Le Roi Danse (Gerard Corbiau, France, 2000)

This lavish costume drama set in seventeenth-century France, which uses considerable poetic license, is told through the eyes of court composer Jean-Baptiste Lully. It offers a vivid illustration of a young Louis XIV, who used his love of dance to project his image to the world and strengthen his hold on power. Lully and playwright Molière create elaborately choreographed ballets, featuring the young Louis, who transforms himself from the young dauphin into the Sun King. Gérard Corbiau’s film conveys the splendor of court life more than fact and features music performed by Reinhard Goebel and Musica Antiqua Köln.

Part of the Early Music Film Festival at BAMPFA.

Free gallery admission with same-day film ticket!