THE MINISTER/ L’EXERCICE DE L’ETAT

France, 2011, 115 minutes, Colour.
Olivier Gourmet, Michelle Blanc, Zabou Breitman.
Directed by Pierre Schoeller.

This is an interesting film about French politics, with a challenge to audiences to think about their own countries and situations, the cut and thrust of politics, the pressures, the personalities of the politicians.

Olivier Gourmet, star of many of the films by the Dardennes Brothers, is a politician who wakes with the news that there has been a car accident. This accident is later visualised with quite some force. He goes to the site, and then has to face all kinds of questions about his portfolio, about his promotions, about his being sidelined, about the issues of road safety, and the complaints by the unions.

The French title is the States action, which also has underlying themes of intrigue and cutthroat ambitions.

1. A film about politics, interplay, intrigue, cut-throat ambition?

2. French politics, universal aspects?

3. The focus on Bertrand, waking up, his wife, the news about the accident, his going to the scene, his press adviser, his staff, the planning of the speech, giving his speech? The concern about the dead, the lifting of the bus, his looking at the bodies, his reaction? The return to Paris, the discussions with Gilles, policies and attitudes, the higher authorities, his responsibility?

4. Gilles, the 20 years as assistant, the phone calls, his advice?

5. Bertrand as Minister, his responsibilities, transport? His link with Gilles, with the President?

6. Meetings, discussions, policies, applications? The role of advisers, the decisions by the Minister? The repercussions? The press and the press adviser?

7. Ministerial rivalries, personal dislikes, plans, manoeuvres, the press, the President? The role of the railway stations, road developments?

8. Bertrand, his being willing to sack Pauline, her continued advice? The status of Gilles? Taking the side road, unfinished, the crash, the death of the driver whom he had interviewed?

9. Hospital, treatment, the meetings, the visit of his wife, a moment for self-reflection and personal dislike of himself?

10. Out of hospital, new situations, the jealous Minister, the possibility of retirement, getting some kind of benefice? Further collaboration with Gilles, promising that he would be there always? Accepting Pauline? The discussions with the other ministers, the press conferences, the change of job, the other Minister and his sense of betrayal and anger? Discussions with the President?

11. Bertrand, his future, the sacking of Gilles and Gilles walking away…? End of an era, beginning of a new era for Bertrand?

12. A portrait of politicians – created for this kind of drama? Reflecting reality?