Other comments I have read in this "User's column" are harsh on the character of Jean-Louis Trintignant as President. It is true that Trintignant overplays a bit, but not by much!
He does not make his impersonation of the President repulsive - at least by my French standards -, although he could have omitted the temper tantrums which (concerning Mitterrand) are implausible.
The depiction of a powerful President living in the trappings of the Republic is milk and honey to a Frenchman who has lived the Mitterrand years. François Mitterrand was a complex and secretive man, very smart and cultivated, devoted to serving his country, faithful in his friendships, but utterly ruthless when political matters were at stake and enjoying every morsel of his power. Although not entirely faithful, I find his depiction by Trintignant quite plausible on the whole.
And Serrault - giving a wonderful portrait as Interior Minister and lifelong friend of the President - could have many models: Michel Poniatowski (Interior Minister under Giscard) comes to mind.
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