Spin (2012–2016): Season 1, Episode 3 - La conquête du centre - full transcript
We're in deep shit.
Want us to gobble a cup?
Since the president died, France
is in turmoil. You won't help?
I didn't say that.
Without a party, it'll be hard
to get 500 signatures.
No one to install our posters
or distribute our pamphlets.
No one at our meetings.
Why run, then?
We founded the PDR together,
20 years ago. You resigned.
It's a great chance to get ahead
politically. Why refuse?
Till yesterday, I agreed
with you but I won't start
supporting a candidate that
half the voters call a whore.
You're absolutely right,
Mr. Petitjean!
Let's stop losing our time
with prudish octogenarians.
Let's keep negotiating
with my friends.
My private life's my business.
A presidential candidate
doesn't have a private life.
It's hopeless.
Your interviews at 10 instead.
Where's Simon?
I haven't seen him.
He doesn't answer his phone.
I'll find him.
MEN IN THE SHADOWS
AIMING FOR THE CENTER
It's in all the papers.
Visage will go down fast.
She's drowning.
- Want to know the schedule?
- Go ahead.
You can't do all this because
of your duties at Matignon.
These are the cities
where we must go.
Toulouse: You'll talk about
France's industrial fabric.
Nice: Win the seniors over.
Brest: Pro-fishing.
- Marseilles would be better.
- We'll go too.
Strasbourg: It's about Europe.
- Auvergne: Farming.
- Cow dunk... Must we?
- It means a lot to voters.
- Then let's fawn on them.
Always talk about safety,
our campaign's main subject.
We scoured the net
for people's fears:
violence, rape,
especially murder threats.
I'll give you the main ones
for where you'll be speaking.
- Fine.
- Goodbye.
Get tough on majority parties.
I'll meet with them next week.
- The PDA's unstable.
- Naturally, they're centrists!
Visage fell below
the 10-point mark.
She's drowning.
Petitjean will never
drown with her.
- I'll only need one car.
- I'll take care of it.
It's me.
Our meeting was scheduled
at 8 this morning, Simon.
Last night,
I decided to replace our meeting
by driving lessons.
I could teach you, if you want.
Pretend that rear-view mirrors
are prompters.
Shift slowly into higher gear
as if to warm up a meeting room.
- Not bad.
- Just "not bad"?
"Shift slowly into higher gear“
says it all.
There's no such thing
as a "trapped" middle class
or one that doesn't want much.
But now you have my attention.
Cynical, aggressive,
authoritarian.
All we need now is a pathetic,
forsaken lover.
What do you want to know?
If these facts are right?
They are.
You're shocked?
Why? Because you slept
with Pierre once?
Not just once.
We had a love affair
for 3 years and nobody knew.
I'm having a hard time
getting over it.
You're interested in that?
I pretend.
I pretend I'm a lonely woman.
But that's far from the truth.
I'm grieving,
but I have to keep it to myself.
I understand you're upset
that your best friend
didn't tell you everything
about his love life.
I'm not upset.
Then you're prudish,
as my grandma would say.
I can't stand behind someone
who doesn't tell me everything.
- It's complete trust or nothing.
- Then leave the team.
Issue a press release
and fly to New York.
But first, tell me how come
you chose me, if only
to quit over some trivia.
That idea crossed my mind
at Pierre's funeral:
You lost your balance and said
you've had this problem
since the murder.
I realized you must have been
with the president when he died.
You were the person closest
to him when it happened.
I thought I could make
a triumphant martyr out of you.
That's why I wanted pictures
of you at the cemetery.
It's disgusting.
Not really.
Our final goal is...
My friend, this is your battle,
and this time,
I'm giving you
an extraordinary weapon:
the president's mistress!
Who could be in
a better position,
more hurt and more determined
to get her revenge than her?
Me. If you won't stay with me,
I'll do it alone.
I'd never walk away
in the middle of a campaign,
especially not
in the present situation.
Are you after me?
Why are you looking
for Jamie Watou?
I'm a reporter
covering the murder.
You should report that,
since the murder,
the police treat us very badly.
If we spend some time here,
we'll be carted away.
- Many have gone.
- Where?
- The police! Scram!
- Jamie's been deported to Mali.
- You don't belong here.
- I'm a reporter.
Leave, or things will go wrong.
- I'm just doing my job.
- Round them up!
Leave me alone!
Stop it! It's disgusting!
They haven't done anything!
Leave them alone!
Pierre had told me he was
having an affair with Anne.
After 35 years of marriage,
you read your partner's body
like you read your own.
When I realized it,
I asked him and he confessed.
So...
You never gave him hell
or asked him to stop?
You're thinking
about yourself...
About Appoline and me?
You two
tore each other to pieces.
You were seeing another woman.
You went your separate ways,
but remained close.
I wanted to stay
by Pierre's side.
Before I met him,
I was teaching French.
As a teacher, I learned
to analyze situations
from a literary standpoint.
Here!
Thanks.
I know what you came here
to ask.
Simon wants us to start
without him.
He chose these.
The agency refers
to this project as "Heritage."
Very classical.
This is "Revival"
and the slogan is:
"France needs revival."
The poster's OK.
The slogan's moronic.
- They have other ideas.
- We're out of time.
And that one?
The slogan is
"Side by side in harmony."
- The second one is out.
- And the first?
It's rather classical, but...
I like the strong,
motherly face.
I prefer the third one.
Remove the words "in harmony."
"Side by side"
is simple and powerful.
"Side by side."
Listen!
We'll lose ground
in the polls. OK!
That's what analysis results
indicate.
It'll be hard
to gain ground again. Fine!
The enemy will strike low.
Fine!
But I'm here!
Spruce up the message.
Why were Anne
and the president hiding?
Because they were in love.
Anne's a true lover.
This wasn't just about sex.
It was genuine passion:
a long-term love story.
- Is that true?
- Who cares?
Is it enough for us
to gain ground?
You must convey the message
I just gave you.
We'll tell everyone
the same story: a love story.
I'll do the rest.
What rest?
You'll see.
OK, thanks!
Let's get to work!
