Baron noir (2016–…): Season 1, Episode 7 - Pianoforte - full transcript
While the cards look favorable for France in the European Tug of War, the OHL Dunkirk affair resurfaces, forcing Laugier and Rickwaert to navigate troubled waters between diplomacy and foul play.
Rio? All of it.
I paid cash for everything.
-Airfare and hotel?
-What difference does it make?
We've already explained it to you.
If out of the 200,000,
you only spent 20,000 or 30,000,
we need only justify that amount.
We cut the link
between the OHL and the divorce.
But I spent it all.
-Does that shock you?
-No.
You're not shocked
that I blew 200,000 cash?
No, it surprises me.
You've always been very cautious.
The typical uptight, left-wing Catholic.
Had I known the cash came
from low-income housing funds,
I'd have been more careful.
It was the only way
to satisfy your request, Nicole.
I'm the troublemaker?
So I wasn't to enjoy it?
Or let our children enjoy it,
or the friends you left me?
I guess I'm always the troublemaker.
It's not that way, Nicole.
Let's drop it.
-It's very Sganarelle!
-Pardon?
-Do you know Molière's Sganarelle?
-Yes, I do.
The splendid flunky character...
Fitting, isn't it?
Francis used to like to call you that.
The corrupt politician,
the venal wife...
People will eat it up!
-Forget Nicole!
-Damn it!
Forget her, I said.
When a divorce gets nasty,
you pay up, as everyone knows.
How she spends it is her business.
Her spending isn't our business.
The source of the 200,000 euros is.
Right! Mediapart falsely claims
it's OHL money.
I wish it were...
What do you own
that you could have legally sold
and with no fiscal reporting?
I don't know.
I have a collection of old photos.
I have Man Ray originals.
-Bought more than 12 years ago?
-No.
To be tax free,
it must have been 12 years ago.
What else do you have?
Paintings?
My wine cellar is nice.
I have a few cases of Haut Brion.
How much is that worth?
Hard to say.
The Romanée Conti is worth 10,000 euros.
A Saudi prince has that,
not a Socialist president!
It wasn't worth that then.
So what! A 10,000 euro bottle of booze?
People will think that's crazy.
-I have a piano forte.
-A what?
It's midway between
the harpsichord and the piano.
It's an 1806 Érard.
It belonged to Marshal Bernadotte.
A pianofuerte will do.
Nobody knows pianofuertes.
No, piano forte.
Music's good.
It's noble and popular.
Everyone likes music.
Is it worth 200,000 euros?
When my father had it appraised,
it was worth quite a bit.
Now, who could have bought it
two years ago in cash?
The only person would be
my cousin, Romain.
He owns hotels in Africa
and likes money-making deals.
Since I've become President,
he has often offered to do me favors.
A cousin will do.
He's family. Family is perfect.
Aside from your security guard,
who can you trust?
Nobody.
OK, we'll roll with that.
Fine, no merger then!
My candidates run in the second round.
That's enough already!
Bruno, I've told you before,
city planning is technical.
Regulation is strict.
That's that!
I refuse to be
some deputy sports officer.
This city's all about handball.
I hate handball.
You already have half the list.
I'm talking about me!
I scored 14%.
I get to choose, don't I?
Philippe said I get
any deputy position I want.
I don't give a flip.
But you heard him ask me
to oversee the coalition, right?
Screw all of you!
I'm running my list!
-How elegant.
-Enjoy your laugh now!
You won't when I beat you
in Sunday's election!
-Think that's funny, jerk?
-You can't run, Bruno.
The people on your list
would have to agree.
Aside from this young lady,
none of them do.
-Why not?
-Election rules.
Election rules?
Don't try to screw me over!
If you get screwed, Bruno,
it won't be by me.
Deputy sports manager.
Sit down so we can get to work.
Let's go to the next plan.
Europe is your only hope.
You must do some wrangling
to prevent sanctions.
Before Mediapart shoots you down,
you must speak right away.
Once the battle starts,
the shit will hit the fan.
They'll drag you through the mud
because you dared to say no.
-Who is "they"?
-The Right, the Germans,
the 200 families,
the pile of money, whatever...
You mustn't give in to the pressure.
You mustn't pay.
No, it takes time
to plan this out, Philippe.
-You can't do it like that.
-Our necks are on the line, Francis!
Do you want to die? I don't.
Amelie will draft your speech.
"The fine based on 0.2% of the GDP
"will come to 4.8 billion euros.
"We are, of course, able to pay it,
but I have decided..."
Do you see any word
that looks out of place?
There is this last little thing here.
I'll make a minor change.
Otherwise, it's just fine.
Thank you.
There we go.
-How long before we're on?
-We're ready.
I'm very proud to be at your side
through this battle.
Thank you, Amelie.
Mr. President? Five, four, three...
My dear fellow citizens,
for two years, as you know,
I have defended France's interests
within the European Union
in honor of our past
and the centuries of war we have endured
that have ripped our continent apart.
I have done it for the future
because Europe has what it takes
to compete in a global economy.
But, between the past and the future,
there is the present.
Six days from today
an EU council will impose,
as the German Chancellor informed me
by phone,
sanctions on France
for its excessive deficit.
The fine based on 0.2%
of our Gross Domestic Product
will come to 4.8 billion euros.
We are, of course, able to pay it,
but I have decided
that we will not.
Son of a bitch!
The future begins with the present.
This present will happen
with the signature of a new treaty,
a thorough and ambitious redefinition
of the E.U.'s missions.
Citizens, far from isolating herself,
France is pulling together.
In Brussels tomorrow,
I will speak with the President
of the EU Parliament,
the E.U.'s most democratic institution,
in hopes of convincing him
to allow our proposal
to be voted on by EU deputies.
I will then travel to all EU nations
in order to set up
as broad a union as possible.
Fellow citizens, France's initiative is
a gesture of sovereignty;
it is weighty, thorough,
and it makes sense.
Thorough? I'm sure it is.
Makes sense?
You'll have to prove it, old man.
