Il presidente

This excellent adaptation by Michel Audiard of the novel by Georges Simenon is described as a 'political thriller'. Political it certainly is but hardly a thriller. It is extremely well made of course with first class production values and boasts a top notch cast led by Jean Gabin. The themes of European unity, morally vacuous politicians and unscrupulous speculators resonate today. Gabin as President Beaufort is twice stabbed in the back by Chalamont; tremendous performance by Bernard Blier. Beaufort only has to bide his time as revenge is a dish best served cold. Renee Faure is effective as the loyal secretary who turns out to be not quite as loyal as she would appear. The scenes in the National Assembly are magnificent and superbly edited. The film is marvellously shot by Louis Page. This is the first of Gabin's four collaborations with director Henri Verneuil and although perhaps not as commercially attractive as those with Belmondo, Delon and Ventura, definitely gives him the best role.