I saw this online as part of a festival package, not realising who was the director. I can't say it came as a shock, but it was a slight surprise it was this not-yet-dethroned emperor. It's safe to say that with this film he accomplishes dethroning himself in what he probably perceives as a ultimate (narcissistic) act of contempt. I read a Guardian review which claims that Polanski despises the audience, but I'm pretty sure it's self-loathing. Casting fallen heroes like Mickey Rourke and John Cleese (and featuring documentary footage of the Russian dictator) may not be a self-aware act of projection, but a subsonscious self-complimentary idea. I had initially given this three stars, because it does have some satirical value, but this director, as it turned out, was hardly someone to encourage onwards. He is acclaimed for an aesthetic taste he's sure to Crush. Polanski in his final act (and perhaps in general) is repugnant and morose rather than remotely funny. Forget all subtlety.
Review of The Palace
