Président (2006) - film review

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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