A Monument Of Love in THE IDEAL PALACE

Posted on June 13, 2019

Jacques Gamblin (Joseph) and Laetitia Casta (Philomène);Watch THE IDEAL PALACE at the 24th French Film Festival running from June 12-18, 2019 at Greenbelt 3 cinemas and Bonifacio High Street Cinemas.

Written by

Jude Thaddeus L. Bautista

Even from afar he could see that her face was that of an angel. She was tending a vegetable patch on her own. If he weren’t lost and desperate he wouldn’t have the courage to approach her. Joseph (Jacques Gamblin): Do you know where the house of old Garachon is? Philomène (Laetitia Casta): Yes it’s just down the path after that bend. Joseph was about to leave when she stops him. She reaches down a nearby bucket and hands him a glass of water. He quietly gulps it down, returns the glass and she gives him another drink.

In those days letters, mail, the written word was a lifeline to civilization. She knew that Joseph as a mailman had walked a considerable distance. She could not resist but ask, ‘what do you think of when you walk?’ Joseph: I dream of building a house in the forest made of twigs, branches, leaves and flowers.

Watch THE IDEAL PALACE at the 24th French Film Festival running from June 12-18, 2019 at Greenbelt 3 cinemas and Bonifacio High Street Cinemas.

THE IDEAL PALACE is based on the true story of how a mailman in rural France is inspired to build a palace for his daughter and achieves it without a background in architecture or construction. He builds it with his own hands and is inspired by nature, ancient civilizations like the Mayans, Hindu and Khmers in Cambodia.

The “Ideal Palace” located in France’s Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region was named a Historical Monument by the French government in 1969.

THE IDEAL PALACE is part of the French Film Festival running from June 12-18, 2019 at Greenbelt Cinemas and in Bonifacio High Street Cinemas.

center: Amb Nicolas Galey, from left: Peugeot Phils Pres. Glenn Dasig, Director Nils Tavernier, FDCP Chairperson Liza Diño and SSI Mktg Mgr Mitch Suarez.The 24th French Film Festival will run from June 12-18, 2019 at Greenbelt 3 cinemas and Bonifacio High Street Cinemas. Photo by Jude Bautista

The French Film Festival returns for its 24th edition in the Philippines to offer audiences an alternative form of cinema with a line-up of 15 contemporary French films that explore the depths of human relationships and the importance of family.

As it approaches its silver anniversary in 2020, the French Film Festival continues to expand its audience nationwide by organizing screenings in Metro Manila, Cebu City, Davao City, and, for the first time ever, in Bacolod City.

June 12 to 18, 2019 – Metro Manila (Bonifacio High Street cinemas & Greenbelt 3 cinemas), June 20 to 22, 2019 – Cebu City (Ayala Center Cebu), June 28 to 30, 2019 – Davao City (Abreeza Mall Davao), July 10 to 12, 2019 – Bacolod City (Ayala Capitol Central Mall)

Watch THE IDEAL PALACE at the 24th French Film Festival running from June 12-18, 2019 at Greenbelt 3 cinemas and Bonifacio High Street Cinemas.

Nils Tavernier

French Ambassador Nicolas Galey was instrumental in bringing this masterpiece of cinema to the Philippines. Second-generation filmmaker Nils Tavernier was on scheduled tour of Asia, namely Japan and Korea. When Amb. Galey found out about it he insisted that Tavernier make a stop in Manila and screen THE IDEAL PALACE (L’Incroyable histoire du Facteur Cheval). Galey is a close friend not just of Nils but also of his parents screenwriter, actor, and producer Bertrand Tavernier and Colo Tavernier.

2nd from right: Amb Nicolas Galey, from left: Filmmaker Nils Tavernier and Thai Minister & Deputy Chief of Mission Urawadee Sriphiromya.The 24th French Film Festival will run from June 12-18, 2019 at Greenbelt 3 cinemas and Bonifacio High Street Cinemas. Photo by Jude Bautista

Tavernier said that it was the quixotic elements of the real life story that attracted him to it. “It’s the fact that villagers saw him as a mad man.” In the beginning the project seemed like a fool’s errand: Misshapen rocks, spires, towers coming out of a field. No one believed he could achieve what he set out to do. And even if he did there was no point to it.

Tavernier also revealed that the role of Philomène who is played by Laetitia Casta was a very late replacement. Arguably the most magnetic or charismatic figure in the film was Philomène. Laetitia was a former model turned actress and is one of the most recognized faces in France having done campaigns for L’OREAL and GUESS?. The director said they were very fortunate because production was already in full swing when she was cast.

Laetitia Casta (Philomène); Watch THE IDEAL PALACE at the 24th French Film Festival running from June 12-18, 2019 at Greenbelt 3 cinemas and Bonifacio High Street Cinemas.

Cesar Worthy Performances

Jacques Gamblin in the lead role as Joseph Ferdinand Cheval turned in a powerful performance. The main challenge with the role is that Cheval had trouble freely expressing himself verbally. Even when he was happy or pleased, he tended to not say a word. Almost all emotions were internalized. He wasn’t mute nor did he stutter, it wasn’t based on speech difficulty but rather an extreme case of shyness.

