Final film of Luchino Visconti's German trilogy consisting The Damned & Death in Venice. Ludwig tells the story of king of Bavaria from his crowning in 1864 till death in 1886. It deals with his affection towards musician Richard Wagner, his love affair with his cousin Elisabeth - empress of Austria, his sexuality, clashes with government, eccentric behavior and finally slipping into madness. Visconti once again handles the script masterfully, no doubt he's best when it comes Historical dramas. However this four hour epic keeps its lead character at the center from the first frame till the end. It is a fantastic character study. It takes the viewer through a dark journey of destruction and sadness. Ludwig is a character who wants to live his own life with complete freedom. Of course, he was never a responsible monarch. But as a person one could feel sympathy for him; all the betrayals and abandons at a young age only leads him towards madness. This is quite a neutral take on his life, narration by his fellow servants is another interesting thing about it. It has brilliant sets and costumes. Helmut Berger lives up in the role of Ludwig, from a young romantic hero to a mentally disabled king - he did a great job. Romy Schneider & Trevor Howard also leave their mark. Above all, it is an extra-ordinary historical drama. One of the great achievements of Luchino Visconti.
Review of Ludwig