All historic speeches have been
unifying ones.
Laugier told Eurosceptics...
...in the Old Continent's history,
to outline the good news,
an upturn, fresh hope.
Damn it! Unbelievable!
Crap!
"Move beyond current treaties"?
Move beyond means to leave behind.
You're burying 60 years
of building the E.U.
In refusing to compromise on treaties,
the Germans forced our hand.
I'm a Socialist
because I'm European.
I'm European
because I'm a Socialist.
They go together.
I want a party vote.
Laurent! Divide the party when Francis
is asking for nationwide support?
I'm dividing?
We shall see!
Laugier might be led by Rickwaert,
but not the activists.
Careful, Laurent. Lines have shifted.
What's come over you, Amelie?
Do you support this madness?
What has Rickwaert done to you?
You're not really asking, are you?
Do you want details?
-How are you?
-Mirmont's mad.
His meeting tomorrow will be
an all-out war council.
Tomorrow, we'll see the poll results
on the President's speech.
The CESA just gave us
the first panel polling.
-How well did we do?
-67% for Laugier. It's huge.
No celebrating for Mirmont's supporters.
Amelie, I have to say...
You know your line about
how the future starts in the present?
It gave me a massive erection.
You're such a jerk!
And that was hearing
the old man's voice! So tonight,
can you put on your leopard thong
and read the whole thing to me?
-Oh great...
-Have to go.
I've got an emergency.
I'll call you back.
-Never drive on a flat, sir.
-I know.
-It looks doable.
-Great.
Vehicle registration, please.
First the paperwork.
OK.
Nice work!
Adama Coulibaly takes control.
Go!
Left! Left, damn it!
The left's wide open!
-He's got it!
-Center field!
-Who scored?
-It doesn't matter.
All right, then. I get it.
Can I come in?
Or is it kids-only?
That's not the issue.
Bruno Rickwaert running
against Veronique?
Are you totally crazy?
In politics, you've got to seize
all opportunities.
I don't want to hear
your ideas on politics.
Well, can't I come in?
I'd rather not.
This is my dad's house.
Right! Your father!
Tell me, princess,
what did he say about me?
-About my list?
-Can't you guess?
Dirty names, eh?
You could say so.
What a performer he is!
You father is something!
That's for sure.
Hat's off to the artist!
What do you mean?
Wake up, missie!
You father asked me to run
to screw over Vero.
Remember, if anyone asks...
I was home all day,
smoking weed and gaming.
That's right. Here.
Thanks, Chris! Go home.
Francis, he just pulled up.
I'll call you back.
Great. Thanks, Romain.
-How are you?
-Fine.
"Yours sincerely, Philippe Rickwaert."
"Yours sincerely, Philippe Rickwaert."
-Hello, Mrs. Bosso.
-Hi, Stephan.
Auzanet's Surprise Visit
to Dunkirk's Mayoral By-Election
"We must free Dunkirk
from Rickwaert's Shackles"
Auzanet came to stump
for his candidate?
Read the article.
Francis Laugier's plan suggests
that France can divorce the E.U.
This will destroy
the Franco-German union.
It breaks treaties.
It is irresponsible and dishonest.
The capriciousness will spark
disappointment and rancor.
-Capriciousness?
-Capriciousness.
-Have you heard that before?
-Never.
He obviously got it from Mediapart.
He's connecting the dots between
your divorce and the Dunkirk OHL.
Five days from the election!
If the article appears before...
I negotiated more time with Mediapart
to reply to this.
A powerful man who divorces.
That opens the door to speculation.
I didn't leave Nicole
for another woman.
Worse, to play the field.
I've had no personal life
for two years.
This is a good angle.
A nasty angle, but an effective one.
Stuck with Europe,
he moralizes about your divorce.
I'll go to Dunkirk to shut him up.
We'll have Amelie campaign with you.
They'll do the Republican moralizing.
But our party's secretary
can stand up to Auzanet.
Excuse me, Cyril,
I know it's not the moment but...
Annie, I need
the June workplace accident report.
-Yes, sir.
-Thanks.
The 24th is my parents'
golden anniversary in Albi.
This is not the moment.
Cyril...
It's never the moment.
Have you seen the ECB's statement?
Philippe did great work!
Mayhem everywhere!
Yes, I saw it.
I've put an option on some tickets
and need to know now.
If you want an answer now, it's no.
I need all hands on deck.
Francis Laugier's divorce settlement
Good day, reporters!
Hi, how are you?
Madame Secretary,
what do you think of Mr. Auzanet's
claims about corruption?
The man called me
a "Robespierre in a skirt"
because I support more stringent laws
on political finances.
-That's rich, but we're used to it.
-What do you plan...
No more questions
until the press conference.
Welcome to Dunkirk.
Thanks for coming!
How shall we start?
Knocking on doors?
House parties? Retirement homes?
Whatever you want.
Just tell me. Use me!
I certainly will!
Veronique?
Is something wrong?
"Francis Laugier's divorce settlement"
There's nothing in it.
Nothing at all.
What is
"Mrs. Laugier's trip to Brazil"?
About 20,000 euros.
So? What proves it's OHL money?
That's totally crazy.
It's meant to damage us
and take City Hall from us.
Auzanet is here for his candidate.
No, it's worse than that.
This operation aims to destabilize us
and to hinder France's EU plan.
Otherwise, why would Auzanet come?
It's a lost cause.
He knew that article would come out.
-Legally, there's nothing.
-So?
You know that's beside the point.
He wants to ruin Laugier.
Philippe, you can't come with us.
OHL is stamped on your forehead!
-The two of us will handle this.
-She's right.
Do we have the UK's
Labour Party position?
Early in the week.
-Mr. Secretary General?
-Yes?
Thank you.
It's a bit problematic.
-That's why I'm telling you.
-Very problematic!
This thing could make
Veronique the pain lose.
Amelie Dorendeu has come to help.
-She's good. I like her.
-She's very effective in her job.
With the deputy prosecutor on my ass,
I hope she is!
