"The Empire": A Berlinale Space Trip with Flying Palaces and Dueling Aliens

French auteur Bruno Dumont's latest film, "The Empire," is a sci-fi farce that parodies Star Wars with a gritty, arthouse satire approach, featuring VFX, light saber battles, and a blend of futuristic technology with historic French architecture. The plot involves forces of good and evil represented by the church and monarchy, with over-the-top acting and deadpan absurdity that seems to lampoon the entire Star Wars franchise. While the film is original and impeccably made, it may be a strain to sit through for those who don't share Dumont's offbeat sense of humor.