Jacques Gamblin (Joseph);Watch THE IDEAL PALACE at the 24th French Film Festival running from June 12-18, 2019 at Greenbelt 3 cinemas and Bonifacio High Street Cinemas.

That’s why he needed to express himself through his castle, which had innumerable works of art, sculptures and even quotes, wise sayings that Cheval thought of. It is his work, which was eloquent in a way that has stood the test of time. When one thinks of France it tends to be about the elite, nobility as the purveyors of culture. As counterpoint Tavernier shot Gamblin sculpting the words: ‘All that you see passerby is the work of a peasant’.

Laetitia Casta

Because of Cheval’s tendency to not say anything, this often confused family and friends when dealing with him. His wife Philomène became a translator of sorts who sometimes spoke for him. Tavernier said, “ You have to be a strong performer to act across Gamblin”. In this case Laetitia Casta more than held her own. Often she seemed to be the more sympathetic character. She’s the voice of reason to Cheval’s obsession. Jacques Gamblin and Laetitia Casta are worthy of Best Actor and Best Actress nominations if not the awards at the next Cesar.

Apart from being a multiple Sports Illustrated swimsuit model, Laetitia Casta was named the symbolic representation of France’s Republic in October 1999 in a vote open for the first time to the country’s more than 36,000 mayors.

Laetitia Casta (Philomène) in a L’Oreal ad. (10)

Minor Quibble

Another captivating performance was that of Natacha Lindinger who is in the role of Garance the midwife and confidante to Philomène. Lindinger also has striking features, similar to a younger Jacqueline Bisset. They both have dark hair and piercing blue eyes and that sophisticated French beauty. Bisset is a French actress who has gained success in Hollywood since the 80s.

Natacha Lindinger (Garance); Watch THE IDEAL PALACE at the 24th French Film Festival running from June 12-18, 2019 at Greenbelt 3 cinemas and Bonifacio High Street Cinemas.

If there were a minor quibble, it would be the casting of two Pageant level beauties for what is supposed to be ordinary townsfolk. If you were casting for the fictional island home of Diana in Wonder Woman: Themyscira, Laetitia Casta and Natacha Lindinger would look right at home. Amazons were known for their beauty as well as their strength and courage. Their performances however, speak for themselves and justify whatever distraction their physical features may cause.

the town of Drone in Southern France; Watch THE IDEAL PALACE at the 24th French Film Festival running from June 12-18, 2019 at Greenbelt 3 cinemas and Bonifacio High Street Cinemas.

The Hills Are Alive

Cheval lived in the town of Drôme, more a small village in 1879. The surrounding landscapes however are spectacular. The Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region is known for breathtaking mountains. But cinematographer Vincent Gallot was also able to capture the bodies of water, whether it’s the stillness of a lake or the raging rapids of a river. It doesn’t hurt if you have the Mont Blanc as background either. In this story the landscape has a role because it inspires Cheval to create. Sometimes director Nils Tavernier used them as a visual metaphor to reflect what’s going on inside his mind.

Aging Well

Awards for make up these days go to the more outlandish achievements, such as aliens or monsters, rightly so. But being able to show characters perfectly at their age, should not be ignored either. The team of Marie-Anne Hum (Key makeup artist), Virginie Berland (facial hair maker), Aude Thomas (Key hair stylist), Betty Beauchamp (Additional makeup artist) is at the very least deserving of a nomination at the Cesar as well. The story spans decades from Cheval as a young father to meeting Philomène, to their senior years. The transformation is subtle but convincing.

Jacques Gamblin (Joseph);Watch THE IDEAL PALACE at the 24th French Film Festival running from June 12-18, 2019 at Greenbelt 3 cinemas and Bonifacio High Street Cinemas.

The townsfolk ridiculed Cheval as a madman. But after his death, artists such as Pablo Picasso, Max Ernst, André Breton and essayist Anaïs Nin have all praised his work. Likewise the movie, THE IDEAL PALACE is a work of art in its own right.

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photo from official website: http://www.facteurcheval.com/en/index.html

from left: Arlene Jimenez, Richard Kwan and PDI Columnist Dolly Ann Carvajal.The 24th French Film Festival will run from June 12-18, 2019 at Greenbelt 3 cinemas and Bonifacio High Street Cinemas. Photo by Jude Bautista (17)

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from official website: http://www.facteurcheval.com/en/index.html

Zelie Rixhon (Alice Cheval);Watch THE IDEAL PALACE at the 24th French Film Festival running from June 12-18, 2019 at Greenbelt 3 cinemas and Bonifacio High Street Cinemas. (19)

photo from official website: http://www.facteurcheval.com/en/index.html

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film makers from left: Maria Ignacio, Sigrid Andrea Bernardo, French Emb Press officer Camille Conde, Chuck Gutierrez and Babyruth Villarama. The 24th French Film Festival will run from June 12-18, 2019 at Greenbelt 3 cinemas and Bonifacio High Street Cinemas. Photo by Jude Bautista (21)

from left: Louka Petit Taborelli (Cyrille Cheval) and Jacques Gamblin (Joseph); Watch THE IDEAL PALACE at the 24th French Film Festival running from June 12-18, 2019 at Greenbelt 3 cinemas and Bonifacio High Street Cinemas. (22)

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left: PROMISE AT DAWN and (right) LE BRIO; The 24th French Film Festival will run from June 12-18, 2019 at Greenbelt 3 cinemas and Bonifacio High Street Cinemas.

