in Resort’s World Manila, Megaworld Lifestyle malls such as Eastwood City and Lucky Chinatown Mall.
For My Angel, My Beloved, My Passion, My Delicate Rose,
Written by
Jude Bautista
Count Vronsky (Aaron Taylor-Johnson): Are you glad to see me alone? Anna Karenina (Keira Knightley): This must stop. You make me feel as if I was guilty of something. Vronsky: What do you want me to do? Anna: I want you to go to Moscow and beg Kitty to forgive you. Vronsky: No that’s not what you want. Moscow? You can do better than that. Tonight I refused a posting to Tashkent. I can change my mind and you’ll never see me again. Anna: If you have any thought for me you will give me back my peace. Vronsky: I have no peace to give. There is no peace for us, in misery our greatest happiness.
ANNA KARENINA is exclusively shown in Resort’s World Manila, Megaworld Lifestyle malls such as Eastwood City and Lucky Chinatown Mall.
ANNA KARENINA starring Keira Knightley and Jude Law is currently exclusively shown in Resort’s World Manila, Megaworld Lifestyle malls such as Eastwood City and Lucky Chinatown Mall.
Ruth Wilson (Princess Betsy Tverskoy) Center in blue. ANNA KARENINA is exclusively shown in Resort’s World Manila, Megaworld Lifestyle malls such as Eastwood City and Lucky Chinatown Mall.
There have been many adaptations of Leo Tolstoy’s novel put to screen, radio, TV, stage and even opera. Vivien Leigh was cast in 1948. Jacqueline Bisset and the late Christopher Reeve were in a TV movie version in 1985. Sophie Marceau and Sean Bean were in the 1997 version. Yes Sean Bean, who is known as Boromir in LORD OF THE RINGS and the reluctant king Eddard Stark in HBO’s GAME OF THRONES.
Keira Knightley is ANNA KARENINA, exclusively shown in Resort’s World Manila, Megaworld Lifestyle malls such as Eastwood City and Lucky Chinatown Mall.
Kelly Macdonald who plays Anna Karenina’s sister in law is also in another HBO hit BOARDWALK EMPIRE. In that role she’s the one who has an adulterous affair while being married to mobster Nucky Thompson (Steve Buscemi).
Aaron Taylor-Johnson (Count Vronsky) sees Keira Knightley (Anna) for the first time on the train. ANNA KARENINA is exclusively shown in Resort’s World Manila, Megaworld Lifestyle malls such as Eastwood City and Lucky Chinatown Mall.
The story of love, lust, scandal and societal judgment has fascinated audiences for decades. This version by director Joe Wright may be the most visually stunning among all of them. Recreating the grandeur of 19th century Russia was perhaps one of the big challenges in making the film. It has been nominated for 4 Oscars: Original Score, Cinematography, Production Design and Costume. The British Academy Film awards (BAFTA) has already given ANNA KARENINA the Best Costume award (Jacqueline Durran) while nominating it in similar categories and Most Outstanding British film as well.
The Russian nobility had servants to help them dress. ANNA KARENINA is exclusively shown in Resort’s World Manila, Megaworld Lifestyle malls such as Eastwood City and Lucky Chinatown Mall.
Anna’s son Oskar Mcnamara (Serhoza) has a mural of ships in his bedroom. ANNA KARENINA is exclusively shown in Resort’s World Manila, Megaworld Lifestyle malls such as Eastwood City and Lucky Chinatown Mall.
The other categories that should’ve been added by award giving bodies were Best Direction and Best Editing. Wright was able to eloquently visualize the sensation of being in love especially in the extravagant ball scene.
The lavish ball where Keira Knightley (Anna) unintentionally upstaged Alicia Vikander (Kitty Scherbatsky). ANNA KARENINA is exclusively shown in Resort’s World Manila, Megaworld Lifestyle malls such as Eastwood City and Lucky Chinatown Mall.
Anna (Keira Knightley) couldn’t take her eyes off Count Vronsky (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) but also did not want to be seen staring as she is already married to Karenin (Jude Law). She avoids his gaze turning away for a few seconds, when she looks back he’s gone. Suddenly she hears his voice behind her asking her to dance. The Waltz is hardly romantic with its formal movements, but the minimal physical contact and the person she was dancing with made it so thrilling. The hundreds of other pairs literally froze while Anna and the Count waltzed to the middle of the ballroom. Lights around them darkened and they were the only two people in the universe.
