

Charles de Gaulle, the first president (1958-1969) of the Vth Republic, France’s current system of government, left his mark on the country . He was statesman of action and has been compared to a monarch. This film depicts the general’s personality through the great events of his presidential term, at a time when the world was undergoing considerable changes.
Editing
Archive footage stitched like political thriller propaganda.
Direction
Rotman treats de Gaulle like tragic Shakespearean figure.

Director
Patrick Rotman
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
De Gaulle designed France's Fifth Republic constitution specifically to create a powerful executive—essentially crowning himself without the ermine robe.
The film's 'Last King' framing deliberately echoes 19th-century French historiography treating leaders as tragic heroes—very on-brand for a nation that guillotined its actual kings then missed them.
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