The great game of the title of this 2015 French drama is politics, specifically the use of propaganda as a political tool. Pierre (Melvil Poupaud), an out-of-work writer and disillusioned leftist, is hired by a powerful political fixer named Joseph Paskin (the great André Dussollier) to ghostwrite an incendiary political tract. It's all part of a campaign to discredit a government minister and Pierre becomes a pawn in a political war that comes back on the apolitical Pierre, who hides out in the commune where his ex-wife still lives. The first act of filmmaker Nicolas Pariser’s debut feature is a dense, compelling political thriller filled with fascinating discussions of how modern propaganda works to both highlight and obscure messages (echoing the discussion of recent election interference in the U.S.). And then it winds down into a series of long conversations between Pierre and new love interest Laura (Clémence Poésy), who is committed to her commune work and the possibility of a different way of living, centering on philosophy, social politics, commitment, and the choices we make. Paskin is by far the most interesting character but the film focuses on the largely passive Pierre and how he reacts to the blowback of his actions. An interesting drama that loses steam along the way, this is still a strong optional purchase. (S. Axmaker)
The Great Game
Icarus, 100 min., in French w/English subtitles, not rated, DVD: $26.99 Volume 33, Issue 6
The Great Game
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