No one cares in my electoral base,
Mediapart, or the media in Paris.
-I'm not worried.
-Then what?
I feel something...
The thing is pounding me deep.
It's not pleasant.
I feel ill-at-ease.
Gérard, I've never lost an election.
So, you can relax your ass!
-Hand me a few tracts.
-Here.
-Veronique Bosso.
-We need your vote!
I'm Amelie Dorendeu, Socialist Party.
Veronique Bosso on Sunday.
I'm Veronique Bosso.
Vote Sunday!
Hello, ma'am. Veronique Bosso,
city government majority.
Hi, Blandine!
I'm counting on your vote Sunday!
Hello, sir.
Everyone for Veronique Bosso
on Sunday.
-Which party?
-Socialist.
Wipe my ass with that!
Ladies and gentlemen,
may I have a minute of your time?
You've all heard...
Thanks!
You've all heard
Pres. Laugier speak about the E.U.
-Who cares!
-It's about sovereignty. What matters...
Shit, it's Dumont.
Don't make trouble, Gilles!
Let her talk.
-Vero, you chose your camp.
-Let her talk, all right?
Salomé?
Francis Laugier is the only statesman
who's said that's enough!
Oh wow! He said, "That's enough!"
That's brave!
Liberal deregulation...
He sucks up to corporate bosses!
He does the exact opposite!
He refuses EU sanctions.
What about that OHL money?
It paid for
the President's divorce settlement!
A slander campaign is underway.
It started less than an hour ago.
Don't let them manipulate you.
They want to tarnish our name.
Don't fall for it.
-Rickwaert, Laugier, liars, thieves!
-This is a democracy.
-Rickwaert, Laugier, liars, thieves!
-A democracy, guys!
-Rickwaert, Laugier, liars, thieves!
-Can we talk?
Who cares about them?
Let's scram!
We won't have anything
to do with you!
-Liars, thieves!
-Corrupt politicians!
And the harassment begins.
-Will you answer?
-Me?
Say I won't talk! Make him mad!
-Salomé?
-Hello, sir. This is Alison.
Is my daughter there?
-She refuses to talk to you.
-Really? What's going on?
She spoke to your brother last night.
Bruno? So what happened?
Put her on!
Sorry, she won't.
-Put her on now!
-Goodbye, sir.
Oh great!
Where are you going?
Get out! Stupid asshole!
-What did you tell my daughter?
-The truth.
-What?
-Stop, you asked me to run!
I can go tell her I made it all up
just to annoy you.
Jackass!
I'll do as you say, Philippe.
Trouble in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais.
In the city's by-election,
Republicans took Dunkirk
from the Left.
Veronique Bosso, the Socialist
candidate, was expected to win.
As Philippe Rickwaert's deputy,
being close
to the current Labor Minister
was no asset, it was a cannon ball.
The surprise run by his brother,
Bruno Rickwaert,
split the Socialist vote.
Jean-Marc Auzanet seized the chance
to explain the loss
as disapproval of Pres. Laugier.
Mediapart's article did the rest.
The election boiled down
to one issue:
for or against Philippe Rickwaert,
the black baron of the OHL,
which may have funded
the President's divorce settlement.
I spoke to Laugier an hour ago.
We're going to file a lawsuit.
He's put his best lawyer on it.
We have winning arguments:
a slim victory margin, the article...
Don't bother, Philippe. Stop.
In the meantime, I'll appoint you
regional employment commissioner.
That way,
you'll still be on your turf.
Call it long-term campaigning.
I'll start by taking a needed break!
I've lost my city.
I don't want to lose my husband!
We need to do some mopping up.
You know all the files.
Dunkirk has become a hub of attention.
If the new mayor sues Rickwaert,
as he threatened to do,
and files
for criminal indemnification,
an investigative judge
will be appointed.
Embezzlement from a housing authority
will mean years of litigation, won't it?
It depends on what's in the case.
What's our room for maneuver?
Get the case files,
influence which judge is assigned.
I need time, Martin.
Mr. Gérard Noyer,
Head of Employment Office.
-Unemployment Office Overhaul.
-Thank you.
Dear Sir, please find below...
Cyril, did you speak with Pisani
at Nouvel Obs?
-Yes, we're pals.
-I heard you insulted him.
You kidding? He insulted me.
He's in cahoots with Mediapart.
He never listens.
You should have told me.
The editor phoned me.
I sounded stupid.
We'll play good cop/bad cop.
It works every time.
Which we discussed...
What's the matter?
What's happened to you?
You've changed.
What can I do to make up for it?
I don't know...
Do you need anything?
Hold on, now.
Weren't you involved with Philippe?
-Why do you ask me that?
-There used to be rumors.
We almost did.
But we didn't.
-Cool?
-Why is that cool?
-What would it change?
-Nothing. I was just wondering.
It might have been a bit awkward.
-OK, this is too complicated for me.
-No, wait.
No, we'll play good cop/bad cop
as you suggested.
It'll be easier.
Hello, I'd like to see the mayor.
-Do you have an appointment?
-Yes, tell him Mr. Balleroy is here.
Yes, Mr. Balleroy for the mayor.
Go ahead, he's expecting you.
Thank you. Thank you!
Excuse me.
The OHL file. The judge received
a cell phone analysis.
-Whose telephone? Rickwaert's?
-No.
Investigative Report
Photographs
This young activist recorded his call
with Philippe before killing himself.
It's there.
Transcript of Recorded Audio
It's horrific.
Who has access to this?
When will the press get it?
There's the prosecutor,
court clerks, lawyers...
-When will it leak?
-A few hours, a few days.
-Tomorrow would be ideal.
-Sorry?
Leak tomorrow.
-You want us to leak it ourselves?
-Absolutely.
I'm on the 8 o'clock news tonight.
Brief the reporters.
Have them grill me on Rickwaert.
Pin me to the wall. Hound me. OK?
Everything Mediapart said is true.
It will be Rickwaert's word
against mine.
The sooner I speak,
the better my credibility,
while this thing will kill his.
