Joe's Palace

Joe's Palace is a British television movie directed by Stephen Poliakoff, first broadcast in 2007. It tells the story of a wealthy and secretive businessman, Joe (Michael Gambon), who hires a young man, Danny (Danny Lee Wynter), to look after his large mansion in central London. However, Danny soon discovers that the mansion is not just a luxurious residence, but also a place of profound sadness and loss for Joe.

As Danny navigates the complexities of working for Joe, he also starts to develop a relationship with Charlotte (Kelly Reilly), a mysterious and artistic young woman who lives nearby. Charlotte is drawn to the mansion and its garden, and she and Danny start to explore the secrets of Joe's past.

The movie is somber, elegant, and atmospheric, with stunning photography of London's urban landscapes by cinematographer Ashley Rowe. The production design by Mark Tildesley is also impressive, creating an atmosphere in the mansion that is both grand and oppressive.

Michael Gambon delivers a powerful performance as Joe, portraying a man haunted by his past and unable to find solace in the present. Danny Lee Wynter is also excellent as Danny, a naive and ambitious young man who discovers that life at the mansion is not what he expected. Rupert Penry-Jones appears briefly as a government agent investigating Joe's business affairs, and Kelly Reilly is captivating as Charlotte.

The movie is primarily a character study of Joe, Danny, and Charlotte, and their interactions with each other. Stephen Poliakoff's script is complex and subtle, with many motifs and themes that are explored throughout the movie. The overarching theme is the price of wealth and power, and the toll it takes on those who possess it.

Joe's Palace is a stylish and thought-provoking movie that explores important themes and ideas. It is not for everyone, as it is slow-paced and requires some patience, but for those who enjoy character-driven dramas and atmospheric films, it is definitely worth a watch.