Review: De Gaulle: Résistance – Building a legend

Directed by Antonin Baudry
Starring: Simon Abkarian, Simon Russell Beale, Florian Lesieur

6.5/10

There’s something interesting in seeing a biopic filmed outside of the Hollywood (or even British) studio system. Slight differences in cultural perspective bleed through, giving the film a unique perspective, even if the template is formulaic. This can come through in the choice of subject, non-traditional portrayals, or even in stylistic ambition and shot choices. De Gaulle: Rèsistance showcases all of these differences in its account of the first half of the French leader’s life.

As the Nazi blitzkrieg rolls over Europe, provincial general Charles de Gaulle (Simon Abkarian) flees to England to pose some resistance as his country capitulates. There he struggles to set up a defiant government in exile, grappling with issues of his own legitimacy while butting heads with both his own staff and the English—especially Churchill (Simon Russell Beale). Meanwhile in Paris a young student (Florian Lesieur) seeks a way to oppose the occupation that’s occurring in his country under a collaborative government.

De Gaulle: Rèsistance is a handsomely filmed piece, covering the future leader’s struggle in the early days of the war. In general, it focuses on the political and personal struggles rather than set action pieces—although there are a couple, with the battle of Bir Hakeim being a standout that takes up most of the later third of the film. The film takes almost maniacal glee in portraying de Gaulle’s stumbling as he both adapts to English politics and tries to form the Free French Forces and provisional exile government. Here we’re given plenty of room for the clash of egos and personalities as the world struggles through its darkest hour. You clearly see how these personalities shape politics, both for France and on a global scale, yet it’s not afraid to knock a little of the shine off, even as it’s printing the legend.

This is especially interesting in terms of the interplay between Churchill and de Gaulle. Here Winston isn’t treated with the same reverence as in the usual British fare and is seen as more transactional and opportunistic. Abkarian and Beale have great onscreen chemistry as the two great men clash, as well as grow an eccentric but tenuous friendship. Abkarian’s portrayal is also interesting, with a curious mix of self-doubt often covered by bombastic bravado. The role gives him scope to demonstrate his range, to go for a subtlety of expression in those moments of doubt, and to go large with certain pompous dramatic flair.

The secondary plotline covering occupied France and the rise of student resistance isn’t quite as effective. It feels more tried and true but does manage to break that mould at the end, with a dramatic twist. Still, with almost a three-hour run time (and that’s just the first part of the duology), it is asking a lot from the audience’s attention. And those really are the failings of this film. Its long run time and somewhat formulaic structure in recounting a “great man” in history drags De Gaulle: Rèsistance back down to earth.

A lavish production, with an exceptional turn from Simon Abkarian, De Gaulle: Rèsistance requires a commitment of your time, but it does grant some rewards for it. Viva la France!

DAVID O’CONNELL