Bille August, the renowned director with two Palme d’Or awards, recently teamed up with former Queen of Denmark, Margrethe II, for the hit Netflix film “Ehrengard: The Art of Seduction.” This collaboration brought together their creative talents to create a visually stunning film that has garnered three nominations at Denmark’s Robert Awards, the country’s equivalent of the Oscars.
“Ehrengard: The Art of Seduction” is an enchanting royal scandal set in the 19th century. It was written by Anders August and based on a novella by Karen Blixen, the Danish baroness portrayed by Meryl Streep in “Out of Africa.” The story follows Cazotte, a young portrait painter challenged by the Grand Duchess to seduce a young woman and secure an heir.
Queen Margrethe II, who recently stepped down from her throne for health reasons, worked on the film as a costume designer. She designed 51 costumes and 74 decoupages, showcasing her attention to detail and creativity. The film was brought to life through the collaboration of SF Studios, JJ Film, and the Queen herself, who also served as the production designer.
Variety recently caught up with Bille August, fresh off the seven-month production of the series “The Count of Monte Cristo,” to discuss his fruitful collaboration with the witty Queen, his extensive experience in period dramas, and the enduring fascination with royal families.
A Creative Match made in Denmark
How did Bille August and Queen Margrethe II unite for this film? According to August, their discussion on production design and costume began a decade ago. The Queen’s decoupages immediately sparked his imagination, helping him envision the cinematic space of the script. The fruitful collaboration involved regular meetings to discuss the script and characters, with each scene accompanied by the Queen’s decoupages. The result was a fresh and exciting blend of their different approaches and ideas.
Unveiling the Queen’s Personality in Costumes
Did the Queen infuse her own personality into her work? Absolutely. The film’s burlesque atmosphere owes much to the Queen’s creative touch. With a great sense of humor, she added a witty and boundary-crossing element to the costumes. August admired her dedication, as she poured her free time into the project despite her busy royal schedule. It’s rare to find royals who are such creative forces.
A True Collaborative Effort
Was “Ehrengard: The Art of Seduction” a collaboration in the truest sense? Without a doubt. Queen Margrethe II was actively involved in script development and casting decisions. Although she couldn’t be present during filming due to her duties, she remained engaged throughout the editing process.
The Queen’s Future as a Costume Designer
Will the Queen pursue a career as a full-time costume designer? It’s still uncertain as she has to decide what the future holds. However, given her passion and creativity, it’s likely that she will continue to focus on creating.
The Long Journey to the Screen
Why did the movie take a decade to make? Sometimes, financing and the intricacies of production design can cause significant delays. Fortunately, Netflix recognized the project’s potential and decided to come on board after meeting with the Queen. This allowed ample time to prepare and design all the costumes.
The Advantages of Working with Netflix
How was the experience of working with Netflix, and would August consider collaborating with them again? August acknowledged that since the pandemic, feature films have faced challenges in theaters. Streamers like Netflix have stepped in and taken over some of these movies. Working with a streaming service offers advantages, such as quicker progress when it comes to financing and keeping the cast together.
A Return to Denmark and the Allure of “Ehrengard”
After working abroad for an extended period, how was it returning to Denmark to make “Ehrengard: The Art of Seduction”? According to August, shooting location matters less than the story itself. The most crucial factor is collaborating with exceptional actors and crew members who share a common vision and spirit.
The Success of “Ehrengard” and the Royal Fascination
Why has “Ehrengard: The Art of Seduction” been a hit on Netflix and with critics? August believes it’s the film’s charm and wit that captivates audiences. With its unique atmosphere and identity, combined with the timely abdication of Queen Margrethe II, people are naturally drawn to it.
But what is it about royal families that fascinates us? According to August, people love royal families just as they love fairy tales. In Denmark, the royal family provides a sense of coherence and unity, making people feel like they are part of something bigger.
Queen Margrethe II: Beloved and Expected to Deliver
Why is Queen Margrethe II particularly beloved? August describes her as wise, charming, and outspoken. Royals are adored as long as they fulfill expectations. Since they are funded by taxpayers, there is an expectation for them to give their best and act responsibly. Any misstep can result in public scrutiny and criticism.
Balancing Period and Contemporary Films
August has been involved in numerous period movies, with his recent project being the series adaptation of Alexandre Dumas’ classic novel, “The Count of Monte Cristo.” Does he miss working on contemporary films? August clarifies that it’s not about a preference for period dramas; ultimately, it’s about the story and human relationships. While he enjoyed working on historical projects, he does anticipate working on a contemporary film in the near future.
To know more about Bille August’s collaboration with Queen Margrethe II and the making of “Ehrengard: The Art of Seduction,” make sure to check out the source link.