Could you check the speech
for Perpignan?
Delete the safety stuff.
Leave that to Deleuvre.
People are interested
in social issues.
- Not enough!
- Why?
Our country was devastated
by the president's death.
Say at least
a few words about stress,
the ambiance, the investigation.
- Go ahead!
- Give me 5 minutes?
Hello!
- Hello!
- Hello!
- Take this seat.
- Thank you.
One of our friends lives
in the same village in Mali.
I have uncles in Bamako.
- If you wish, I'll ask them.
- Is Jamie there?
Our brothers who come
from France, we respect them.
They sent money
to their families.
It's better not to tell him
anything, for now.
Just find out where he is.
He was expelled from France.
He'll be scared.
- Go ahead and show her.
- Give it to her.
Thank you.
Simon!
Show me.
No, I'll read it to you.
Here!
I'll just read what I've added.
Ready?
Like you, I was hurt
in that attack.
I'm suffering
like you're all suffering.
Like you, I stand tall
and hold out my hand to you.
And I'm telling you,
my dear friends...
I'm telling you to come.
We'll get through this together.
We'll fight without leaving
anyone out,
side by side,
and we'll come out on top.
If you don't get a standing 0,
I'll resign.
Oh, it's very good.
Very, very good.
You take antidepressants?
Yes, sometimes...
Why? What's wrong?
- You're not happy on our team?
- On the contrary.
You have no idea how happy I am.
That's all I could find
to gain ground and get
the centrists to come back.
If you don't like it,
we're done!
Do we really need all this?
The cars, the bodyguards...
Of course!
A presidential candidate
attracts all kinds of lunatics.
You'll be all right.
I'm sorry to resort to this.
It's hard for me too.
Touch my hand so we look
like we've really reconciled.
Don't hold it against me.
I didn't mean to harm you.
I'd like to ask you something.
What you said in St. Etienne,
is it true?
That you hadn't
made the trip together
and that you had joined him
at City Hall?
Yes. We didn't see
each other very often.
It's important for me to know
that the last person
with whom he talked
about life and love was me.
It was you.
Kapita wins a point.
Deleuvre should show
his private life more.
He won't.
- I've tried, but I get nowhere.
- Why?
I have no idea.
All we can do
is capitalize on that.
Unlike Visage,
he doesn't seek the limelight.
France means everything to him.
What do you think?
Got the poll results?
- What is it, Valentine?
- I have to get my things.
- I don't have them.
- There are things I can't find.
I'll check.
- I miss you.
- It's a bad time.
- Why? You're with someone?
- Yes.
- How is she?
- Never mind!
50% haven't changed their mind,
25% have a bad opinion of her
and 30% sympathize.
26% put you in first position,
but Visage is back at 13.
- The Democrats'll make trouble.
- Depends on what we offer them.
Just enough
so they won't look elsewhere.
Let everyone know: No one stands
on Anne Visage's side.
Traitors will be subject
to reprisals:
no endorsements
or grants for 5 years.
Visage and Petitjean together
will get 500 signatures.
When the country's threatened,
voters are afraid of change.
We must play
the insecurity card well.
We didn't wait
for you to tell us that.
Do it, then.
I say we keep increasing
the stress the country's under.
The president was murdered.
Let's use that.
The terrorist threat has peaked.
The world's watching.
True.
We highlight
a sermon in a mosque,
a facial recognition check
gone wrong...
Then we'll gain some ground.
The Vigipirate Plan's
on red alert.
Is red Vigipirate
recognizable by the public?
They screen visitors
at public buildings,
search bags at store entrances.
Warnings blare in all stations.
We need more.
What's Vigipirate's
highest degree?
Scarlet.
More checks, increased traffic
restrictions, mainly in tunnels,
interruption
of civil aviation traffic,
setting up a water
distribution network.
That's too much for now.
I won't go there.
I'm a prime minister,
not a bomb expert.
I'll be going.
He's just a minor figure.
He's not Kapita.
He was trained by Kapita
and is 15 years younger.
Students always
surpass their masters.
We can't lose Petitjean.
Who handles him for Visage?
- Palissy.
- We got a weapon?
A Scud missile: enough to get
the centrists back on our side.
Use it.
- Everybody's looking for you.
- Been hearing that for 50 years.
Your phone lines are safe.
No wiretaps, no eavesdropping.
No mikes inside the walls,
according to our first check.
Secondly:
For secret conversations,
open the window so the sound
of traffic covers your voice.
And give me your cell.
Thanks.
Now we're sure no one
can hear us.
I have something for you.
Open it and look.
A weapon we can use
against Deleuvre.
- Deleuvre has a lover.
- What?
He's homosexual.
But he rose against adoption
by gay couples!
His lover has a small apartment
in the 16th borough,
on the Matignon estate.
It's paid by the voters.
He's there 2 or 3 times a week.
How did you get these pictures?
I'm still in touch
with some of the officers.
Are you sure about this?
About my source, yes,
therefore about the facts.
That's incredible!
Deleuvre is gay?
Let's keep it a secret.
Give those pictures back.
- It's a bombshell!
- I don't care.
I never use such methods.
He has the right to be gay.
Let's concentrate on politics
and the lie about
the president's murder.
Simon, we can't prove anything.
DEMOCRATIC HQ
I'm a minority figure
in my own party.
The insiders decided
to support Anne Visage,
so we'll support her.
But thank Kapita.
Meeting the president's wife
made a big difference.
Plus the offers you received
from the other side, I suppose.
Marjorie isn't seen
as a steady grounding tool
by the electorate.
And Deleuvre only offered us
minor roles.
It's 4 more points.
It'll improve
your present situation.
- We're improving.
- Not enough.
You'll get up to 19.
Deleuvre's at 24.
Deleuvre has to go down
3 more points.
You need 3 more points
to play in the major league.
You're not there yet.
You got the apartment for
that questor's job in Luxembourg
and External Affairs missions
that I gave you in the Senate.
What advantages will you get
if you're appointed minister?
It doesn't matter.
We're in politics now.
What ministries do you want?