No one will believe him.
This thing is a nightmare.
Mr. Mayor.
-Mr. Boudard.
-Congratulations.
-Thanks.
-Hello, sir.
-Gérard Balleroy.
-François Boudard.
Great. I'll see you later.
Well, well...
You've got dirt
to deal on Philippe Rickwaert?
Terrible things.
The problem is that I'm involved.
I'm aware of the market
for the culture center.
I also helped him
break ballot box seals.
I'm listening.
I read that article on Rickwaert,
the OHL, the President's divorce,
the article on the web.
I'm not sure I understood it all,
but I realized, in fact,
Philippe has been protecting
President Laugier.
If Philippe takes the fall...
How much?
One million euros.
Nevertheless, this afternoon,
we heard negative reactions
from the Dutch and Finnish
heads of government.
Yes, I saw that. It's to be expected.
They have their positions.
And I have mine
to defend France's interests.
I hope there will be no challenge
to this legitimacy.
Who is challenging your legitimacy?
Nobody directly, but I believe
I've read in certain papers
that suspicions are being kindled,
and my private life may be attacked.
Are you referring
to your divorce settlement?
Yes, indeed. You can imagine
what separation entails
after 28 years of married life.
It's a tragedy.
My wife and I eventually came
to an agreement.
With strict respect for legality,
I did indeed give her
a certain amount of money.
I sold a piano forte
that I inherited from my father.
This agreement concerned
our marital and private life.
I'd like to know
what I am being blamed for.
Are you telling us, Mr. President,
that no party funds
were misappropriated
to finance your divorce?
Are you kidding?
The Dunkirk OHL is
under investigation.
Judges are handling that case.
Philippe Rickwaert is
one of your closest advisors.
Yes, and so?
This point does indeed come up
in the investigation.
I trust my nation's justice system.
Have you seen him or spoken to him?
Have you asked him
any questions yourself?
People want to know, Mr. President.
Understand this, Ms. Pulvar,
there are no friendships in politics.
There is a clear separation
between public life and private life.
What else could he have said?
Pulvar hounded him.
He could have said something else.
He had to shake off that leach.
I wrote "no friendships" for him
after the inquest to land you in it.
Excuse me, that line may be yours,
but it's awfully trite.
Oh, come on. I can't believe it.
Are you naive, Philippe?
He can't ditch me.
Do you understand, Amelie?
Not this time.
Why?
Do you know something else?
His divorce?
Did Mediapart print the truth?
-Oh shit, you're defending him.
-I've put everything behind me.
Have to forget all that.
Have to forget?
What are you saying?
Look at how the world really is.
It's complex.
Mitterrand had a sordid past,
but ended capital punishment.
-Stop.
-De Gaulle liberated France,
but he took over with a coup d'état.
Do you toss that out?
Laugier took OHL funds to divorce,
but he's changing Europe.
-You're mixing oranges and apples.
-We're acting, not judging.
We don't need a saint.
We need a leader.
How did you do it?
-What?
-The piano.
I suppose it's at Francis's cousin's.
After 2 years, it ought to be!
Who moved it?
How did you do it?
-Was it you?
-What are you after?
The piano, the piano appraisers,
Laugier's cousin, who cares?
What counts is Europe.
So drop it!
-You moved it?
-Yes, I did!
Are you happy now?
It doesn't matter.
-The minister behaves like a thief.
-Stop!
You paid for his divorce
with your city's housing funds?
I had no idea what it was.
Of course.
The prick conned me into thinking
it was for his Reims rally.
You've told too many lies, Philippe.
Too many...
Amelie, listen, I didn't know
the dough was for his divorce.
I didn't know.
I didn't know.
Get out.
It's over, Philippe.
You and Laugier went too far.
I'll call you back as soon as I can.
It's me.
Watching the interview.
That's the only thing he could say.
The journalist pushed him
up against the wall.
With what we'd been through,
there wasn't any other way.
But I don't know now.
I have a nagging doubt.
What if Laugier is a turd?
A big turd?
I can't seem to shake the thought.
It's not terribly reassuring.
Deep down, I'm a fragile guy.
If I'm not reassured,
I might act rashly, Francis.
Very rashly.
Good night.
Got enough room?
Orange flags are up.
Swimmers, be careful!
Well? You ready?
The news now. It's 9 o'clock.
We lead with this recording. Listen.
You're the treasurer. You had access
to the accounts, the files, the safe.
What if they get
a detailed deposition?
No importance.
Just get rid of any evidence.
No leads for the cops.
Be thorough, too.
Drive them crazy
and make them sorry they're cops.
I took you in and fed you.
You know me and my family.
I'm not in it for money.
We haven't stolen anything, Joël.
We're activists.
We're doing this crap to help people.
We can look at ourselves in the mirror.
I need a wall between me and the OHL.
No links!
Nothing should point to me.
Wait, you're in charge.
That's not like being the accountant.
It could have been an isolated party.
-How do we go about it?
-Here's the plan.
You hit us the day before the vote.
All right?
They'll try to tarnish us
before Sunday's election.
Exactly. It's a dirty political trick.
We won't play that game.
The search warrant will be
for Laugier and me.
If the Left loses, we'll fall.
If you sacrifice yourself,
it'll be minor news.
I know you're thinking
about the past, Joël.
You were strong,
had faith and courage,
You haven't changed, Joël.
They're just cops.
We are activists.
Rickwaert ordered Joël Domfront
to lie to investigators
while conducting their search
of OHL's Dunkirk offices.
Domfront killed himself
the following day...
-What's this?
-Le Figaro posted the recording.
I've heard. So what?
He killed himself.
He recorded Philippe.
We know nothing.
We must trust him.
Is that clear?
Joël Domfront, a young union member,
worked at the petrochemical plant.
The audio may incriminate
Labor Minister Rickwaert.
He remains unreachable.
Turn it off.
Who's coming?
Top regional leaders, the mayor,
and top local employment officials.
Cyril invited everyone to be thanked
in your inaugural speech.
It's there.
