My name's Jamie Watou.
I knew the man who killed your president.
Excuse me, Jamie. Let's start over.
You must give your friend's name.
Fine.
Go ahead.
My Name's Jamie Watou.
I knew Jean-Claude Radame,
the man who killed your president.
Jean-Claude was born in Algeria. His mother was French.
So was he.
Jean-Claude wasn't a terrorist.
But his mind was sick. He was being treated for that.
Before he blew himself up, he left a letter of explanation.
But that letter has disappeared.
I'd like to go back to France,
though they expelled rne.
You're doing great, Jamie.
Can we keep shooting?
Tell us who questioned you and how they expelled you.
That man questioned me.
I know it's hard to understand,
but I was doing my job.
Shall we continue?
Wait!
Do you prpmise me I'll go back to St. Etienne with you?
Yes.
I'll arrange everything.
Go ahead.
My name's Jamie Watou.
Good morning.
- Come with us. - What for?
- We want to question you. - Look down!
My plane's leaving for Paris in 10 minutes.
- That's OK. - It's not! Don't you realize?
- I'm expected. - Walk!
I can't believe it! Stop!
MEN IN THE SHADOWS
THE WITNESS
Sir, Marjorie's plane lands at the same time.
No way!
An interview about our campaign and that jerk will butt in?
No pix with him!
I'll call the media and talk to the control tower guys.
The Mali thing's OK.
We're gonna get what we want.
Just keep me out of it.
Please come this way. Mr. Deleuvre will see you.
Go ahead.
There are rumors you'll upgrade the Vigipirate Plan.
Is it because you have new information
-about the president's murder? - No!
Off camera, I can tell you that some of my colleagues
have advised me to upgrade
the Vigipirate Plan to the scarlet level.
I won't do that.
I don't want people to panic.
France is being patrolled by the army and the police already.
- You sound very determined. - I'm very determined!
I run a country whose president was assassinated
less than a month ago.
I spend a lot of time reading investigation reports.
- Leftists claim... - I don't care!
I lead the country. They think they do, though.
About the investigation on the president's death...
I'll address the media soon. Operations are under way.
France Television wants a debate
between the 1st round's 6 major candidates.
Will you accept?
Well, I don't think such a debate can be useful.
In the 5th Republic, there were no debates before the 1st round.
- Excuse me. May I speak... - Yes.
The control tower will let us land before Marjorie.
We land at 12:27. Him, at 12:49.
The interview will be over.
That's great!
- What cities are we in tomorrow? - Brest and Strasbourg.
Next week: Caen, Rhodez and Amiens.
Our last straight line.
Do you often stop travelers 10 min. before their flight?
- It depends what we suspect. - And me?
Must you throw my things on the floor?
What do you think? You have a press card.
Does your cop card prevent you from vacationing?
Your country has rules. We have ours. They're not the same.
Here it's illegal for a reporter to try and pass for a tourist.
Great!
A tourist carrying such things isn't here to film the sunset.
There's something else, Mrs. Whemler.
Vremler!
Pronouncing your name right won't solve anything.
I'm just traveling and discovering your country.
- I take pictures, shoot film... - Why pass for a tourist?
Please don't touch my equipment. You have no right to touch that!
- Stop it! - Here's what I'll do...
Don't touch that! Fuck you! Shit!
He doesn't speak English.
In just a few days.
The morning of the 1st round,
we will all gather together to implement my program:
justice for all
and unity among people of all generations.
I see that, in this room, this part of my program
is much more than a slogan.
If it's a slogan, thank you for rallying around it
before I even mention it.
Great job, communications guy! She's going great.
Blending our various differences into one sovereign nation.
This is Appoline Vremler's phone.
Please leave a message.
...building the peaceful society
that is needed for a country like ours
to develop in harmony.
Expand on your program. Leave Deleuvre and Marjorie alone.
For the 2nd round, pull people in.
Excuse me.
Yes?
They have your wife. We travel separately to lower the risks.
- Where? - Bamako Airport.
Can you do something to help her?
No. They took her away. The witness is with me.
We went through customs. We're boarding the plane.
Thanks.
I'll go back.
Cross the room. Sign autographs.
I'm going back to Paris now.
Need a ride?
What's going on, Simon?
If the story gets out, I won't be the next president.
Just one witness...
No, there's Insp. Prat
and the president's bodyguard, Gendre. He's on Kapita's side.
They haven't read the letter. They don't know what's in it.
The witness is in Mali. He'll be arrested if he comes back.
And... you'll ship him back home again?