Keira Knightley (Anna) and Aaron Taylor-Johnson (Count Vronsky) are the only two people in the world when they dance the waltz. ANNA KARENINA is exclusively shown in Resort’s World Manila, Megaworld Lifestyle malls such as Eastwood City and Lucky Chinatown Mall.
All the world’s a stage, Alicia Vikander (Kitty Scherbatsky) sits in her parlor. ANNA KARENINA is exclusively shown in Resort’s World Manila, Megaworld Lifestyle malls such as Eastwood City and Lucky Chinatown Mall.
Wright masterfully used a theater stage as a metaphor for his character’s lives. All the world is a stage, in this sense shows that society will eventually know of or judge people in a particular scene.
Aaron Taylor-Johnson (Count Vronsky) on horseback. Even a horse race is shot in the theater. ANNA KARENINA is exclusively shown in Resort’s World Manila, Megaworld Lifestyle malls such as Eastwood City and Lucky Chinatown Mall.
Apart from Cinematography, Editing also enhanced the sets and detail that showed the decadence of Russian aristocracy. The camera would dolly into a scene with an elaborate golden wall divider in the background and cut where the background ends. A servant would close a black door also with ornate golden relief ending a particular scene. Everything is so smooth and well thought out; sometimes you hardly notice the change in location or ‘transition’ until you’re already there.
Keira Knightley (Anna) plays with her niece in an ornate playhouse. ANNA KARENINA is exclusively shown in Resort’s World Manila, Megaworld Lifestyle malls such as Eastwood City and Lucky Chinatown Mall.
Spellbinding fireworks during (Ruth Wilson) Princess Betsy’s soiree. ANNA KARENINA is exclusively shown in Resort’s World Manila, Megaworld Lifestyle malls such as Eastwood City and Lucky Chinatown Mall.
ANNA KARENINA reveals much more than just the joy, pain and tragedies of love. While showing the decadence of the aristocracy it also deals with the disparity between classes and the prejudices that existed. There’s a personal evolution in the characters as the story goes along that people go through in real life.
Could their lust turn to love? ANNA KARENINA is exclusively shown in Resort’s World Manila, Megaworld Lifestyle malls such as Eastwood City and Lucky Chinatown Mall.
Alicia Vikander (Kitty Scherbatsky) out grew her aristocratic upbringing to realize what was truly important in life. ANNA KARENINA is exclusively shown in Resort’s World Manila, Megaworld Lifestyle malls such as Eastwood City and Lucky Chinatown Mall.
The film illustrates how stratified and segregated Russian society was in the 19th century. It was a violation of decorum to have gypsies or any other race to stay in the same roof as an aristocrat. Kostya Levin’s (Domhnall Gleeson) brother Nikolai (David Wilmot) had kept an Indian woman, Masha (Tannishtha Chatterjee) as a companion who was taking care of him through his grave illness.
Alicia Vikander (Kitty Scherbatsky) who has lived a life of privilege chose to serve David Wilmot (Nikolai) in his last days. ANNA KARENINA is exclusively shown in Resort’s World Manila, Megaworld Lifestyle malls such as Eastwood City and Lucky Chinatown Mall.
The young, blonde, princess-like Kitty (Alicia Vikander) went into Nikolai’s room to give him a sponge bath and saw the Indian companion. Kostya apologized to Kitty for having her there and insisted that she leave. Instead Kitty gave a towel to Masha and asked her to wash Nikolai together.
Alicia Vikander (Kitty Scherbatsky) nurses David Wilmot (Nikolai) with Tannishtha Chatterjee (Masha). ANNA KARENINA is exclusively shown in Resort’s World Manila, Megaworld Lifestyle malls such as Eastwood City and Lucky Chinatown Mall.
Kitty had always been in the bosom of wealth and decadence, that frame of mind. Because of her own loss and pain, it made her grow as a person and learn what was truly important in life. Kostya is himself a landowner who worked with farmers. He had found peace in a simpler life that made him ask, “Is it living simply that I’m looking for?”
Although he is a landowner Domhnall Gleeson (Kostya Levin) was mocked by Russian nobility in Moscow for being too rural. He has found his peace in a simpler life. ANNA KARENINA is exclusively shown in Resort’s World Manila, Megaworld Lifestyle malls such as Eastwood City and Lucky Chinatown Mall.
Jude Bautista Gallery 