And the Prefect, too.
So many reporters!
A statement, please!
Drive off. Don't stop.
Keep going.
Move it! Take off!
Where to, sir?
I paid cash for everything.
-Airfare and hotel?
-What difference does it make?
We've already explained it to you.
If out of the 200,000,
you only spent 20,000 or 30,000,
we need only justify that amount.
We cut the link
between the OHL and the divorce.
But I spent it all.
-Does that shock you?
-No.
You're not shocked
that I blew 200,000 cash?
No, it surprises me.
You've always been very cautious.
The typical uptight, left-wing Catholic.
Had I known the cash came
from low-income housing funds,
I'd have been more careful.
It was the only way
to satisfy your request, Nicole.
I'm the troublemaker?
So I wasn't to enjoy it?
Or let our children enjoy it,
or the friends you left me?
I guess I'm always the troublemaker.
It's not that way, Nicole.
Let's drop it.
-It's very Sganarelle!
-Pardon?
-Do you know Molière's Sganarelle?
-Yes, I do.
The splendid flunky character...
Fitting, isn't it?
Francis used to like to call you that.
The corrupt politician,
the venal wife...
People will eat it up!
-Forget Nicole!
-Damn it!
Forget her, I said.
When a divorce gets nasty,
you pay up, as everyone knows.
How she spends it is her business.
Her spending isn't our business.
The source of the 200,000 euros is.
Right! Mediapart falsely claims
it's OHL money.
I wish it were...
What do you own
that you could have legally sold
and with no fiscal reporting?
I don't know.
I have a collection of old photos.
I have Man Ray originals.
-Bought more than 12 years ago?
-No.
To be tax free,
it must have been 12 years ago.
What else do you have?
Paintings?
My wine cellar is nice.
I have a few cases of Haut Brion.
How much is that worth?
Hard to say.
The Romanée Conti is worth 10,000 euros.
A Saudi prince has that,
not a Socialist president!
It wasn't worth that then.
So what! A 10,000 euro bottle of booze?
People will think that's crazy.
-I have a piano forte.
-A what?
It's midway between
the harpsichord and the piano.
It's an 1806 Érard.
It belonged to Marshal Bernadotte.
A pianofuerte will do.
Nobody knows pianofuertes.
No, piano forte.
Music's good.
It's noble and popular.
Everyone likes music.
Is it worth 200,000 euros?
When my father had it appraised,
it was worth quite a bit.
Now, who could have bought it
two years ago in cash?
The only person would be
my cousin, Romain.
He owns hotels in Africa
and likes money-making deals.
Since I've become President,
he has often offered to do me favors.
A cousin will do.
He's family. Family is perfect.
Aside from your security guard,
who can you trust?
Nobody.
OK, we'll roll with that.
Fine, no merger then!
My candidates run in the second round.
That's enough already!
Bruno, I've told you before,
city planning is technical.
Regulation is strict.
That's that!
I refuse to be
some deputy sports officer.
This city's all about handball.
I hate handball.
You already have half the list.
I'm talking about me!
I scored 14%.
I get to choose, don't I?
Philippe said I get
any deputy position I want.
I don't give a flip.
But you heard him ask me
to oversee the coalition, right?
Screw all of you!
I'm running my list!
-How elegant.
-Enjoy your laugh now!
You won't when I beat you
in Sunday's election!
-Think that's funny, jerk?
-You can't run, Bruno.
The people on your list
would have to agree.
Aside from this young lady,
none of them do.
-Why not?
-Election rules.
Election rules?
Don't try to screw me over!
If you get screwed, Bruno,
it won't be by me.
Deputy sports manager.
Sit down so we can get to work.
Let's go to the next plan.
Europe is your only hope.
You must do some wrangling
to prevent sanctions.
Before Mediapart shoots you down,
you must speak right away.
Once the battle starts,
the shit will hit the fan.
They'll drag you through the mud
because you dared to say no.
-Who is "they"?
-The Right, the Germans,
the 200 families,
the pile of money, whatever...
You mustn't give in to the pressure.
You mustn't pay.
No, it takes time
to plan this out, Philippe.
-You can't do it like that.
-Our necks are on the line, Francis!
Do you want to die? I don't.
Amelie will draft your speech.
"The fine based on 0.2% of the GDP
"will come to 4.8 billion euros.
"We are, of course, able to pay it,
but I have decided..."
Do you see any word
that looks out of place?
There is this last little thing here.
I'll make a minor change.
Otherwise, it's just fine.
Thank you.
There we go.
-How long before we're on?
-We're ready.
I'm very proud to be at your side
through this battle.
Thank you, Amelie.
Mr. President? Five, four, three...
My dear fellow citizens,
for two years, as you know,
I have defended France's interests
within the European Union
in honor of our past
and the centuries of war we have endured
that have ripped our continent apart.
I have done it for the future
because Europe has what it takes
to compete in a global economy.
But, between the past and the future,
there is the present.
Six days from today
an EU council will impose,
as the German Chancellor informed me
by phone,
sanctions on France
for its excessive deficit.
The fine based on 0.2%
of our Gross Domestic Product
will come to 4.8 billion euros.
We are, of course, able to pay it,
but I have decided
that we will not.
Son of a bitch!
The future begins with the present.
This present will happen
with the signature of a new treaty,
a thorough and ambitious redefinition
of the E.U.'s missions.
Citizens, far from isolating herself,
France is pulling together.
In Brussels tomorrow,
I will speak with the President
of the EU Parliament,
the E.U.'s most democratic institution,
in hopes of convincing him
to allow our proposal
to be voted on by EU deputies.
I will then travel to all EU nations
in order to set up
as broad a union as possible.
Fellow citizens, France's initiative is
a gesture of sovereignty;
it is weighty, thorough,
and it makes sense.
Thorough? I'm sure it is.
Makes sense?
You'll have to prove it, old man.
All historic speeches have been
unifying ones.
Laugier told Eurosceptics...
...in the Old Continent's history,
to outline the good news,
an upturn, fresh hope.
