Who says Oliver Stone is the only one who can make a biopic of a political leader still in office?
Directed by Xavier Durringer, “The Conquest” focuses on French President Nicolas Sarkozy’s rise to power, telling, in flashback, of his “journey, starting in 2002, when then-president Jacques Chirac told him he wouldn’t appoint him prime minister, and how Sarkozy went on to win power but lost his marriage.” The film is described as “a character-driven political thriller” with comparison being made to “The Queen” and “The West Wing.” The cast is largely unknown on this side of the pond, but Denis Podalydès has stepped into the lead role of Sarkozy, and the film is working off a script by Patrick Rotman who is very familiar with the corridors of French political power, having previously direct documentaries on Francois Mitterand and Jacques Chirac.
The film is currently in post-production, and some new stills have been released. The project looks impeccably shot and seems to be a very glossy look at the French politician. It hits theaters in France on May 11th, one year before their next election. [Variety/AlloCiné]