Don't ask for Matignon:
It's out of the question.
Then at least
3 national ministries.
Internal or External Affairs,
Bercy...
And 2 others
we'll both agree on.
We can give you 5 ministries,
2 of them national.
Then give me 6 and keep
External Affairs for rne.
- What else?
- We'll see. The list can change.
- When do you need an answer?
- Thursday night.
I'll announce it at party HQ
and name the candidate
we'll be supporting.
I'll need your answer
before that.
I wish to thank you
for your kind wishes
of success for the new era
that has just begun
in France's history.
Hand on the table!
It's true I came forward
to follow a tradition,
but there's more than tradition:
History makes it my duty.
Wait!
Move your shoulders like this.
Forget about pronunciation,
for now.
In Paris, in the summer of 1792,
the First Republic of France
was born.
- Why do I need to exercise?
- To train your body.
Your first big meeting tomorrow
has to be a success.
Start over!
It offered us,
well ahead of its time,
universal suffrage and,
therefore, new concepts
that became known
all over the world:
human rights and civil rights.
- So?
- They'll join us!
They want 5 ministries.
- It's a lot.
- Four points.
- Did they say which?
- I'll see Petitjean tonight.
- We'll be in Perpignan.
- I'll stay there.
- You can't offer Matignon.
- I made it clear.
"It's true I came forward
to follow a tradition,
"but there's more
than tradition:
"History makes it my duty.
"In Paris,
in the summer of 1792,
"the First Republic of France
was born."
What's this all about?
I'm not going back to '92!
It's a speech Mitterrand gave
in May '81 at City Hall.
Find something else.
They're the best speeches
for practicing.
I feel like I'm taking
my first steps into politics.
- Do I really need this?
- Yes.
Try and look more relaxed.
You're... too stiff.
You keep telling me to be more
aggressive on safety issues,
all the while
accusing me of being too harsh.
You have to improve your image.
May I be frank?
Go ahead.
A PM gets things done.
In order to understand,
a president must listen.
- Am I not listening?
- No. Here's proof.
You keep your distances.
You must develop a bond
with the voters.
I can kiss women, children
and seniors after meetings...
It's not enough.
You must do like Kapita:
Let your private life show.
Getting the president's wife
involved gave him 5 points.
I know you're
a very private person...
We won't talk about my family!
Just one picture.
One with your family.
No! I'll never do that.
- I'd like you to meet my father.
- Hello!
This is Marc Kajanef.
You've met before.
- The guy I found in my bed...
- That's right.
Is it your first
electoral campaign?
But we've already started, Dad.
Marc made mock-ups of sites.
- We have blogs online.
- Keep me posted.
It looks good.
What else do you need
to continue?
To swamp Facebook and YouTube:
slogans, photos, programs...
- In 24 hours.
- I know what things.
Maybe we'll reach 10 m bloggers
in a week.
- We need guys on contract.
- Ask the accountant.
I have a question.
- The end justifies the means?
- He won't answer.
We can post kill videos
if no one knows who did it.
Really? When I graduated,
I was against shitty writings
already and stuff like that.
Poli-sci graduates
always say that.
Excuse me. It's your mom.
Yes?
They were trying
to find something.
Since I started investigating,
I feel I'm being watched.
- I'm not free to do things.
- Even there?
Yes, but I'm on to something.
The witness to Pierre's murder,
Jamie Watou, has disappeared.
- We know.
- I found him.
He was expelled to Mali
the day after the attack.
I found out frgm his friends
in St. Etienne
and guys at the holding center.
He sent them this.
Check the postmark.
It's from Bamako.
I can find him.
- How will you use this?
- I'll go to Mali.
- Can it wait a while?
- Why?
I'm going to Perpignan tonight.
Tomorrow, I'll introduce you
to Gendre, Pierre's bodyguard.
- I don't need him.
- He can help you in Mali.
He knows Jamie.
You're just afraid
for your campaign.
I'm not doing these things
for your candidate, Simon.
This whole thing's disgusting.
I'll get it out in the open!
This is huge: a state falsehood!
That's right!
Your first big campaign meeting!
There are a few rules.
I'm waiting for my speech.
I know how to use prompters.
Let's talk about walkabouts.
Go out and mix with people.
I kiss children, say hello...
Kneel down and kiss them
like a mother would.
For walkabouts and in markets,
make sure your skirt
won't float up.
- I'll wear pants.
- I told you, "No pants."
Hug seniors too: men, women...
Anyone at all.
- I'll try not to muck up!
- You won't!
With me, you never know.
- I think I got it right.
- Thanks.
Simon Kapita here.
Leave a message. Thanks.
Simon, it's a done deal.
I saw Petitjean.
The Democrats will join us.
They want those ministries.
Petitjean'll announce it
within 48 hours.
Have a good meeting
in Perpignan!
What's going on?
- Go! Go!
- What's the matter?
Who are they? You OK?
Are you OK?
- You know them?
- No.
- They grabbed me!
- It's OK.
A damn taxi!
You saved my life. Thank you.
Shit! Shit!
Damn fool!
You got me!
If I see you again,
I'll beat you up!
Get going!
Go' y°u phmgfapher!
- OK! The police...
- Papers!
In the past few weeks,
we've gone through painful times
and we question everything.
You,
me,
for I was hurt
in that attack myself.
I suffer too,
along with my country.
Like you, I stand tall
and hold out my hand to you.
Let us overcome
the tragic events
-that plunged us into grief.
- Take a shot of the crowd.
Let's get back on our feet!
We can do it! I can do it!
I'm asking you...
My dear friends,
I'm telling you to come.
We'll get through this together.
We'll fight without leaving
anyone out, side by side!
I'm sure there's someone else.
I'm trying.
I'm trying, but I can't do it!
Equality we'll build together!
Freedom we'll all fight for!
We must remain united!
United among ourselves!
United with all of France!
You OK, Val?
No one's called me "Val"
in a year.
You did well! Congrats!
Go back there!
- We shouldn't have done this.
- What made us do it was...
The meeting, the heat,
the emotion.
You said that the first time,
during Pierre's campaign.
