A Little Chaos

Sabine was initially dismissed because André Le Nôtre insisted on strict adherence to traditional landscape order, and her innovative design philosophy advocating distinctively French landscaping differed from his classical standards. However, after his assistant reintroduced her designs to him, André visited her home, became captivated by the wild beauty of her garden, and decided to give her the bosquet ballroom project.

Earlier in the interview, Sabine had expressed her desire to create something distinctly French rather than following classical or Renaissance designs, which clashed with André's traditional approach.

André's assistant recognized Sabine's designs and brought them to his attention, prompting André to reconsider her capabilities. He then made an unannounced visit to Sabine's home, where he was enchanted by the wild yet beautiful garden she had created, leading him to assign her the bosquet ballroom project at Versailles.

Sabine proposed using a reservoir to recycle water for the fountains rather than relying on a costly fresh water supply. This innovative approach addressed the practical challenge of powering numerous fountains at Versailles while reducing the financial burden of the project.

Françoise sabotaged the project out of jealousy and revenge. She felt betrayed by André's growing success and suspected his interest in Sabine. When she sensed the King's increasing attention toward Sabine, she asked her lover to open the reservoir's sluice gates during a violent storm, causing catastrophic flooding that devastated the construction site.

Earlier, Françoise had warned André to avoid any indulgence with Sabine and confronted Sabine about the fleeting nature of the King's affections.

Sabine's husband and six-year-old daughter died tragically, leaving her shattered with grief and guilt. This traumatic loss haunted her throughout the film, and she struggled with the guilt of surviving them. André helped her begin to heal by encouraging her to release this burden.

Sabine's painful memory of this tragedy appears as a ghost-like vision after she and André share an intimate moment, revealing the circumstances that led to the loss.

Sabine encountered King Louis XIV while he was seeking solace among the pear trees at the gardens of Château de Marly. She mistook him for a gardener with whom she wanted to discuss botanical ideas. Their genuine conversation, unencumbered by royal protocol, intrigued the King, who later invited her to the Palace of Fontainebleau.

Sabine presented the Four Seasons rose to King Louis XIV during her formal court presentation as a reminder of their first meeting in the gardens. The rose symbolizes their connection and represents themes of beauty, struggle, and fleeting existence, which they discuss during their stroll. The King praised her as "a wise rose" for her insightful commentary.

After the storm and flooding, André discovered Françoise's glove at the sabotage site, confirming his suspicions that she was responsible for the deliberate destruction. He confronted her, which marked the final breakdown of their tumultuous marriage and freed him to pursue a relationship with Sabine.

Earlier, Françoise had warned André about seeking solace elsewhere, echoing words she had used to justify her own infidelities.

Sabine was introduced to the royal court by the Duc de Lauzun and the King's mistress, the Marquise de Montespan. She gradually found acceptance by sharing her personal tragedies, the loss of her wife and daughter, with other women at court, including the Marquise, who welcomed her warmly after recounting their own experiences of heartache.

The bosquet garden opens successfully with the King arriving alongside his court, accompanied by an orchestra. Fountains dance gracefully across the outdoor ballroom, and Sabine's artistic vision is realized, earning her the King's unreserved admiration. After the celebration, Sabine and André clasp hands and stroll into the forest together as the camera reveals the breathtaking gardens they created.