I haven't decided.
You're not thinking ahead, Guénelon. That's a problem.
Yes?
- We found Gendre. - Where?
- In Roissy. - Is he with a black guy?
- Yes. We'll tail them. - Keep me posted.
Let me in! I don't care if he's on the phone!
- Calling Bamako? - I'll call you, back.
- No. - Call Bamako then.
Release Kapita's wife now or I'll tell the media!
The lie, expelling the witness and your involvement!
Why didn't you do that when you were arrested
-with a minor in your car? - I didn't know about the lie!
Now it's an election issue?
Not yet, but you're done!
Why "not yet"?
We're both digging up shit, but I hold the shovel now. Call!
There!
My intention was to have Mrs. Vremler released, Senator.
She shouldn't have been arrested.
- We just wanted the pictures. - Call!
Yes?
Yes...
OK. I get the message, boss.
Want to eat?
Just let me out!
You have no right...
You'll have time to phone. So get up!
- Faster! - OK!
Let's g0!
Is that why Simon left the meeting so fast?
Yes, but they released her. She's coming back.
You shouldn't have had Appoline arrested in Mali, though.
Then why did you squeal?
To help you, but not this way. It's disgusting!
Appoline's not involved.
I see you've become fond of her.
Of Simon, not Appoline.
No...
You're back together?
You should tell him about us.
He'd be glad to know.
We share everything:
the elections, the Pygmalion, you...
Take your jacket off.
It must be tough for you.
You're torn apart...
You learn a secret: Mali.
The next day, that secrets lying across my pillow.
Take your jacket off, Valentine.
Of course, it's obvious. Yes, I promise.
Appoline's being released. Back tomorrow.
- When'd you get back? - A few hours ago.
- Jamie's in the car. - Where do we take him?
He said St. Etienne.
Take him there. I'll send you Appoline when she comes back.
After I leave, go back into the building.
- If a car follows me, call. - Someone knows?
I found this under my car.
If they find out the witness is back,
they'll stop at nothing to get rid of him.
I called a cab.
- Hello. - Hello.
Actually... I just found my keys.
- Good - I'll give you something.
- Thanks. Have a nice evening! - Sorry I bothered you.
I have something to tell you.
Someone in Paris called Bamako because someone in Paris knew.
That's how they caught Appoline?
There's a mole in our team, Simon.
Ludovic's on his way.
We have to prepare the press conference.
- What's up? - Bad news.
- We had the black guy. - I know that. So?
We'd put a tracking device under their car.
- We thought they'd go west. - No?
Gendre must've stuck it under a taxi.
- The witness is on the loose? - Yes.
That's tragic!
Simon?
- You're not in Nice? - Anne's with Claudia.
The polls: BVA and Opinion Way have the same figures.
- Meeting in my office, 5 min. - OK.
Anne, you gained a point.
- And Deleuvre? - He's at 22.
Should I respond
to Marjorie's declaration about tension-based strategy?
- No. Hit the Green Party. - Why?
They want higher taxes on energy.
- That's not bad. - What?
I know I shouldn't say this,
-but I'm not against that. - They're rivals.
I don't attack people just for the sake of attacking them.
We're rivals, not fierce enemies.
It's an election. They criticize you.
In a fair manner. I can reciprocate.
- What about the debate? - Deleuvre will send a spokesman.
- I'll stay out, then. - Fine.
- You're due on the set. -10 min.
I'm exhausted, Simon.
- Living in a pressure cooker. - You'll be OK.
I'll be waiting in Paris. Be brave!
Let's go, Anne. We have a full house.
Lots of people here. They love you.
Let's go.
They're a lot better than those other ones.
- You're good! - Should I send them?
We'll swamp the support groups. Let's go!
Valentine, are you coming to the meeting?
Is something wrong?
Yes, actually.
What's the matter?
I'm involved in something complicated, Simon.
That toxic substance?
Why do you call it that?
That's what you called it, not me.
- Where's the meeting, Simon? - In my office.
Marjorie asked me to support him if he makes the 2nd round.
So?
I said yes.
Why would you do it?
You know: I want Deleuvre out.
His program doesn't differ much from Anne's.
- No? - Right...
Please tell him Jamie called
and that I'm back in St. Etienne.
The Stéphanois Hotel.
Don't let anyone see you, Jamie.
Don't stand in front of the window.
You'll only be here for a few days.
My friends are at the Hfitel Forez.
We paid EUR 500 a month there.
We stayed there because we were turned away everywhere else.
- When can I see my friends? - After the interview.