Remember what happened after'?
I got caught up
in the campaign's activities:
plane trips, meetings,
evening get-togethers.
And we won.
The merry-go-round
came to a stop.
I got off. You stayed on.
I was mad at myself
for not leaving sooner.
And I'm mad at myself
for having done it again.
Is there a man in your life?
A toxic substance.
I told you not to go to Mali
by yourself.
Yes, he's the only one
who knows the witness.
He'll protect you. Please
let me arrange everything.
It was Appoline.
Are you two back together?
Wednesday nights
and every other weekend.
Maybe I shouldn't stay
on the team.
Stay. I can cope with it.
Or cope without.
Goodbye.
Senator!
Get in.
Hello, Senator.
What's the deal?
Bring Petitjean
back on our side.
Or else?
Everyone will know you like
whores who are minors.
Whores, maybe, but not minors.
That girl wasn't even 17.
As a bastard, you get top prize.
That's your opinion.
Just to win
stupid centrists over!
I wouldn't put it that way,
but the comparison stands.
Moderate voters don't like
people who abuse minors.
I've met a lot
of assholes like you,
but the day I catch you,
you'll get what you deserve!
Petitjean will address
the media tomorrow at 8 PM.
If I don't hear
from him or you by 7 PM,
everyone will know.
Damn bastard!
A setup. That girl
was an informer or a dealer.
We don't have any weapon
against Guénélon,
no way of putting pressure
on him.
I don't have access
to police files.
I don't know what crap
he's involved in.
But I won't give them
the Democrats as a gift.
I got you into politics.
You've come of age
and I'll stand by you.
How much time do we have?
Petitjean will speak
tomorrow at 8 PM
after Guénélon's told him
and the media.
What's going on?
Without Petitjean, we can't win.
Does Palissy know
about Deleuvre's lie?
No. I don't want him to know.
He'd go wild.
Palissy's impulsive, irritable.
But still...
We can't use
the state falsehood?
We're trapped!
We'll do it when we have
documents, evidence...
Or it'll do us more harm.
That lie's my reason for running
and I can't talk about it.
I'm on to something,
but we must wait.
For what?
The witness.
Tell me more.
A black guy who left
the country. We're after him.
-"We"?
- Gendre.
- I've something else lined up.
- What?
Sordid stuff. Don't ask.
- Yes?
- Kapita.
I have to see you, Counselor.
Why?
It's hard to explain
on the phone. Can we meet?
- In Matignon tomorrow.
- We can't be seen together.
- I've nothing to hide.
- So far...
I'll be on the comer of Fremiet
and Charles Dickens, No. 4.
You know the building.
At midnight.
We'll sit in the car.
Get the driver out.
Why did you want me
to come here?
I suppose you know
where we are.
At 4 Charles Dickens St.
It's late,
let's make this quick.
You're the one who framed
Senator Palissy.
- I just know his name.
- And his reputation.
Which to plan to expose.
I don't know
what you're talking about.
If the media print such crap
about the senator,
the next day, we'll have
some pictures for them.
You gave Senator Palissy 2 days.
I give you till tomorrow, 6 PM.
Two hours
before Petitjean speaks.
It's blackmail!
"Adapt your weapons and
your methods." Read Clausewitz.
This tea's disgusting.
Let's calm down, Simon.
Palissy hasn't heard
from Petitjean.
We'll see.
There's nothing more we can do.
In any case,
with or without Petitjean,
rll keep going!
- Yes?
- Simon, I have to see you.
Fine. Where?
How about 2 PM,
the Debilly footbridge?
I'll be there.
- What's going on?
- I have to talk to you.
Why here?
I have a meeting next door,
at "France d'aujourd'hui."
I know you increased your staff.
Apart from Raskovlov
and the media, what's new?
All kinds of lobbying: politics,
telecommunications, energy...
Increasing activities
in the fighting world.
We increased the area.
You don't know the difference
between area and depth.
- That's not why we're here.
- Right! Let's stay on track.
Yes.
Deleuvre's lover boy in exchange
for your senator's mischief.
I don't know how you deal
with it, but you win.
We gained 3 points.
You lost 2.
Weren't you against
this way of doing things?
It started with a minor whore
in Palissy's company.
Palissy'd never get away
with it. Deleuvre would.
I'd have used his homosexuality
to fend off his critics.
- Then why are you here?
- He sent me.
His decision, not mine.
He risks losing the elections,
but he won't lose his lover.
He really loves him.
They've been lovers for 7 years.
Not like fucking a whore
in the park!
He protects that guy.
That's why he doesn't talk about
his private life and never will.
Ludo!
We're throwing dirt around.
Even the ones we work with,
even politics.
That's what we're paid for.
Except we're not the ones
who foot the bill.
We're waiting for Mr. Petitjean
to make a declaration.
- Want this call?
- Is it Simon?
Yes, in Roissy.
We'll talk again later.
- She'll call you later.
- Why is he in Roissy?
...will affect election results,
at least for the majority party.
Will it be Deleuvre
or Visage?
- Do we bring him back?
- I'll let you know.
We must act secretly.
If we're found out, we're done.
Does Anne Visage know
about this?
No one knows.
We can't tell her. It would
destabilize her campaign.
I won't tell my paper yet, but
I want to make one thing clear:
I'll do the work.
You'll just help.
I'm not doing this
for the elections.
Ifl had to choose, I'd choose
Marjorie over Anne Visage.
Well...
Take care of yourself.
Thanks.
Mr. Petitjean,
which candidate should we elect?
Could you please let me speak.
Thank you.
First, I'd like to pay homage
to our president
who died tragically.
I feel that
everyone here tonight
is thinking about him.
Also, after discussing
with the 2 candidates
running for
the former president's party,
and carefully studying
each one's program,
we've decided to support
the candidacy of Anne Visage!
Let me speak to Guénélon.
It's urgent.
What's the matter?
Kapita sent a team over to Mali.
Why Mali?
- I don't know. Find out.
- Sure about your source?
I'm 100% sure.
I'm on it!
Who were you talking to?
Somebody. You don't know him.
