The King Is Alive
Stranded in the heat of a barren African desert, eleven bus-passengers shelter in the remnants of an abandoned town. As rescue grows more remote by the day and anxiety deepens, an idea emerges: why not stage a play. However the choice of King Lear only manages to plunge this disparate group of travelers into turmoil as they struggle to overcome both nature's wrath and their own morality.
Insights
Plot Summary
A group of actors on a film shoot in Africa find themselves stranded when their funding is abruptly cut. Facing dwindling resources and mounting despair, they decide to stage a production of Shakespeare's Hamlet to keep their spirits up and to distract themselves from their dire circumstances. As they delve deeper into the play, the lines between performance and reality begin to blur.
Critical Reception
The King Is Alive received mixed to positive reviews from critics, with many praising its experimental nature and the performances of its cast, particularly Jesper Christensen. However, some found its bleakness and existential themes challenging and uneven.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its bold, experimental filmmaking and strong performances.
- Some critics found the narrative slow-paced and the subject matter overly bleak.
- The film's exploration of existential themes and the nature of performance resonated with many viewers.
Google audience: Audiences generally appreciated the film's unique premise and the actors' commitment to their roles, finding it a thought-provoking, albeit sometimes somber, cinematic experience.
Awards & Accolades
Selected for the Official Competition at the 2001 Cannes Film Festival.
Fun Fact
The film was shot on location in Gaborone, Botswana, with a deliberately minimal crew and a focus on naturalistic performances.
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