I only agreed to go wfih you so I could come to St. Etienne.
I know. We're here.
Appoline will be here tonight or tomorrow.
It's a nice place.
Just a sec!
Hello.
- Come in. - Thank you.
Where...
- On the bed. - Here?
Thanks.
Come out, Jamie.
Now eat.
I'm not hungry.
Don't worry, you'll be with your friends soon.
Inspector...
I'm afraid.
I know.
People are waiting for the results
of the investigation into the president's death.
- We don't have any. - We'll invent some.
We could organize a few brutal operations
to take place during the press conference.
Find a link between that and the president's killer.
That's easy.
The police have 4 or 5 inactive networks available.
Let's do that. Can you alert the media?
- Mainly TV networks. - No problem.
We should talk more about social issues.
We'd win some of Visage's and Marjorie's supporters over.
We can't do that. People are afraid.
We must keep that fear going and show we're taking action.
Centrists will turn away eventually.
I'll be going.
I must get the press conference under way in 24 hours.
Are things under control regarding Appoline Vremler?
- Yes. - Not at all.
The witness is here, but we don't know where.
What?
- You're kidding? - I wish...
Do you realize what would happen if he talked?
Of course. We're working on it.
Juliette, are you home?
Happy birthday, Simon!
Happy birthday!
Thank you. Thanks.
I forgot today's the 17th. Darling!
Happy birthday!
Blow out the candles.
A Photo!
One, two...
Three!
Time for champagne!
- Thanks for coming. - Happy birthday!
Happy birthday, Simon.
- Hi! - Before we sip champagne,
a gift from all of us.
Thanks, everyone. Thank you.
Maybe a ballot card?
It's a car key?
- I don't have a license. - Have a look!
You don't need a license.
I hope I can drive it,
even without a license.
- By the way, how old are you? - Less than before...
That's what I thought.
- When did you plan this? - A week ago.
I have good news.
We found the witness. He's here in France.
- You're sure? - Yes.
H0w'd they find him?
He phoned the Hfitel Forez.
The town's wiretapped, under surveillance.
- He has to be arrested. - Meaning we expelled him.
"You" did. I didn't ask you to.
- You covered up... - In a passive way.
I'll endorse that decision if it helps you win the elections.
What should we do?
If we had met sooner,
I'd have advised you not to do what you did.
Kapita will show the witness just before the 1st round.
We should arrest him now.
The prosecutor will cooperate.
Meaning?
Security forces had been looking for him since the attack.
If we admit we expelled him, we'll say we made a mistake.
Then we'll put the blame on you, Mr. Guenelon.
Police! Everyone freeze!
- I'm a police inspector. - Shut up!
- I'm a cop. - Get out!
Shit! He jumped out! Go!
Go left.
- I'll go straight ahead. - Yep!
I need two men!
Jamie!
Jamie? Jamie!
Shit! Shit!
What are you waiting for? Call for help now!
Jamie?
Damn!
Bad news: the witness died.
From Mali.
He'd witnessed the president being murdered. A car hit him.
The problem's that they'll say it was murder, not an accident.
- Who'd say that? - Kapita's team, of course!
- Who benefits? We do. - They'll say anything.
Kapita'll never go that far. It's too messy.
If one of his guys goes there, we'll attack him.
We'll request evidence, witnesses...
They have nothing to show. We'll send the boomerang back
to the thr0wer's face and denounce their mean tactics.
Four hours from now, I'll give my weekly press conference.
- What do I say if anyone asks? - No one will ask.
No one knows, and a black guy who dies doesn't make news.
- What if? - Do as we said:
Send the boomerang back to your security adviser's face.
- I was scared. - Me too.
I went there for nothing. They ruined my equipment.
I know.
Is Jamie in St. Etienne?
I think so.
Gendre's with him. We should let him know I'll be there.
What's going on, Simon? Is Juliette OK?
She's fine.
There's no point in you going to St. Etienne.
Jamie was run over by a car.
- Is it serious? - Yes.
Did he die?
- Who was guarding him? - Gendre.
He left him alone?
Jamie saw cops at the hotel. He got scared and ran out.
- He was murdered. - No one can prove it.
Who benefits?
Those who ruined my equipment? It's Deleuvre! Isn't that proof?
Jamie came back to France to help us.
I brought him back. In a way, I'm responsible for his death.
- We all are. - What'll you do?
Nothing. The state lie killed that man
and we'll lose the elections.
I won't keep quiet and let that happen.
You have no weapons: no written or filmed testimony.
