"Michael Kohlhaas" by Arnaud des Pallières
SYNOPSIS
In the sixteenth century, somewhere in the Cevennes, Michael Kohlhaas, a prosperous horse merchant, leads a comfortable and happy family life. Victim of an injustice, this righteous and honest man raises an army and plunders cities to restore his right.
Directed by : Arnaud DES PALLIÈRES
Country: FRANCE, GERMANY
Year: 2013
Duration: 121.00 minutes
Nadine's take on the film:
This movie is supposed to be based on a true story. I always love these kind of movies and on top of that, it's set in the sixteenth century. How great is that!
The odds: Until we actually see it, "Michael Kohlhaas" has to be regarded as a long shot for the Palme d'Or -- which has in recent years been very much the preserve of star auteurs. Critic and betting expert Neil Young puts the film in the back half of the pack with odds of 22-1, which sounds right for now, though that's not to say the film couldn't be a surprise hit. Jury president Steven Spielberg might well be sympathetic to a well-executed historical epic. Meanwhile, with a meaty role to chew on here, Mikkelsen stands a chance at becoming the first actor since Barbara Hershey 25 years ago to win back-to-back awards at the festival.
The pedigree: As discussed above, des Pallières isn't a name that carries much clout, even in his home country -- he has never competed at a major film festival, and I suspect that most critics at the festival (this one included) will be sampling his work for the first time here. Still, the lofty reputation of the film's source novel, not to mention the current career status of its leading man, ensures a degree of associative prestige.
