King of the Cruise

King of the Cruise is a documentary that debuted in 2019. This captivating Dutch film, directed by Sophie Dros, introduces the viewer to an unusual character who serves as the epitome of opulence and extravagance. The main character of the documentary is the enigmatic Baron of Inneryne, Ronald Busch Reisinger. His extravagant lifestyle is displayed vividly as he parades his flamboyance across the deck of an opulent luxury cruise liner.

The documentary is an indelible exploration of the intersection between loneliness, validation, and conspicuous consumption, and creates a cinematic analogy around the human need for recognition and acceptance. The movie doesn’t necessarily center around the cruise, yet, it is on this massive ship where the depth of the baron’s personality, and his constant search for attention, is unveiled to us.

In this film, The Baron Ron Busch Reisinger of Inneryne becomes more than only a mere spectator. As the protagonist of this documentary, he envelopes himself in the grandeur of royalty, pushing the boundaries of lavishment beyond imagination. Baying from his ornately dressed decks, heavy set, draped in splendid royal robes, and complete with his king-like demeanor, he paints the picture of a monarch. Dressed in his kilt, thrusting his ample belly to the fore, his larger-than-life persona is as wide as his narrative.

On the one hand, there's the experience of extreme opulence and lavishness - the extravagant life which stands as a dramatic mirrored reflection of the Baron's character. The documentary displays the abundant meals, the grand accommodations, and the constant indulgence in hedonic luxury. On the other hand, there's an exploration of the Baron's constant need for attention, his desire for recognition, and the effort he puts into crafting adored stories about himself.

King of the Cruise captures the mundane and grandiose aspects of the cruise ship experience, juxtaposed against the Baron's ostentatious presence. The mundane routines of the ship's staff and other passengers are set against the backdrop of the luxurious surroundings and the over-the-top character that is the Baron. This contrast creates an engaging dynamic that adds depth and nuance to the cruise ship setting.

Amid the continuous overflow of merriment and fanfare, this documentary silently probes at profound queries regarding human existence. The film delves deep into the Baron's convictions about happiness, companionship, and the very essence of living, often shimmering away from the sparkle of the Baron's apparent 'larger-than-life' existence. This exploration of deeper themes makes King of the Cruise far more than just a cursory glance into the life of an eccentric character.

Sophie Dros' direction gives enough room for the audience to ponder about the Baron's ostentatious lifestyle. As director, Dros does not shy away from showcasing the opulence present aboard the cruise ship, instead choosing to embrace it in a way that highlights the dramatic disparity between the Baron and the rest of the passengers on board. But at the same time, she gives space for the viewer to see the Baron as sympathetic, human, and lost in his own narrative, trapped within his own image.

In conclusion, King of the Cruise is an eloquently shot depiction of a man who lives larger than life and yet grapples with human sentiments like loneliness and the desire to belong. The film is a fascinating exploration of extremes: of wealth, of character, of solitude, and of connection. It's a captivating journey into a world that most are not privy to, through the lens of a character who is as enigmatic as he is compelling. While it might not offer direct answers to the questions it poses, King of the Cruise is a thought-provoking commentary on society, spectacle, and the human condition.