Damn it! Unbelievable!
Crap!
"Move beyond current treaties"?
Move beyond means to leave behind.
You're burying 60 years
of building the E.U.
In refusing to compromise on treaties,
the Germans forced our hand.
I'm a Socialist
because I'm European.
I'm European
because I'm a Socialist.
They go together.
I want a party vote.
Laurent! Divide the party when Francis
is asking for nationwide support?
I'm dividing?
We shall see!
Laugier might be led by Rickwaert,
but not the activists.
Careful, Laurent. Lines have shifted.
What's come over you, Amelie?
Do you support this madness?
What has Rickwaert done to you?
You're not really asking, are you?
Do you want details?
-How are you?
-Mirmont's mad.
His meeting tomorrow will be
an all-out war council.
Tomorrow, we'll see the poll results
on the President's speech.
The CESA just gave us
the first panel polling.
-How well did we do?
-67% for Laugier. It's huge.
No celebrating for Mirmont's supporters.
Amelie, I have to say...
You know your line about
how the future starts in the present?
It gave me a massive erection.
You're such a jerk!
And that was hearing
the old man's voice! So tonight,
can you put on your leopard thong
and read the whole thing to me?
-Oh great...
-Have to go.
I've got an emergency.
I'll call you back.
-Never drive on a flat, sir.
-I know.
-It looks doable.
-Great.
Vehicle registration, please.
First the paperwork.
OK.
Nice work!
Adama Coulibaly takes control.
Go!
Left! Left, damn it!
The left's wide open!
-He's got it!
-Center field!
-Who scored?
-It doesn't matter.
All right, then. I get it.
Can I come in?
Or is it kids-only?
That's not the issue.
Bruno Rickwaert running
against Veronique?
Are you totally crazy?
In politics, you've got to seize
all opportunities.
I don't want to hear
your ideas on politics.
Well, can't I come in?
I'd rather not.
This is my dad's house.
Right! Your father!
Tell me, princess,
what did he say about me?
-About my list?
-Can't you guess?
Dirty names, eh?
You could say so.
What a performer he is!
You father is something!
That's for sure.
Hat's off to the artist!
What do you mean?
Wake up, missie!
You father asked me to run
to screw over Vero.
Remember, if anyone asks...
I was home all day,
smoking weed and gaming.
That's right. Here.
Thanks, Chris! Go home.
Francis, he just pulled up.
I'll call you back.
Great. Thanks, Romain.
-How are you?
-Fine.
"Yours sincerely, Philippe Rickwaert."
"Yours sincerely, Philippe Rickwaert."
-Hello, Mrs. Bosso.
-Hi, Stephan.
Auzanet's Surprise Visit
to Dunkirk's Mayoral By-Election
"We must free Dunkirk
from Rickwaert's Shackles"
Auzanet came to stump
for his candidate?
Read the article.
Francis Laugier's plan suggests
that France can divorce the E.U.
This will destroy
the Franco-German union.
It breaks treaties.
It is irresponsible and dishonest.
The capriciousness will spark
disappointment and rancor.
-Capriciousness?
-Capriciousness.
-Have you heard that before?
-Never.
He obviously got it from Mediapart.
He's connecting the dots between
your divorce and the Dunkirk OHL.
Five days from the election!
If the article appears before...
I negotiated more time with Mediapart
to reply to this.
A powerful man who divorces.
That opens the door to speculation.
I didn't leave Nicole
for another woman.
Worse, to play the field.
I've had no personal life
for two years.
This is a good angle.
A nasty angle, but an effective one.
Stuck with Europe,
he moralizes about your divorce.
I'll go to Dunkirk to shut him up.
We'll have Amelie campaign with you.
They'll do the Republican moralizing.
But our party's secretary
can stand up to Auzanet.
Excuse me, Cyril,
I know it's not the moment but...
Annie, I need
the June workplace accident report.
-Yes, sir.
-Thanks.
The 24th is my parents'
golden anniversary in Albi.
This is not the moment.
Cyril...
It's never the moment.
Have you seen the ECB's statement?
Philippe did great work!
Mayhem everywhere!
Yes, I saw it.
I've put an option on some tickets
and need to know now.
If you want an answer now, it's no.
I need all hands on deck.
Francis Laugier's divorce settlement
Good day, reporters!
Hi, how are you?
Madame Secretary,
what do you think of Mr. Auzanet's
claims about corruption?
The man called me
a "Robespierre in a skirt"
because I support more stringent laws
on political finances.
-That's rich, but we're used to it.
-What do you plan...
No more questions
until the press conference.
Welcome to Dunkirk.
Thanks for coming!
How shall we start?
Knocking on doors?
House parties? Retirement homes?
Whatever you want.
Just tell me. Use me!
I certainly will!
Veronique?
Is something wrong?
"Francis Laugier's divorce settlement"
There's nothing in it.
Nothing at all.
What is
"Mrs. Laugier's trip to Brazil"?
About 20,000 euros.
So? What proves it's OHL money?
That's totally crazy.
It's meant to damage us
and take City Hall from us.
Auzanet is here for his candidate.
No, it's worse than that.
This operation aims to destabilize us
and to hinder France's EU plan.
Otherwise, why would Auzanet come?
It's a lost cause.
He knew that article would come out.
-Legally, there's nothing.
-So?
You know that's beside the point.
He wants to ruin Laugier.
Philippe, you can't come with us.
OHL is stamped on your forehead!
-The two of us will handle this.
-She's right.
Do we have the UK's
Labour Party position?
Early in the week.
-Mr. Secretary General?
-Yes?
Thank you.
It's a bit problematic.
-That's why I'm telling you.
-Very problematic!
This thing could make
Veronique the pain lose.
Amelie Dorendeu has come to help.
-She's good. I like her.
-She's very effective in her job.
With the deputy prosecutor on my ass,
I hope she is!
No one cares in my electoral base,
Mediapart, or the media in Paris.
-I'm not worried.
-Then what?
I feel something...
The thing is pounding me deep.
