Le Président (1961) - film review

Émile Beaufort, once prime minister of France, now lives in seclusion on his country estate.  Between dictating his memoirs to his secretary, he listens to the news broadcasts which report a crisis in the present government.  One man has been nominated to assume the office of prime minister, Philippe Chalamont, a former rival of Beaufort.  As he recalls the turbulent events which led to his resignation 20 years before, Beaufort considers whether he should lift his veto on Chalamont’s candidacy...

Few films stand alone on the strength of a single actor’s performance, but this is one such film.  Although Verneuil’s direction cannot be faulted and Michel Audiard’s script is exemplary, it is Jean Gabin’s performance above all else which makes this film so memorable.

Gabin, possibly France’s greatest actor, excels himself in a role that could very well have been conceived for him.  He actually plays two roles in this film – the middle-aged prime minister who refuses to compromise his principles and ruthlessly demolishes his opponents, and then the elderly ex-prime minister who, despite increasing infirmity, still adheres to his beliefs, but with a touch more humanity.  You might almost think two completely different actors were playing these two roles, such is Gabin’s ability to subtly alter his character’s behaviour.

As with most political dramas, not a lot of action takes place in the film.  Indeed, watching it is like watching a game of chess being played between two grand masters – the magnificent Bernard Blier playing Gabin’s opponent in a dramatic battle of wills.   Some viewers will find this an unbearably slow film, but for those who enjoy character-based dramas or political dramas it is definitely worth a viewing.

© James Travers 2002

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