Translatior]: M. Saint-Amaud
Epilogue
Want us to gobble a cup?
Since the president died, France
is in turmoil. You won't help?
I didn't say that.
Without a party, it'll be hard
to get 500 signatures.
No one to install our posters
or distribute our pamphlets.
No one at our meetings.
Why run, then?
We founded the PDR together,
20 years ago. You resigned.
It's a great chance to get ahead
politically. Why refuse?
Till yesterday, I agreed
with you but I won't start
supporting a candidate that
half the voters call a whore.
You're absolutely right,
Mr. Petitjean!
Let's stop losing our time
with prudish octogenarians.
Let's keep negotiating
with my friends.
My private life's my business.
A presidential candidate
doesn't have a private life.
It's hopeless.
Your interviews at 10 instead.
Where's Simon?
I haven't seen him.
He doesn't answer his phone.
I'll find him.
MEN IN THE SHADOWS
AIMING FOR THE CENTER
It's in all the papers.
Visage will go down fast.
She's drowning.
- Want to know the schedule?
- Go ahead.
You can't do all this because
of your duties at Matignon.
These are the cities
where we must go.
Toulouse: You'll talk about
France's industrial fabric.
Nice: Win the seniors over.
Brest: Pro-fishing.
- Marseilles would be better.
- We'll go too.
Strasbourg: It's about Europe.
- Auvergne: Farming.
- Cow dunk... Must we?
- It means a lot to voters.
- Then let's fawn on them.
Always talk about safety,
our campaign's main subject.
We scoured the net
for people's fears:
violence, rape,
especially murder threats.
I'll give you the main ones
for where you'll be speaking.
- Fine.
- Goodbye.
Get tough on majority parties.
I'll meet with them next week.
- The PDA's unstable.
- Naturally, they're centrists!
Visage fell below
the 10-point mark.
She's drowning.
Petitjean will never
drown with her.
- I'll only need one car.
- I'll take care of it.
It's me.
Our meeting was scheduled
at 8 this morning, Simon.
Last night,
I decided to replace our meeting
by driving lessons.
I could teach you, if you want.
Pretend that rear-view mirrors
are prompters.
Shift slowly into higher gear
as if to warm up a meeting room.
- Not bad.
- Just "not bad"?
"Shift slowly into higher gear“
says it all.
There's no such thing
as a "trapped" middle class
or one that doesn't want much.
But now you have my attention.
Cynical, aggressive,
authoritarian.
All we need now is a pathetic,
forsaken lover.
What do you want to know?
If these facts are right?
They are.
You're shocked?
Why? Because you slept
with Pierre once?
Not just once.
We had a love affair
for 3 years and nobody knew.
I'm having a hard time
getting over it.
You're interested in that?
I pretend.
I pretend I'm a lonely woman.
But that's far from the truth.
I'm grieving,
but I have to keep it to myself.
I understand you're upset
that your best friend
didn't tell you everything
about his love life.
I'm not upset.
Then you're prudish,
as my grandma would say.
I can't stand behind someone
who doesn't tell me everything.
- It's complete trust or nothing.
- Then leave the team.
Issue a press release
and fly to New York.
But first, tell me how come
you chose me, if only
to quit over some trivia.
That idea crossed my mind
at Pierre's funeral:
You lost your balance and said
you've had this problem
since the murder.
I realized you must have been
with the president when he died.
You were the person closest
to him when it happened.
I thought I could make
a triumphant martyr out of you.
That's why I wanted pictures
of you at the cemetery.
It's disgusting.
Not really.
Our final goal is...
My friend, this is your battle,
and this time,
I'm giving you
an extraordinary weapon:
the president's mistress!
Who could be in
a better position,
more hurt and more determined
to get her revenge than her?
Me. If you won't stay with me,
I'll do it alone.
I'd never walk away
in the middle of a campaign,
especially not
in the present situation.
Are you after me?
Why are you looking
for Jamie Watou?
I'm a reporter
covering the murder.
You should report that,
since the murder,
the police treat us very badly.
If we spend some time here,
we'll be carted away.
- Many have gone.
- Where?
- The police! Scram!
- Jamie's been deported to Mali.
- You don't belong here.
- I'm a reporter.
Leave, or things will go wrong.
- I'm just doing my job.
- Round them up!
Leave me alone!
Stop it! It's disgusting!
They haven't done anything!
Leave them alone!
Pierre had told me he was
having an affair with Anne.
After 35 years of marriage,
you read your partner's body
like you read your own.
When I realized it,
I asked him and he confessed.
So...
You never gave him hell
or asked him to stop?
You're thinking
about yourself...
About Appoline and me?
You two
tore each other to pieces.
You were seeing another woman.
You went your separate ways,
but remained close.
I wanted to stay
by Pierre's side.
Before I met him,
I was teaching French.
As a teacher, I learned
to analyze situations
from a literary standpoint.
Here!
Thanks.
I know what you came here
to ask.
Simon wants us to start
without him.
He chose these.
The agency refers
to this project as "Heritage."
Very classical.
This is "Revival"
and the slogan is:
"France needs revival."
The poster's OK.
The slogan's moronic.
- They have other ideas.
- We're out of time.
And that one?
The slogan is
"Side by side in harmony."
- The second one is out.
- And the first?
It's rather classical, but...
I like the strong,
motherly face.
I prefer the third one.
Remove the words "in harmony."
"Side by side"
is simple and powerful.
"Side by side."
Listen!
We'll lose ground
in the polls. OK!
That's what analysis results
indicate.
It'll be hard
to gain ground again. Fine!
The enemy will strike low.
Fine!
But I'm here!
Spruce up the message.
Why were Anne
and the president hiding?
Because they were in love.
Anne's a true lover.
This wasn't just about sex.
It was genuine passion:
a long-term love story.
- Is that true?
- Who cares?
Is it enough for us
to gain ground?
You must convey the message
I just gave you.
We'll tell everyone
the same story: a love story.
I'll do the rest.
What rest?
You'll see.
OK, thanks!
Let's get to work!
Could you check the speech
for Perpignan?