Jacques Gamblin (Joseph);Watch THE IDEAL PALACE at the 24th French Film Festival running from June 12-18, 2019 at Greenbelt 3 cinemas and Bonifacio High Street Cinemas. (24)

photo from official website: http://www.facteurcheval.com/en/index.html

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Cinema One Head Ronald Arguelles and FDCP Chairperson Liza Diño.The 24th French Film Festival will run from June 12-18, 2019 at Greenbelt 3 cinemas and Bonifacio High Street Cinemas. Photo by Jude Bautista (26)

from official website: http://www.facteurcheval.com/en/index.html

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from left: French Audio Visual Attaché Martin Macalintal, Raymond Red and EU Delegation Information Officer Robert Leon. The 24th French Film Festival will run from June 12-18, 2019 at Greenbelt 3 cinemas and Bonifacio High Street Cinemas. Photo by Jude Bautista (29)

Lise Tavernier (Petite danseuse);Watch THE IDEAL PALACE at the 24th French Film Festival running from June 12-18, 2019 at Greenbelt 3 cinemas and Bonifacio High Street Cinemas.

from right: Mon Confiado, Jay Altarejos, Richard Kwan and friend.The 24th French Film Festival will run from June 12-18, 2019 at Greenbelt 3 cinemas and Bonifacio High Street Cinemas. Photo by Jude Bautista (31)

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Jacques Gamblin (Joseph);Watch THE IDEAL PALACE at the 24th French Film Festival running from June 12-18, 2019 at Greenbelt 3 cinemas and Bonifacio High Street Cinemas. (32)

from official website: http://www.facteurcheval.com/en/index.html

from left: Julien Personnaz (Louis Charvat – le photographe) and Jacques Gamblin (Joseph);Watch THE IDEAL PALACE at the 24th French Film Festival running from June 12-18, 2019 at Greenbelt 3 cinemas and Bonifacio High Street Cinemas. (34)

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National Artist for Visual Arts Benedicto Cabrera and Anne Sarthou.The 24th French Film Festival will run from June 12-18, 2019 at Greenbelt 3 cinemas and Bonifacio High Street Cinemas. Photo by Jude Bautista (35)

Louka Petit Taborelli (Cyrille Cheval); Watch THE IDEAL PALACE at the 24th French Film Festival running from June 12-18, 2019 at Greenbelt 3 cinemas and Bonifacio High Street Cinemas. (37)

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Nils Tavernier and Sigrid Andrea Bernardo;The 24th French Film Festival will run from June 12-18, 2019 at Greenbelt 3 cinemas and Bonifacio High Street Cinemas. Photo by Jude Bautista

photo from official website: http://www.facteurcheval.com/en/index.html

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Delphine Lacheteau (Alice Cheval at 22);Watch THE IDEAL PALACE at the 24th French Film Festival running from June 12-18, 2019 at Greenbelt 3 cinemas and Bonifacio High Street Cinemas.

left: Bernard Le Coq (Auguste); Watch THE IDEAL PALACE at the 24th French Film Festival running from June 12-18, 2019 at Greenbelt 3 cinemas and Bonifacio High Street Cinemas. (43)

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Jacques Gamblin (Joseph);Watch THE IDEAL PALACE at the 24th French Film Festival running from June 12-18, 2019 at Greenbelt 3 cinemas and Bonifacio High Street Cinemas.

Jacques Gamblin (Joseph);Watch THE IDEAL PALACE at the 24th French Film Festival running from June 12-18, 2019 at Greenbelt 3 cinemas and Bonifacio High Street Cinemas. (45)

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Jacques Gamblin (Joseph);Watch THE IDEAL PALACE at the 24th French Film Festival running from June 12-18, 2019 at Greenbelt 3 cinemas and Bonifacio High Street Cinemas.

Jacques Gamblin (Joseph);Watch THE IDEAL PALACE at the 24th French Film Festival running from June 12-18, 2019 at Greenbelt 3 cinemas and Bonifacio High Street Cinemas. (49)

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from left: French Audio Visual Attaché Martin Macalintal, Baby Ruth Villarama, Nils Tavernier, Sigrid Andrea Bernardo, Maria Ignacio and Chuck Gutierrez.The 24th French Film Festival will run from June 12-18, 2019 at Greenbelt 3 cinemas and Bonifacio High Street Cinemas. Photo by Jude Bautista (51)

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