The Conquest

"The Conquest" is that rare specimen produced while its political subject is still in power. Denis Podalydès delivers a witty yet commanding portrayal of Nicolas Sarkozy and his rise to the French presidency through the lens of his unraveling marriage to wife Cecilia (Florence Pernel). This vivid film depicts the future president of France as a bold and unashamed virtuoso of political combat. Brilliantly etching sharp characterizations of living politicians, "The Conquest" never veers too far from reality, even while deploying a larger-than-life sense of humor and a buoyant, Felliniesque score that giddily evokes a circus-like atmosphere of modern politics.