Delete the safety stuff.
Leave that to Deleuvre.
People are interested
in social issues.
- Not enough!
- Why?
Our country was devastated
by the president's death.
Say at least
a few words about stress,
the ambiance, the investigation.
- Go ahead!
- Give me 5 minutes?
Hello!
- Hello!
- Hello!
- Take this seat.
- Thank you.
One of our friends lives
in the same village in Mali.
I have uncles in Bamako.
- If you wish, I'll ask them.
- Is Jamie there?
Our brothers who come
from France, we respect them.
They sent money
to their families.
It's better not to tell him
anything, for now.
Just find out where he is.
He was expelled from France.
He'll be scared.
- Go ahead and show her.
- Give it to her.
Thank you.
Simon!
Show me.
No, I'll read it to you.
Here!
I'll just read what I've added.
Ready?
Like you, I was hurt
in that attack.
I'm suffering
like you're all suffering.
Like you, I stand tall
and hold out my hand to you.
And I'm telling you,
my dear friends...
I'm telling you to come.
We'll get through this together.
We'll fight without leaving
anyone out,
side by side,
and we'll come out on top.
If you don't get a standing 0,
I'll resign.
Oh, it's very good.
Very, very good.
You take antidepressants?
Yes, sometimes...
Why? What's wrong?
- You're not happy on our team?
- On the contrary.
You have no idea how happy I am.
That's all I could find
to gain ground and get
the centrists to come back.
If you don't like it,
we're done!
Do we really need all this?
The cars, the bodyguards...
Of course!
A presidential candidate
attracts all kinds of lunatics.
You'll be all right.
I'm sorry to resort to this.
It's hard for me too.
Touch my hand so we look
like we've really reconciled.
Don't hold it against me.
I didn't mean to harm you.
I'd like to ask you something.
What you said in St. Etienne,
is it true?
That you hadn't
made the trip together
and that you had joined him
at City Hall?
Yes. We didn't see
each other very often.
It's important for me to know
that the last person
with whom he talked
about life and love was me.
It was you.
Kapita wins a point.
Deleuvre should show
his private life more.
He won't.
- I've tried, but I get nowhere.
- Why?
I have no idea.
All we can do
is capitalize on that.
Unlike Visage,
he doesn't seek the limelight.
France means everything to him.
What do you think?
Got the poll results?
- What is it, Valentine?
- I have to get my things.
- I don't have them.
- There are things I can't find.
I'll check.
- I miss you.
- It's a bad time.
- Why? You're with someone?
- Yes.
- How is she?
- Never mind!
50% haven't changed their mind,
25% have a bad opinion of her
and 30% sympathize.
26% put you in first position,
but Visage is back at 13.
- The Democrats'll make trouble.
- Depends on what we offer them.
Just enough
so they won't look elsewhere.
Let everyone know: No one stands
on Anne Visage's side.
Traitors will be subject
to reprisals:
no endorsements
or grants for 5 years.
Visage and Petitjean together
will get 500 signatures.
When the country's threatened,
voters are afraid of change.
We must play
the insecurity card well.
We didn't wait
for you to tell us that.
Do it, then.
I say we keep increasing
the stress the country's under.
The president was murdered.
Let's use that.
The terrorist threat has peaked.
The world's watching.
True.
We highlight
a sermon in a mosque,
a facial recognition check
gone wrong...
Then we'll gain some ground.
The Vigipirate Plan's
on red alert.
Is red Vigipirate
recognizable by the public?
They screen visitors
at public buildings,
search bags at store entrances.
Warnings blare in all stations.
We need more.
What's Vigipirate's
highest degree?
Scarlet.
More checks, increased traffic
restrictions, mainly in tunnels,
interruption
of civil aviation traffic,
setting up a water
distribution network.
That's too much for now.
I won't go there.
I'm a prime minister,
not a bomb expert.
I'll be going.
He's just a minor figure.
He's not Kapita.
He was trained by Kapita
and is 15 years younger.
Students always
surpass their masters.
We can't lose Petitjean.
Who handles him for Visage?
- Palissy.
- We got a weapon?
A Scud missile: enough to get
the centrists back on our side.
Use it.
- Everybody's looking for you.
- Been hearing that for 50 years.
Your phone lines are safe.
No wiretaps, no eavesdropping.
No mikes inside the walls,
according to our first check.
Secondly:
For secret conversations,
open the window so the sound
of traffic covers your voice.
And give me your cell.
Thanks.
Now we're sure no one
can hear us.
I have something for you.
Open it and look.
A weapon we can use
against Deleuvre.
- Deleuvre has a lover.
- What?
He's homosexual.
But he rose against adoption
by gay couples!
His lover has a small apartment
in the 16th borough,
on the Matignon estate.
It's paid by the voters.
He's there 2 or 3 times a week.
How did you get these pictures?
I'm still in touch
with some of the officers.
Are you sure about this?
About my source, yes,
therefore about the facts.
That's incredible!
Deleuvre is gay?
Let's keep it a secret.
Give those pictures back.
- It's a bombshell!
- I don't care.
I never use such methods.
He has the right to be gay.
Let's concentrate on politics
and the lie about
the president's murder.
Simon, we can't prove anything.
DEMOCRATIC HQ
I'm a minority figure
in my own party.
The insiders decided
to support Anne Visage,
so we'll support her.
But thank Kapita.
Meeting the president's wife
made a big difference.
Plus the offers you received
from the other side, I suppose.
Marjorie isn't seen
as a steady grounding tool
by the electorate.
And Deleuvre only offered us
minor roles.
It's 4 more points.
It'll improve
your present situation.
- We're improving.
- Not enough.
You'll get up to 19.
Deleuvre's at 24.
Deleuvre has to go down
3 more points.
You need 3 more points
to play in the major league.
You're not there yet.
You got the apartment for
that questor's job in Luxembourg
and External Affairs missions
that I gave you in the Senate.
What advantages will you get
if you're appointed minister?
It doesn't matter.
We're in politics now.
What ministries do you want?
Don't ask for Matignon:
It's out of the question.
Then at least
3 national ministries.
