Le 4ème pouvoir (1985) - film review

Catherine Carré presents the French evening news with charm and an irreproachable professionalism.  However, her personal ambitions and journalistic integrity come into conflict when news reporter Yves Dorget, an old flame of hers, uncovers evidence that the French government has been complicit in the illegal sale of arms to a developing country.  When Catherine is given a video cassette that confirms Dorget’s story, she decides to broadcasts its contents.  Immediately, the government acts to discredit her...

The most interesting of the thrillers that Serge Leroy directed in the 1970s and ’80s is this topical neo-polar which explores the dilemmas faced by journalists when trying to expose political scandals.   Coming in the wake of a series of real-life political exposés, the film was relevant for its time and continues to be relevant, although today (thanks to the growth of the internet and instant communication) it looks as if the shoe is now distinctly on the other foot.  Whilst the film is poorly plotted and stylistically bland (Leroy directed some of the dullest French polars), compelling central performances from Philippe Noiret and Nicole Garcia make it eminently watchable.

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