Le président

Here is a film made in 1961. Yet, it could have been made yesterday.

The issues surrounding the European Union, very clearly illustrated in this movie, are still reverberating around the world today. Idealism vs realpolitik. Vested interested vs the 99%. Can politicians be both moral & pragmatic? Can there be compromise without sacrificing principles? Can power be exercise decently?

The screenplay written by Michel Audiard is outstanding. Complex issues are presented effectively and clearly. It is no wonder that he is much proclaimed amongst the French literati.

This film has no fancy effects or fast cuts. There is no easy Hollywood style resolution. But watch if you want a little illumination in a muddy world.

The tirade of The President in front of the French Parliament during the film, is, in my opinion, one of the most powerful scenes I know.

By the strength of the actors, by the strong political message delivered (and more than 40 years after, still up to date), and of course by the 'straight to the point' lines of the dialogues, written by Michel Audiard, this scene is just fascinating.

It's just a speech every liberal politician must dream of.

And it is served by a camera moving both with the solemnity due to the place and the historical circumstances, while keeping at the same time a focus on the underlining of passions and reactions of the main characters.

So, definitely, I'm a fan!

"L'important n'est pas de sonner juste, mais de sonner à l'heure"

This excellent adaptation by Michel Audiard of the novel by Georges Simenon is described as a 'political thriller'. Political it certainly is but hardly a thriller. It is extremely well made of course with first class production values and boasts a top notch cast led by Jean Gabin. The themes of European unity, morally vacuous politicians and unscrupulous speculators resonate today. Gabin as President Beaufort is twice stabbed in the back by Chalamont; tremendous performance by Bernard Blier. Beaufort only has to bide his time as revenge is a dish best served cold. Renee Faure is effective as the loyal secretary who turns out to be not quite as loyal as she would appear. The scenes in the National Assembly are magnificent and superbly edited. The film is marvellously shot by Louis Page. This is the first of Gabin's four collaborations with director Henri Verneuil and although perhaps not as commercially attractive as those with Belmondo, Delon and Ventura, definitely gives him the best role.

An old statesman reminisces his carrier, highlighted by a decision to devaluate the Franc, the building of Europe and a betrayal of confidence by an ambitious politician. Masterful creation by Jean Gabin with the help of an excellent dialogue by M. Audiard.

This movie is a very strong political drama about an aging president who loves to take risks. He is very clever man, but he's alone at the top. He wants to create a United Europe, but every French politician is against him. I'm a big fan of Jean Gabin. He's always fabulous, even in bad movies. He was great when he was young, and great when he was older, like in this one. For me, he's one of the ten best movie actors of all time. This film had very strong dialogues. It deserves a 8 out of 10.