From The Minister’s intro, reminiscent of Kubrick‘s Eyes Wide Shut, where we witness a dream of a naked woman crawling into the gaping mouth of an alligator, to its final frames, Pierre Schoeller‘s film portrays the carnivorous world of public office. This talky yet well-paced drama isn’t made for everyone, which is exactly why it’s one of the better films of 2011.
Saint-Jean, transportation minister, is awoken by a phone call informing him of a tragic bus crash. Him and his entourage rush to the scene to see the damage first hand but mainly to deal with the press. From this moment on Saint-Jean is dragged through one meeting and phone call after another until a shocking event causes him to question his priorities.
The Minister’s score was one of the best I have had the pleasure of hearing in a long time. Not to take away from any other aspects of the film but it is not often, especially in a market dominated by Hollywood, that a score breaks from the mold to seemingly guide a film while at the same time not distract from it.
If you want to be treated to a brilliant look at a politician being chewed up by the system go see The Minister.
Showtimes for The Minister:
Saturday, October 29, 6:30 pm (SF Film Society/New People Cinema)
Monday, October 31, 9:00 pm (SF Film Society/New People Cinema)
