"The Palace: Boulevard of Horror

 Roman Polanski, the director behind classics like "Chinatown" and "The Pianist," showcased his versatile skills in drama, horror, thriller, and even comedy with "The God of Carnage." However, his latest film, the comedy "The Palace," turns out to be a letdown. Set in a luxury Swiss hotel during New Year's Eve 1999, the film features eccentric guests with peculiar demands, including cursing visitors, dogs with digestive issues, and billionaires gifting penguins.

The storyline revolves around hotel manager Hansueli, played by Oliver Masucci, attempting to maintain order amid the chaos. Masucci, drawing inspiration from real-life hotel managers in Switzerland, captures the absurdity of the situations. Yet, the finished film presents an exaggerated portrayal of the super-rich, decadents, and those affected by cosmetic surgery. Instead of satire, it feels more like a tabloid theater of horror.

Fanny Ardant's neurotic diva character adds to the chaotic narrative, worrying about her dog's health and consulting a plastic surgeon for a diagnosis. The attempt at humor often falls flat, making the film more of a hodgepodge of bad taste than a successful satire. Polanski, known for his elegant dramas, falters with this comedy, lacking rhythm and the necessary dash of anarchy

Despite an ensemble cast featuring Mickey Rourke and John Cleese, the film struggles to deliver consistent laughs. Masucci expresses the joy of working with such talented colleagues, but the audience suffers through the hollow hustle and bustle leading to the anticlimactic midnight party. In the early weeks of 2024, "The Palace" has already claimed a spot on the year's flop list. Congratulations to the cast for their enjoyment during filming, but the audience is left with a film that fails to live up to Polanski's previous masterpieces.

helmpflicht beim fahrradfahren

the palace

Roman Polanski

Bundestag einbürgerungen

Ferdinand Hofer

the palace movie

Jan Krauter

fanny ardent

Heather Milligan

Polanski