Long synopsis : The story of a head of state - the President. Youthful, charismatic, driven, the President (Albert Dupontel) surrounds himself with a coterie of loyal and brilliant men. At the heart of this circle is Saint Guillaume (Claude Rich), his mentor, retired, but still powerful. The President is a star, a miracle worker, a magician, drawing the faithful in their thousands to his every public appearance. A man committed to social justice, but torn between idealism and pragmatism. A consumate orator and leader, yet a solitary, tormented man who can feel unconditional love only for his daughter Nahema (Melanie Doutey). When Nahema meets charming, rebellious Mathieu (Jérémie Renier), she is smitten, and Matthieu is quickly granted access to the President's inner sanctum. Both men are driven by ulterior motives - Mathieu by a desire to topple this compromised and all-powerful leader, and the President by the need to neutralize this threat. As Mathieu advances further into the shadowy heart of the President's realm, secrets are uncovered, conflict draws ever nearer and the dark machinations of political ambition and political power - the rewards, the privileges and their terrible cost - are starkly and shockingly revealed.

Cast

• Jeremie Renier, Claude Rich, Mélanie Doutey, Albert Dupontel, Jackie Berroyer, Claire Nebout, Carlo Brandt

Crew

• Producer(s): Pierre Forette, Thierry Wong
• Director(s): Lionel Delplanque
• Screenplay: Lionel Delplanque, Raphaël Meltz, Agnès Caffin
• DP: Vincent Mathias
• Editing: Véronique Lange
• Original Music: Frédéric Talgorn
• Set Design: Jacques Rouxel

• Genre(s): Drama, Historical Drama


• Production company: THELMA FILMS, FRANCE 2 CINEMA
• Production date: 2006
• Language: French
• Duration: 94 min