Le Candidat

The plot appears to be very simple. After the unexpected withdrawal of the initial candidate, Michel Dedieu is designated by his party to continue the presidential campaign. Dedieu, a reticent candidate, must face its adversary the popular Eric Carson during a televised debate. In order to improve Dedieu's image in front of the media, he gathers a group of advisers in a residence in province. There he has only a few days to prepare himself for the coming debate. But behind this simple plot lies a very complicated and intriguing subject. Indeed Niels Arestrup has chosen not a particularly easy subject for his first film as a director. But compared to some American movies on the subject, "The Candidate" succeeds in reflecting very well not only the French political mentality but the whole European as well. And the ups and downs of the central character, played brilliantly by the talented Yvan Attal, are revealed with such elegance that only an actor turned director could achieve. The film itself is not your usual political drama packed with fast paced dialogues and explosive scenes. It actually possesses the fine quality of a good theatrical performance which makes it an even more enjoyable viewing!

Maybe not thriller, however it remains thrilling, but this movie prepares you to what will be LA CONQUETE, another French movie speaking of French presidential elections and its whereabouts. I have not seen LA CONQUETE since a while and I don't exactly know the difference between the two films. Except that LA CONQUETE was about the actual story of Nicolas Sarkozy, the former French president between 2007 and 2012. Here, the president is entirely finctional but could represent any president. Yvan Attal is terrific here in this portrait of a man not made to be a president. It explores the behind the scenes of a campaign, it is incredible in the good way, I would say fascinating. I would not like to be in this future - or not - president's shoes.... Niels Arestrup the director is not a prolific one - only two films so far and I think he should try more often.