No proof. People in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.
I don't care! A man died,
crushed under a car because he was going to show
there's shit in politics!
Your brand of politics. You're responsible!
You're the one who sent Gendre along with me!
Start a scandal and you lose everything.
I don't care about my job!
The only source I need is Jamie's death. That's my source.
- We're not sure it's murder. - I'm sure!
No one will believe you.
My candidate's running against the PM.
They'll say you're biased because you're my wife.
Then divorce me! You can't even do that!
There is a terrorist threat on our entire territory.
You are all familiar with the warnings
issued by London and Washington. Yes?
Has anyone claimed responsibility for the murder?
Do you have indications to support the hypothesis
that the attack was perpetrated
or ordered by al-Qaeda?
If a credible person had claimed responsibility,
you would have been informed.
However, we have indications to the effect
that Islamic networks had the president killed.
You're lying, Mr. Prime Minister.
The man who killed the president is Jean-Claude Radame.
His father was Algerian and his mother was French.
He wasn't a terrorist. He was desperate.
- You know that, sir. - What are you referring to?
That man left a letter describing his situation.
The man who killed the president has been duly identified.
He was receiving medical care for psychiatric deficiencies.
Because of those problems, he was recruited
by the Big Brothers.
If we can call them that, to take up arms for them.
As far as that letter is concerned,
I don't know about that. Have you read it?
No, because it has disappeared!
I found a witness who had held that letter. I interviewed him.
- Tell the police. - The witness died, sir.
Call Editorial!
You must let the authorities have
the interview you just mentioned.
It was destroyed.
Madam...
There's a genuine terrorist threat hanging over our country.
France has just lost its president.
Until the elections are over,
I'm still leader of this republic.
For these reasons, allow me
to ignore that reporter's rude accusations.
I was just given the reporter's identity.
Madam, were the comments you made dictated to you
by a candidate running against me?
I can prove what I've said before or after the elections!
Thank you very much, ladies and gentlemen.
Goodbye, Mrs. Appoline Kapita. I mean "Vremler."
Mrs. Kapita! Mrs. Kapita!
- Please give us a statement. - We need to know.
I shouldn't have listened to you about this rotten matter!
- The Justice Minister'? - In your office.
The Public Prosecutor must respond.
File a complaint?
We'll do so in a sensible, politically sound manner!
...all indications point to the involvement
of Islamic networks in the president's death.
You're lying, Mr. Prime Minister.
The man who killed the president is Jean-Claude Radame.
He left behind a letter describing his situation.
The letter has disappeared!
I found a witness who had held that letter. I interviewed him.
Tell the police.
The witness died, sir.
All the channels are airing it over and over again.
Your morn screwed up big time!
She was clumsy. Where is she?
In St. Etienne, talking to Jamie's friends.
I think we're gonna lose, Juliette.
The media are coming down on your morn and on Anne.
They say she manipulates people and uses revolting arguments
to gain a few points.
How did Anne respond?
We'll find out. It's her.
You should have told me about that trip sooner, Simon!
- I had no reason. - Why didn't you tell me?
So you could focus on the election.
You didn't ask yourself if I'd approve such methods?
No.
I'm telling you now: I don't approve.
No. Officially, you don't approve.
That's what you should tell the media if they ask you.
But you can't really disapprove.
All we did was find the only witness
to a state lie the PM covers up.
Anne, I agree this is a real disaster.
We're plunging in the polls.
Tomorrow's papers will finish us off.
We'll clean up that dirty mess and gain some ground.
How? You're optimistic...
First, we'll force Deleuvre to agree to that debate.
- Were you followed? - I don't think so.
Is your wife behind all this?
The wind's blowing in all directions.
What's true and what's not?
We're not really sure.
I'm afraid my wife went a little too far.
I think so too.
That's why I'm here.
Now you must take part in that France Television debate.
Anne will question Deleuvre about the murder witness.
I've never had anything against such a debate
if you and Deleuvre take part. But he hasn't agreed.
If you and Anne take part, he can't duck away.
The president's murder will be in the forefront.
If I go along with you, what's in it for me?
Deleuvre's out.
Your accusations are unworthy
of someone running for president.
You used a source who is close to you
and close to your communications adviser
to mar the reputation of the country I represent.
Just perfect!
Right at the beginning, you must attack Visage
by mentioning the scheming. Hit hard, Philippe.
She lost another point. She mustn't go past 20.
I'm scared.
After what Kapita's ex-wife has done, we have no choice.
Visage and Marjorie agreed to it. We can't slink away.
