During a brief rule towards the end of the 19th century, the Italian duke Amadeo of Savoy occupied the Spanish throne. However, confined to the safety of life within the palace walls, the lonely, frustrated king and his servants succumb to playful adventures focused more on pleasure than his duties.
Acting
Brendemühl's restrained desperation in every sideways glance.
Production
Palace as suffocating theater—every room too small for a king.
Costume
Uniforms that imprison more than they adorn.
Director
Luis Miñarro
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Real Amadeo I lasted just three years (1871-1873) before fleeing Spain; the film compresses his ennui into something almost Kafkaesque.
Miñarro, a veteran producer making his directorial debut, shot in Catalan—a deliberate choice for a film about foreign occupation of Spain.
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