Internal or External Affairs,
Bercy...
And 2 others
we'll both agree on.
We can give you 5 ministries,
2 of them national.
Then give me 6 and keep
External Affairs for rne.
- What else?
- We'll see. The list can change.
- When do you need an answer?
- Thursday night.
I'll announce it at party HQ
and name the candidate
we'll be supporting.
I'll need your answer
before that.
I wish to thank you
for your kind wishes
of success for the new era
that has just begun
in France's history.
Hand on the table!
It's true I came forward
to follow a tradition,
but there's more than tradition:
History makes it my duty.
Wait!
Move your shoulders like this.
Forget about pronunciation,
for now.
In Paris, in the summer of 1792,
the First Republic of France
was born.
- Why do I need to exercise?
- To train your body.
Your first big meeting tomorrow
has to be a success.
Start over!
It offered us,
well ahead of its time,
universal suffrage and,
therefore, new concepts
that became known
all over the world:
human rights and civil rights.
- So?
- They'll join us!
They want 5 ministries.
- It's a lot.
- Four points.
- Did they say which?
- I'll see Petitjean tonight.
- We'll be in Perpignan.
- I'll stay there.
- You can't offer Matignon.
- I made it clear.
"It's true I came forward
to follow a tradition,
"but there's more
than tradition:
"History makes it my duty.
"In Paris,
in the summer of 1792,
"the First Republic of France
was born."
What's this all about?
I'm not going back to '92!
It's a speech Mitterrand gave
in May '81 at City Hall.
Find something else.
They're the best speeches
for practicing.
I feel like I'm taking
my first steps into politics.
- Do I really need this?
- Yes.
Try and look more relaxed.
You're... too stiff.
You keep telling me to be more
aggressive on safety issues,
all the while
accusing me of being too harsh.
You have to improve your image.
May I be frank?
Go ahead.
A PM gets things done.
In order to understand,
a president must listen.
- Am I not listening?
- No. Here's proof.
You keep your distances.
You must develop a bond
with the voters.
I can kiss women, children
and seniors after meetings...
It's not enough.
You must do like Kapita:
Let your private life show.
Getting the president's wife
involved gave him 5 points.
I know you're
a very private person...
We won't talk about my family!
Just one picture.
One with your family.
No! I'll never do that.
- I'd like you to meet my father.
- Hello!
This is Marc Kajanef.
You've met before.
- The guy I found in my bed...
- That's right.
Is it your first
electoral campaign?
But we've already started, Dad.
Marc made mock-ups of sites.
- We have blogs online.
- Keep me posted.
It looks good.
What else do you need
to continue?
To swamp Facebook and YouTube:
slogans, photos, programs...
- In 24 hours.
- I know what things.
Maybe we'll reach 10 m bloggers
in a week.
- We need guys on contract.
- Ask the accountant.
I have a question.
- The end justifies the means?
- He won't answer.
We can post kill videos
if no one knows who did it.
Really? When I graduated,
I was against shitty writings
already and stuff like that.
Poli-sci graduates
always say that.
Excuse me. It's your mom.
Yes?
They were trying
to find something.
Since I started investigating,
I feel I'm being watched.
- I'm not free to do things.
- Even there?
Yes, but I'm on to something.
The witness to Pierre's murder,
Jamie Watou, has disappeared.
- We know.
- I found him.
He was expelled to Mali
the day after the attack.
I found out frgm his friends
in St. Etienne
and guys at the holding center.
He sent them this.
Check the postmark.
It's from Bamako.
I can find him.
- How will you use this?
- I'll go to Mali.
- Can it wait a while?
- Why?
I'm going to Perpignan tonight.
Tomorrow, I'll introduce you
to Gendre, Pierre's bodyguard.
- I don't need him.
- He can help you in Mali.
He knows Jamie.
You're just afraid
for your campaign.
I'm not doing these things
for your candidate, Simon.
This whole thing's disgusting.
I'll get it out in the open!
This is huge: a state falsehood!
That's right!
Your first big campaign meeting!
There are a few rules.
I'm waiting for my speech.
I know how to use prompters.
Let's talk about walkabouts.
Go out and mix with people.
I kiss children, say hello...
Kneel down and kiss them
like a mother would.
For walkabouts and in markets,
make sure your skirt
won't float up.
- I'll wear pants.
- I told you, "No pants."
Hug seniors too: men, women...
Anyone at all.
- I'll try not to muck up!
- You won't!
With me, you never know.
- I think I got it right.
- Thanks.
Simon Kapita here.
Leave a message. Thanks.
Simon, it's a done deal.
I saw Petitjean.
The Democrats will join us.
They want those ministries.
Petitjean'll announce it
within 48 hours.
Have a good meeting
in Perpignan!
What's going on?
- Go! Go!
- What's the matter?
Who are they? You OK?
Are you OK?
- You know them?
- No.
- They grabbed me!
- It's OK.
A damn taxi!
You saved my life. Thank you.
Shit! Shit!
Damn fool!
You got me!
If I see you again,
I'll beat you up!
Get going!
Go' y°u phmgfapher!
- OK! The police...
- Papers!
In the past few weeks,
we've gone through painful times
and we question everything.
You,
me,
for I was hurt
in that attack myself.
I suffer too,
along with my country.
Like you, I stand tall
and hold out my hand to you.
Let us overcome
the tragic events
-that plunged us into grief.
- Take a shot of the crowd.
Let's get back on our feet!
We can do it! I can do it!
I'm asking you...
My dear friends,
I'm telling you to come.
We'll get through this together.
We'll fight without leaving
anyone out, side by side!
I'm sure there's someone else.
I'm trying.
I'm trying, but I can't do it!
Equality we'll build together!
Freedom we'll all fight for!
We must remain united!
United among ourselves!
United with all of France!
You OK, Val?
No one's called me "Val"
in a year.
You did well! Congrats!
Go back there!
- We shouldn't have done this.
- What made us do it was...
The meeting, the heat,
the emotion.
You said that the first time,
during Pierre's campaign.
Remember what happened after'?
