De Gaulle: Résistance review – a galloping bromance for Churchill and France’s wartime hero

The recent biopic about Charles de Gaulle, directed by Antonin Baudry and based on Julian Jackson’s biography “A Certain Idea of France,” brings the Gallic general back into the spotlight. At first glance, this might seem like a quaint exercise in cinematic nostalgia – a chance to revisit the tumultuous years of World War II and de Gaulle’s role as France’s wartime leader.

However, upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that this biopic is more than just a lighthearted romp through history. By focusing on de Gaulle’s early years as an exile in London, Baudry and his team draw attention to the complex web of relationships that defined France’s wartime politics.

The film’s portrayal of the fraught relationship between de Gaulle and Churchill, played by Simon Abkarian, is particularly compelling. This bromance, forged in the heat of war, serves as a reminder that even the most unlikely alliances can be formed under duress.

Period-specific settings and costumes add to the film’s nostalgic charm, but they also raise questions about how we choose to remember our historical figures. By emphasizing de Gaulle’s haughty reserve and sense of martyrdom, the filmmakers perpetuate a certain image of their subject – one that is both authentic and carefully curated.

The biopic culminates in Bir Hakeim, setting the stage for a second installment, suggesting that this is just the beginning of a larger project to reexamine de Gaulle’s legacy. As we watch these characters navigate the treacherous landscape of wartime politics, it’s worth considering what this says about our own times.

In an era where nationalism and historical revisionism are on the rise, the story of de Gaulle – with its themes of resistance, loyalty, and leadership complexities – feels more relevant than ever. The film’s supporting cast is equally well-drawn, particularly in their portrayal of Marshal Philippe Pétain and Adm François Darlan.

These figures, often relegated to the shadows of history, are given due attention as they struggle to come to terms with France’s defeat at the hands of the Nazis. Ultimately, this biopic serves as a reminder that our understanding of historical events is always filtered through the prism of personal experience and national narrative.

As we continue to grapple with the complexities of de Gaulle’s legacy – both in France and beyond – it’s worth asking what other stories remain untold, waiting to be brought to light by the next generation of filmmakers. By shining a light on the intricacies of de Gaulle’s relationships and the machinations of wartime politics, this biopic challenges us to think more critically about the myths that underpin our understanding of history.

As the credits roll on this first installment, viewers are left with a sense of anticipation for what’s to come – not just in terms of the next film, but also as we continue to grapple with the complexities of de Gaulle’s legacy. Will this biopic help us to better understand the nuances of wartime politics, or will it simply reinforce our existing perceptions? Only time will tell.