Fans of historical drama will want to tune in this evening, December 25, 2024, as Arte broadcasts the acclaimed film Royal Affair, which explores the tumultuous romance and political intrigue of 18th century Denmark.
Directed by Nikolaj Arcel, this mesmerizing film, which first hit theaters in 2012, tells the story of Queen Caroline-Mathilde, played by Alicia Vikander, who finds herself ensnared in a passionate affair with Johann Struensee, the king's physician, portrayed by Mads Mikkelsen. The film is set against the backdrop of the Danish monarchy during the year 1770, when King Christian VII, played by Mikkel Boe Folsgaard, grapples with severe mental instability, leaving his reign vulnerable and prompting influential figures like Struensee to step forward.
Royal Affair begins as Caroline-Mathilde, the young British princess, arrives to marry King Christian VII, only to discover his erratic behavior and indulgent lifestyle. Isolated and desperate for connection, she finds solace and love with Struensee, who shares her Enlightenment ideals and seeks to implement progressive reforms within the Danish government.
The queen, abandoned by her husband, engages secretly with Struensee, whose relationship with Caroline-Mathilde leads to significant political changes aimed at modernizing Denmark long before European revolutions took place. The duo's plans for reform, including the abolition of serfdom and promotion of freedom of the press, resonate with the enlightened thoughts of contemporaries like Rousseau.
Yet, their intimate relationship draws the ire of the royal court. The stakes are high as the duo navigates the treacherous waters of power and betrayal. It's this intertwining of romance and political drama which elevates Royal Affair to more than just another historical romance, as it depicts the tragic consequences of their passion.
The film garnered significant acclaim upon release, leading to two Silver Bears at the 2013 Berlinale for Best Actor and Best Screenplay, alongside nominations for Best Foreign Language Film at major awards. Viewers were captivated not just by the story, but also the visually stunning cinematography showcasing Denmark's lush landscapes.
While Royal Affair is rooted in historical fact, Arcel has acknowledged taking dramatic liberties to heighten the narrative experience. The real Caroline-Mathilde and Johann Struensee’s affair led to revolutionary changes within Denmark, yet ended tragically with the doctor’s execution and the queen’s exile, underscoring the perils of their ambitious endeavors.
According to Arcel, "We respected many facts related to this iconic period of Danish history. Our goal was to deliver the essence of their tragic love story and the resulting political chaos, all the brighter through artistic interpretation.” His ability to weave romance with the gritty realities of political maneuvers has created layers within the narrative, making Royal Affair both poignant and thrilling.
Alicia Vikander, fresh from her breakout role, portrays Caroline-Mathilde with emotional depth. Her performance captivated international audiences and led to her casting breadth across Hollywood soon after, including roles alongside Jude Law. Mads Mikkelsen, meanwhile, brings Struensee to life with his considerable flair for playing complex, troubled characters, adding to the film’s emotional gravitas.
The allure of Royal Affair has remained undiminished since its premiere, as has its relevance to contemporary discussions surrounding power, influence, and the role of women, symbolized distinctively through Caroline-Mathilde's character. Her search for agency within the constraints of the Danish monarchy offers viewers today reflections of their struggles against patriarchal structures.
Tonight’s broadcast will give viewers both new and old the chance to witness this cinematic jewel once again. With the broadcast scheduled for 21:05 CET, Arte aims to rekindle interest and deliver its compelling blend of historical fact and dramatic flair.
Will Royal Affair perform even more favorably on television, considering its initial theatrical release only earned 245,000 admissions? Audiences are hopeful, as past showings suggest strong potential interest during prime viewing hours. Only time will tell if the seduction of power and love will enthrall audiences once again.