I got caught up
in the campaign's activities:
plane trips, meetings,
evening get-togethers.
And we won.
The merry-go-round
came to a stop.
I got off. You stayed on.
I was mad at myself
for not leaving sooner.
And I'm mad at myself
for having done it again.
Is there a man in your life?
A toxic substance.
I told you not to go to Mali
by yourself.
Yes, he's the only one
who knows the witness.
He'll protect you. Please
let me arrange everything.
It was Appoline.
Are you two back together?
Wednesday nights
and every other weekend.
Maybe I shouldn't stay
on the team.
Stay. I can cope with it.
Or cope without.
Goodbye.
Senator!
Get in.
Hello, Senator.
What's the deal?
Bring Petitjean
back on our side.
Or else?
Everyone will know you like
whores who are minors.
Whores, maybe, but not minors.
That girl wasn't even 17.
As a bastard, you get top prize.
That's your opinion.
Just to win
stupid centrists over!
I wouldn't put it that way,
but the comparison stands.
Moderate voters don't like
people who abuse minors.
I've met a lot
of assholes like you,
but the day I catch you,
you'll get what you deserve!
Petitjean will address
the media tomorrow at 8 PM.
If I don't hear
from him or you by 7 PM,
everyone will know.
Damn bastard!
A setup. That girl
was an informer or a dealer.
We don't have any weapon
against Guénélon,
no way of putting pressure
on him.
I don't have access
to police files.
I don't know what crap
he's involved in.
But I won't give them
the Democrats as a gift.
I got you into politics.
You've come of age
and I'll stand by you.
How much time do we have?
Petitjean will speak
tomorrow at 8 PM
after Guénélon's told him
and the media.
What's going on?
Without Petitjean, we can't win.
Does Palissy know
about Deleuvre's lie?
No. I don't want him to know.
He'd go wild.
Palissy's impulsive, irritable.
But still...
We can't use
the state falsehood?
We're trapped!
We'll do it when we have
documents, evidence...
Or it'll do us more harm.
That lie's my reason for running
and I can't talk about it.
I'm on to something,
but we must wait.
For what?
The witness.
Tell me more.
A black guy who left
the country. We're after him.
-"We"?
- Gendre.
- I've something else lined up.
- What?
Sordid stuff. Don't ask.
- Yes?
- Kapita.
I have to see you, Counselor.
Why?
It's hard to explain
on the phone. Can we meet?
- In Matignon tomorrow.
- We can't be seen together.
- I've nothing to hide.
- So far...
I'll be on the comer of Fremiet
and Charles Dickens, No. 4.
You know the building.
At midnight.
We'll sit in the car.
Get the driver out.
Why did you want me
to come here?
I suppose you know
where we are.
At 4 Charles Dickens St.
It's late,
let's make this quick.
You're the one who framed
Senator Palissy.
- I just know his name.
- And his reputation.
Which to plan to expose.
I don't know
what you're talking about.
If the media print such crap
about the senator,
the next day, we'll have
some pictures for them.
You gave Senator Palissy 2 days.
I give you till tomorrow, 6 PM.
Two hours
before Petitjean speaks.
It's blackmail!
"Adapt your weapons and
your methods." Read Clausewitz.
This tea's disgusting.
Let's calm down, Simon.
Palissy hasn't heard
from Petitjean.
We'll see.
There's nothing more we can do.
In any case,
with or without Petitjean,
rll keep going!
- Yes?
- Simon, I have to see you.
Fine. Where?
How about 2 PM,
the Debilly footbridge?
I'll be there.
- What's going on?
- I have to talk to you.
Why here?
I have a meeting next door,
at "France d'aujourd'hui."
I know you increased your staff.
Apart from Raskovlov
and the media, what's new?
All kinds of lobbying: politics,
telecommunications, energy...
Increasing activities
in the fighting world.
We increased the area.
You don't know the difference
between area and depth.
- That's not why we're here.
- Right! Let's stay on track.
Yes.
Deleuvre's lover boy in exchange
for your senator's mischief.
I don't know how you deal
with it, but you win.
We gained 3 points.
You lost 2.
Weren't you against
this way of doing things?
It started with a minor whore
in Palissy's company.
Palissy'd never get away
with it. Deleuvre would.
I'd have used his homosexuality
to fend off his critics.
- Then why are you here?
- He sent me.
His decision, not mine.
He risks losing the elections,
but he won't lose his lover.
He really loves him.
They've been lovers for 7 years.
Not like fucking a whore
in the park!
He protects that guy.
That's why he doesn't talk about
his private life and never will.
Ludo!
We're throwing dirt around.
Even the ones we work with,
even politics.
That's what we're paid for.
Except we're not the ones
who foot the bill.
We're waiting for Mr. Petitjean
to make a declaration.
- Want this call?
- Is it Simon?
Yes, in Roissy.
We'll talk again later.
- She'll call you later.
- Why is he in Roissy?
...will affect election results,
at least for the majority party.
Will it be Deleuvre
or Visage?
- Do we bring him back?
- I'll let you know.
We must act secretly.
If we're found out, we're done.
Does Anne Visage know
about this?
No one knows.
We can't tell her. It would
destabilize her campaign.
I won't tell my paper yet, but
I want to make one thing clear:
I'll do the work.
You'll just help.
I'm not doing this
for the elections.
Ifl had to choose, I'd choose
Marjorie over Anne Visage.
Well...
Take care of yourself.
Thanks.
Mr. Petitjean,
which candidate should we elect?
Could you please let me speak.
Thank you.
First, I'd like to pay homage
to our president
who died tragically.
I feel that
everyone here tonight
is thinking about him.
Also, after discussing
with the 2 candidates
running for
the former president's party,
and carefully studying
each one's program,
we've decided to support
the candidacy of Anne Visage!
Let me speak to Guénélon.
It's urgent.
What's the matter?
Kapita sent a team over to Mali.
Why Mali?
- I don't know. Find out.
- Sure about your source?
I'm 100% sure.
I'm on it!
Who were you talking to?
Somebody. You don't know him.
Translatior]: M. Saint-Amaud
Epilogue