Six films that world leaders should watch, from ‘De Gaulle: Résistance’ to ‘Idiocracy’
As a five-hour historical biopic fills French cinemas this summer, Monocle considers what other titles politicians could learn from.
In an age of short-format videos and even shorter attention spans, the two-part, five-hour-long historical biopic De Gaulle: Résistance has been an unexpected hit at the French box office this summer. Directed by former diplomat Antonin Baudry and based on Julian Jackson’s A Certain Idea of France: The Life of Charles de Gaulle, the film traces the rise of the military leader and Second World War resistance hero to French president. It also focuses on De Gaulle’s fierce opposition to the collaborationist Vichy government and France’s imperious ally, the US.
At a time of division and uncertainty for France, the title has chimed particularly well with younger generations who have found hope, comfort and inspiration in De Gaulle’s loyalty and stoicism. And, with little more than seven months until the next French presidential election, the film has also resonated across the political spectrum.
Many of those who have already thrown their names in the hat as candidates have praised Baudry’s work. Far-left leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon calls it a “magnificent film”, while his main adversary on the left, Raphaël Glucksmann, encourages voters to “race and see what liberty costs”. Right-wing Les Républicains candidate Bruno Retailleau says the title’s success highlights “a need for patriotism” in French society. Even Marine Le Pen’s far-right sidekick, Jordan Bardella – whose previous incarnation, the National Front, was partly created by anti-Gaullist former collaborators – says that he is eager to see it too.
In light of De Gaulle: Résistance’s popularity, we asked Monocle staff to recommend films that could provide politicians with inspiration or perhaps a few life lessons.
Weiner (2016)
By Josh Kriegman and Elyse Steinberg
A documentary film and cautionary tale for US Democratic primary candidates. This is a piercing portrait of Democrat congressman Anthony Weiner who, in the aftermath of a sex scandal, invited a film crew to trail him as he ran in the 2013 New York mayoral election, attempting to rehabilitate his reputation in the process. Weiner is the stuff of political nightmares: a slow-motion disintegration of both a public and personal life, and, for any hopeful candidate, a useful reminder of the pitfalls that can befall rising political stars.
Idiocracy (2006)
By Mike Judge
Donald Trump’s entire political career is eerily similar to this satirical cult comedy. Set in a dystopian future in which the US has become progressively dumber, the president, played by Terry Crews, looks like he came straight from a WWE event. Brands have taken over government departments and crops are failing because fields are being watered with an energy drink called Brawndo. The fact that Trump kicked off the US’s 250th birthday celebrations this year with a cage fight on the White House’s south lawn is so Idiocracy-coded that Mike Judge would be frustrated he didn’t come up with it himself. Nevertheless, Trump might need a refresher course to buff up his ideas.
Dead Man’s Shoes (2004)
By Shane Meadows
One of Meadows’s lesser-known films but one that the UK government figures should see. Set in the East Midlands, one of the most under-invested and economically challenged regions in England, the film touches on mental-health struggles, veterans returning home from the army, post-traumatic stress disorder and the banality of small-town life.
Do You Love Me (2025)
By Lana Daher
A documentary that Lebanon president Joseph Aoun and prime minister Nawaf Salam should watch. The film is an attempt to detail the themes of Beirut’s history, entirely through a montage of archival Lebanese film and television. It’s a picture that could help to remind Aoun and Salam of the trappings of sectarianism, one of the documentary’s main themes, as well as champion the joyous aspects of Beirut, in order to attract more investment and reinvigorate the tourism industry.
The Death of Stalin (2017)
By Armando Iannucci
A feature-length comedy for any politician who fancies taking the top job directly after a dominant personality leaves office. Many people believe that they could do a better job, either greatly overestimating their own ability, influence and charisma or severely underestimating the ferocious ambitions of their colleagues. If you think that you have allies who will back you to the end, think again – it’s something that Beria, Malenkov and Khrushchev all discover in ridiculous yet chilling ways.
Dona Flor e Seus Dois Maridos (1976)
By Bruno Barreto
The top two candidates in Brazil’s presidential election, Lula Inácio Lula da Silva and Flávio Bolsonaro, should watch this film. Dona Flor e Seus Dois Maridos (Dona Flor and Her Two Husbands) follows Dona Flor, who divides her time between her current husband, a respectable pharmacist, and her late husband, who returns as a ghost but is a more passionate lover. It’s not surprising that Brazilian audiences flocked to the cinema when it was released in 1976: it’s sexy, funny and the acting is superb. Lula and Flávio should at least agree that we need some light escapism from time to time.
