Président (2006)

Président is a French thriller film first released in 2006, directed by Lionel Delplanque.  The film stars Albert Dupontel, Jérémie Renier, Claude Rich, Mélanie Doutey and Jackie Berroyer.  Our overall rating for this film is: mediocre.


Surrounded by aides and advisors who are determined to keep him in check, the President is a man who still believes he can change the world for the better.  Nothing will divert him from his latest cause, to lift the people of Africa out of a life of misery.  Or so he thinks.  As a personal favour to his daughter, the President gives her boyfriend, Mathieu, a post on his staff, not knowing that he is a young man with a ruthless ambition...

Lionel Delplanque’s second full length film, after the bland horror flick Promenons-nous dans les bois (2000), is a creditable attempt to explore the human side of politics, although it is somewhat let down by superficial characterisation and a plot that feels too contrived to be believable.  In the leading role, Albert Dupontel gives a charismatic performance, which is sadly not matched by any of his co-stars, who fail to match the realism and sincerity that Dupontel brings to his portrayal of a man who foolishly overestimates his ability to change the status quo.   The plodding narrative and lacklustre performances from the supporting artists make this a cumbersome and uninteresting film which at times feels like a gutless imitation of an Oliver Stone movie.

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