It's not pleasant.
I feel ill-at-ease.
Gérard, I've never lost an election.
So, you can relax your ass!
-Hand me a few tracts.
-Here.
-Veronique Bosso.
-We need your vote!
I'm Amelie Dorendeu, Socialist Party.
Veronique Bosso on Sunday.
I'm Veronique Bosso.
Vote Sunday!
Hello, ma'am. Veronique Bosso,
city government majority.
Hi, Blandine!
I'm counting on your vote Sunday!
Hello, sir.
Everyone for Veronique Bosso
on Sunday.
-Which party?
-Socialist.
Wipe my ass with that!
Ladies and gentlemen,
may I have a minute of your time?
You've all heard...
Thanks!
You've all heard
Pres. Laugier speak about the E.U.
-Who cares!
-It's about sovereignty. What matters...
Shit, it's Dumont.
Don't make trouble, Gilles!
Let her talk.
-Vero, you chose your camp.
-Let her talk, all right?
Salomé?
Francis Laugier is the only statesman
who's said that's enough!
Oh wow! He said, "That's enough!"
That's brave!
Liberal deregulation...
He sucks up to corporate bosses!
He does the exact opposite!
He refuses EU sanctions.
What about that OHL money?
It paid for
the President's divorce settlement!
A slander campaign is underway.
It started less than an hour ago.
Don't let them manipulate you.
They want to tarnish our name.
Don't fall for it.
-Rickwaert, Laugier, liars, thieves!
-This is a democracy.
-Rickwaert, Laugier, liars, thieves!
-A democracy, guys!
-Rickwaert, Laugier, liars, thieves!
-Can we talk?
Who cares about them?
Let's scram!
We won't have anything
to do with you!
-Liars, thieves!
-Corrupt politicians!
And the harassment begins.
-Will you answer?
-Me?
Say I won't talk! Make him mad!
-Salomé?
-Hello, sir. This is Alison.
Is my daughter there?
-She refuses to talk to you.
-Really? What's going on?
She spoke to your brother last night.
Bruno? So what happened?
Put her on!
Sorry, she won't.
-Put her on now!
-Goodbye, sir.
Oh great!
Where are you going?
Get out! Stupid asshole!
-What did you tell my daughter?
-The truth.
-What?
-Stop, you asked me to run!
I can go tell her I made it all up
just to annoy you.
Jackass!
I'll do as you say, Philippe.
Trouble in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais.
In the city's by-election,
Republicans took Dunkirk
from the Left.
Veronique Bosso, the Socialist
candidate, was expected to win.
As Philippe Rickwaert's deputy,
being close
to the current Labor Minister
was no asset, it was a cannon ball.
The surprise run by his brother,
Bruno Rickwaert,
split the Socialist vote.
Jean-Marc Auzanet seized the chance
to explain the loss
as disapproval of Pres. Laugier.
Mediapart's article did the rest.
The election boiled down
to one issue:
for or against Philippe Rickwaert,
the black baron of the OHL,
which may have funded
the President's divorce settlement.
I spoke to Laugier an hour ago.
We're going to file a lawsuit.
He's put his best lawyer on it.
We have winning arguments:
a slim victory margin, the article...
Don't bother, Philippe. Stop.
In the meantime, I'll appoint you
regional employment commissioner.
That way,
you'll still be on your turf.
Call it long-term campaigning.
I'll start by taking a needed break!
I've lost my city.
I don't want to lose my husband!
We need to do some mopping up.
You know all the files.
Dunkirk has become a hub of attention.
If the new mayor sues Rickwaert,
as he threatened to do,
and files
for criminal indemnification,
an investigative judge
will be appointed.
Embezzlement from a housing authority
will mean years of litigation, won't it?
It depends on what's in the case.
What's our room for maneuver?
Get the case files,
influence which judge is assigned.
I need time, Martin.
Mr. Gérard Noyer,
Head of Employment Office.
-Unemployment Office Overhaul.
-Thank you.
Dear Sir, please find below...
Cyril, did you speak with Pisani
at Nouvel Obs?
-Yes, we're pals.
-I heard you insulted him.
You kidding? He insulted me.
He's in cahoots with Mediapart.
He never listens.
You should have told me.
The editor phoned me.
I sounded stupid.
We'll play good cop/bad cop.
It works every time.
Which we discussed...
What's the matter?
What's happened to you?
You've changed.
What can I do to make up for it?
I don't know...
Do you need anything?
Hold on, now.
Weren't you involved with Philippe?
-Why do you ask me that?
-There used to be rumors.
We almost did.
But we didn't.
-Cool?
-Why is that cool?
-What would it change?
-Nothing. I was just wondering.
It might have been a bit awkward.
-OK, this is too complicated for me.
-No, wait.
No, we'll play good cop/bad cop
as you suggested.
It'll be easier.
Hello, I'd like to see the mayor.
-Do you have an appointment?
-Yes, tell him Mr. Balleroy is here.
Yes, Mr. Balleroy for the mayor.
Go ahead, he's expecting you.
Thank you. Thank you!
Excuse me.
The OHL file. The judge received
a cell phone analysis.
-Whose telephone? Rickwaert's?
-No.
Investigative Report
Photographs
This young activist recorded his call
with Philippe before killing himself.
It's there.
Transcript of Recorded Audio
It's horrific.
Who has access to this?
When will the press get it?
There's the prosecutor,
court clerks, lawyers...
-When will it leak?
-A few hours, a few days.
-Tomorrow would be ideal.
-Sorry?
Leak tomorrow.
-You want us to leak it ourselves?
-Absolutely.
I'm on the 8 o'clock news tonight.
Brief the reporters.
Have them grill me on Rickwaert.
Pin me to the wall. Hound me. OK?
Everything Mediapart said is true.
It will be Rickwaert's word
against mine.
The sooner I speak,
the better my credibility,
while this thing will kill his.
No one will believe him.
This thing is a nightmare.
Mr. Mayor.
-Mr. Boudard.
-Congratulations.
-Thanks.
