Emil Bakkum Le President is, first of all, a political film. Politics is really my thing, of course together with economics, since any work will have to be paid. Having written this, we live in an imperfect world. That is, probing my familiarity with the French intricacies yields one word: poor. Still it is sufficient (assez!) to review at least the contents of the film. I guess that I must begin with a brief sketch of the story, so that we know what we are talking about. You may call this a spoiler, but honestly who likes surprises? I bet that when you take a book in hand you alway secretly peep at the final pages. So: the main theme is political integrity - as far as I can see, while knowing that it is nothing but an illusion. Emil Beaufort was once the president of France, and consequently the chairman of the Conseil (council) of ministers. When we first meet him, he is already retired and writing his memoirs. Consequently the film uses one long flashback to narrate the events during his active political career, a kind of re-switching. The then government and Beaufort decide in secret to devalue the franc, the currency of the time. Imprudently or cunningly (who knows?) his personal assistant Philippe Chalamont leaks the information to his wife. And not surprisingly she leaks to her father, a stinkingly rich business man, who takes advantage of the information. From then on Beaufort is convinced that Chalamont is a ne'er-do-well. This opinion reflects his own character, which in spite of his king-like position is supposed to have remained essentially modest. Typical is his vow: "La France has been my only mistress". Reflect on that. Of course Jean Gabins coarse features underline this message. Nevertheless the ne'er-do-well turns out to be extremely talented, and his star rises quickly on the firmament of French politics. Finally Chalamont is nominated as the new French president. In order to get the necessary backing, he visits the castle, where Beaufort spends his final simple years. At first Beaufort is sympathetic. But when Chalamont, trying to be nice, promises to consult him with regard to important future decisions, Beaufort is completely turned off. He blocks the nomination by threatening to disclose the past lapse of Chalamont. End of story. Is this brilliant? You tell me. However beware, because since my knowledge of French is in its infancy, I grasp only about 20% of the tale. Undoubtedly the versatility of the film partly surpasses my view. I can yet follow the interesting speech of Beaufort in favour of a European federation - a French ideal, which never really materialized. But then there is the process of aging, the abdication of power, the political integrity, his attitude towards women ("She shows respect by lying about her absence. It would have been disrespectful to admit that she was simply being laid"). I don't know. And why is Beaufort also a gifted oboist? Apart from this, the film was obviously amazing and recommendable. If you fancy political stories, consider seeing my other reviews.

Kahuna-6 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.

bruno-s-1 This movie is based on the book, the President, written by Georges Simenon. But, the end is so different from the book. Emile Beaufort, the President, that means, former Prime Minister, lives his retirement in his house... Built with flashbacks, we see him 20 years before, trying to govern France, between political pressures from his majority, specially when he need to devalue the Franc or start building Europe. He has to fire his assistant who became a political leader. But, The president has information that could end his career. That's the dominant point of the movie, and the difference with the book stands with Beaufort decision and capacity to act. Michel Audiard, the best French writer, wrote several wonderful sentences that could be used in Parliament.

MarioB 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.