Exactly what I dreaded:
- Go into the arena. - So we can win.
The president's killer may have been a lunatic,
some kind of moron...
But he was in the military wing of a terrorist network
with ties to al-Qaeda. Let's do it again.
Keep your hands on the lectem. No more playing with your tie.
Madam, your accusations are unworthy
of someone running for president.
- Over here. - Thanks.
- You OK? - Yes, thanks.
This is Marjorie's spin-doctor, Alexandra.
I've been working with Alain for 10 years.
But we never met...
We almost did: you didn't come.
Aren't Ludovic Desmeuze and the other advisers coming?
I'll send the wish list. My concem's Deleuvre.
The first question is asked by the interviewers?
I suggest we let the station choose.
- Will the candidates be there? - They're supposed to.
There are 6: a Green, a leftist, an extreme leftist,
an extreme rightist, Deleuvre, Visage.
They should be in a half-circle position
so viewers will know who's who.
Your friend Ludovic
suggested we place them in alphabetical order.
Then Anne Visage would be at the far right.
No, I agree with Alexandra. Rightists right, leftists left.
Ludovic won't let Visage have the best spot.
That's undeniable. Probably not negotiable.
You're ahead of me.
They'll sit rather than stand as the Anglos do.
Not quite... Ludovic wants them standing.
Out of the question!
I know why he wants that:
Deleuvre's much taller than the others when he's standing.
So, where will my place be?
Like at the Assembly: you in the center,
Deleuvre on your left, Marjorie on your right,
Green next to Marjorie, extreme rightist next to Deleuvre,
extreme leftist next to the Green.
- What are we opening with? - We'll discuss it later.
- I'm Deleuvre. What do you say? - You're a bastard!
Your campaign tactics against me are revolting.
You don't deserve...
No, that's not how we'll do it.
We don't need anyone, Valentine.
You're preparing for the debate...
Just the two of us.
The lots were drawn and you're first.
Learn this by heart.
I wrote it during the night so there won't be any leaks.
You must look Deleuvre straight in the eye.
- I can't say that. - Say exactly that.
Mr. Deleuvre...
That's how I'm addressing you
because tonight you're just one of the candidates.
Mr. Deleuvre, I'm addressing you alone.
Since the president died,
you've been running a wounded, bleeding nation that can't heal.
You're aware of the relation I have with Pierre:
a secret relation we tried to protect
because it was personal.
You blabbed,
and we started fighting through the media
and at meetings.
Tonight I suggest we stop that.
The people of France deserve this peace offering.
We must heal the wounds of a country that needs care.
We're involved in division and violence.
We flash red rags in front of the voters
so they'll vote for us.
We're thrusting them one against the other and creating division.
We dwell on their fear to capitalize on it
instead of reassuring our citizens
who are disoriented by unacceptable disparities,
lingering unemployment,
haywire education and faulty health services.
Europe is in a crisis.
That's what the president would have told you.
Yes, that's what the president would have said
and that's what I'm saying on his behalf.
I'm using my own words, but he's speaking through me.
Mr. Deleuvre, we will not talk about a debate that perturbs us
and drives the knife even deeper into our country's wounds.
Thank you, madam.
Thank you, your time is up.
Mr. Deleuvre, do you wish to respond?
Bravo! It was powerful.
- Bravo. - Bravo.
It was great! Bravo!
Thank you.
The polls tell us you were more powerful, warmer than Deleuvre.
Marjorie was more sympathetic.
- Sympathy's no asset. - Sympathy means charisma.
The results?
Due in an hour. Maybe we reversed the trend.
- What are the odds? -50%.
Congratulations.
Thank you.
I'll be right back. Yes?
Please excuse us.
Congrats on your candidate's ploy!
She got everyone of us.
She did very well.
But she won't reverse the trend.
We'll see.
Simon, what will you do if you don't make the 2nd round?
Let's be realistic: you may be competent,
but Anne Visage will likely be out in the 1st round.
What will you do then?
Go back to New York.
No.
You won't go back to New York.
You'll promote me.
Go ahead and open it. Don't be afraid.
Le Nouvel Observateur wants to print it. I have to confirm.
KAPITA MAY RUN MARJORIE'S CAMPAIGN
- Where does it come from? - Your place.
At least, that's what they said.
I'll ask you again.
If Anne loses the election, Sunday,
will you accept to work for me?
And Alexandra, naturally.
It's not on my agenda.
Are you better now with that toxic substance?
I don't know.
I do.
Translatior]: M. Saint-Amaud Epilogue