-Hello, sir.
-Gérard Balleroy.
-François Boudard.
Great. I'll see you later.
Well, well...
You've got dirt
to deal on Philippe Rickwaert?
Terrible things.
The problem is that I'm involved.
I'm aware of the market
for the culture center.
I also helped him
break ballot box seals.
I'm listening.
I read that article on Rickwaert,
the OHL, the President's divorce,
the article on the web.
I'm not sure I understood it all,
but I realized, in fact,
Philippe has been protecting
President Laugier.
If Philippe takes the fall...
How much?
One million euros.
Nevertheless, this afternoon,
we heard negative reactions
from the Dutch and Finnish
heads of government.
Yes, I saw that. It's to be expected.
They have their positions.
And I have mine
to defend France's interests.
I hope there will be no challenge
to this legitimacy.
Who is challenging your legitimacy?
Nobody directly, but I believe
I've read in certain papers
that suspicions are being kindled,
and my private life may be attacked.
Are you referring
to your divorce settlement?
Yes, indeed. You can imagine
what separation entails
after 28 years of married life.
It's a tragedy.
My wife and I eventually came
to an agreement.
With strict respect for legality,
I did indeed give her
a certain amount of money.
I sold a piano forte
that I inherited from my father.
This agreement concerned
our marital and private life.
I'd like to know
what I am being blamed for.
Are you telling us, Mr. President,
that no party funds
were misappropriated
to finance your divorce?
Are you kidding?
The Dunkirk OHL is
under investigation.
Judges are handling that case.
Philippe Rickwaert is
one of your closest advisors.
Yes, and so?
This point does indeed come up
in the investigation.
I trust my nation's justice system.
Have you seen him or spoken to him?
Have you asked him
any questions yourself?
People want to know, Mr. President.
Understand this, Ms. Pulvar,
there are no friendships in politics.
There is a clear separation
between public life and private life.
What else could he have said?
Pulvar hounded him.
He could have said something else.
He had to shake off that leach.
I wrote "no friendships" for him
after the inquest to land you in it.
Excuse me, that line may be yours,
but it's awfully trite.
Oh, come on. I can't believe it.
Are you naive, Philippe?
He can't ditch me.
Do you understand, Amelie?
Not this time.
Why?
Do you know something else?
His divorce?
Did Mediapart print the truth?
-Oh shit, you're defending him.
-I've put everything behind me.
Have to forget all that.
Have to forget?
What are you saying?
Look at how the world really is.
It's complex.
Mitterrand had a sordid past,
but ended capital punishment.
-Stop.
-De Gaulle liberated France,
but he took over with a coup d'état.
Do you toss that out?
Laugier took OHL funds to divorce,
but he's changing Europe.
-You're mixing oranges and apples.
-We're acting, not judging.
We don't need a saint.
We need a leader.
How did you do it?
-What?
-The piano.
I suppose it's at Francis's cousin's.
After 2 years, it ought to be!
Who moved it?
How did you do it?
-Was it you?
-What are you after?
The piano, the piano appraisers,
Laugier's cousin, who cares?
What counts is Europe.
So drop it!
-You moved it?
-Yes, I did!
Are you happy now?
It doesn't matter.
-The minister behaves like a thief.
-Stop!
You paid for his divorce
with your city's housing funds?
I had no idea what it was.
Of course.
The prick conned me into thinking
it was for his Reims rally.
You've told too many lies, Philippe.
Too many...
Amelie, listen, I didn't know
the dough was for his divorce.
I didn't know.
I didn't know.
Get out.
It's over, Philippe.
You and Laugier went too far.
I'll call you back as soon as I can.
It's me.
Watching the interview.
That's the only thing he could say.
The journalist pushed him
up against the wall.
With what we'd been through,
there wasn't any other way.
But I don't know now.
I have a nagging doubt.
What if Laugier is a turd?
A big turd?
I can't seem to shake the thought.
It's not terribly reassuring.
Deep down, I'm a fragile guy.
If I'm not reassured,
I might act rashly, Francis.
Very rashly.
Good night.
Got enough room?
Orange flags are up.
Swimmers, be careful!
Well? You ready?
The news now. It's 9 o'clock.
We lead with this recording. Listen.
You're the treasurer. You had access
to the accounts, the files, the safe.
What if they get
a detailed deposition?
No importance.
Just get rid of any evidence.
No leads for the cops.
Be thorough, too.
Drive them crazy
and make them sorry they're cops.
I took you in and fed you.
You know me and my family.
I'm not in it for money.
We haven't stolen anything, Joël.
We're activists.
We're doing this crap to help people.
We can look at ourselves in the mirror.
I need a wall between me and the OHL.
No links!
Nothing should point to me.
Wait, you're in charge.
That's not like being the accountant.
It could have been an isolated party.
-How do we go about it?
-Here's the plan.
You hit us the day before the vote.
All right?
They'll try to tarnish us
before Sunday's election.
Exactly. It's a dirty political trick.
We won't play that game.
The search warrant will be
for Laugier and me.
If the Left loses, we'll fall.
If you sacrifice yourself,
it'll be minor news.
I know you're thinking
about the past, Joël.
You were strong,
had faith and courage,
You haven't changed, Joël.
They're just cops.
We are activists.
Rickwaert ordered Joël Domfront
to lie to investigators
while conducting their search
of OHL's Dunkirk offices.
Domfront killed himself
the following day...
-What's this?
-Le Figaro posted the recording.
I've heard. So what?
He killed himself.
He recorded Philippe.
We know nothing.
We must trust him.
Is that clear?
Joël Domfront, a young union member,
worked at the petrochemical plant.
The audio may incriminate
Labor Minister Rickwaert.
He remains unreachable.
Turn it off.
Who's coming?
Top regional leaders, the mayor,
and top local employment officials.
Cyril invited everyone to be thanked
in your inaugural speech.
It's there.
And the Prefect, too.
So many reporters!
A statement, please!
Drive off. Don't stop.
Keep going.
Move it! Take off!
Where to, sir?