Monocle Lists Six Films Politicians Should Watch, Led by 'De Gaulle: Résistance'
Monocle has released a selection of six films that it recommends for global leaders, drawing inspiration from the acclaimed biopic 'De Gaulle: Résistance,' helmed by Antonin Baudry and adapted from Julian Jackson's work. This film depicts Charles de Gaulle's ascent to the presidency and his resistance against the Vichy regime. The film received accolades from French presidential hopefuls: Jean-Luc Mélenchon described it as 'magnificent,' Raphaël Glucksmann emphasized the importance of understanding 'what liberty costs,' Bruno Retailleau highlighted a 'need for patriotism,' and Jordan Bardella showed interest. Among Monocle's recommendations are 'Weiner' (2016), 'Idiocracy' (2006), 'Dead Man's Shoes' (2004), 'Do You Love Me' (2025), 'The Death of Stalin' (2017), and 'Dona Flor e Seus Dois Maridos' (1976).
Key facts
- 'De Gaulle: Résistance' is a two-part, five-hour historical biopic directed by former diplomat Antonin Baudry and based on Julian Jackson's 'A Certain Idea of France: The Life of Charles de Gaulle.'
- The film was an unexpected hit at the French box office in summer and resonated across the political spectrum with less than seven months until the next French presidential election.
- French political figures who praised the film include Jean-Luc Mélenchon, Raphaël Glucksmann, Bruno Retailleau and Jordan Bardella.
- Monocle staff recommended six films for politicians, including 'Weiner' (2016) by Josh Kriegman and Elyse Steinberg.
- 'Idiocracy' (2006), directed by Mike Judge, stars Terry Crews as President Camacho and Luke Wilson as Joe Bauers.
- 'Dead Man's Shoes' (2004) by Shane Meadows is set in the East Midlands and addresses mental health, veterans and PTSD.
- 'Do You Love Me' (2025) by Lana Daher is recommended for Lebanon's president Joseph Aoun and prime minister Nawaf Salam.
- 'Dona Flor e Seus Dois Maridos' (1976) by Bruno Barreto is suggested for Brazil's Lula Inácio Lula da Silva and Flávio Bolsonaro.
Entities
Artists
- Antonin Baudry
- Julian Jackson
- Charles de Gaulle
- Jean-Luc Mélenchon
- Raphaël Glucksmann
- Bruno Retailleau
- Jordan Bardella
- Marine Le Pen
- Josh Kriegman
- Elyse Steinberg
- Anthony Weiner
- Mike Judge
- Terry Crews
- Luke Wilson
- Donald Trump
- Shane Meadows
- Lana Daher
- Joseph Aoun
- Nawaf Salam
- Armando Iannucci
- Beria
- Malenkov
- Khrushchev
- Bruno Barreto
- Lula Inácio Lula da Silva
- Flávio Bolsonaro
Institutions
- Monocle
- Pathé Films
- Vichy government
- Les Républicains
- National Front
- Al Nidaa Archives
- Lightdox
- Cinematic/Alamy
Locations
- France
- US
- New York
- East Midlands
- England
- Beirut
- Lebanon
- Brazil
- White House
Sources
- Monocle —