Charles de Gaulle biopic explores French Resistance leadership

A new two-part biographical film series titled ‘La Bataille de Gaulle’, directed by Antonin Baudry, depicts the rise of Charles de Gaulle during World War II. The first installment, ‘Résistance’, covers the period between June 1940 and December 1942, focusing on De Gaulle’s refusal to surrender to Nazi Germany and his establishment of the Free France government in exile.

The narrative explores De Gaulle’s struggle to secure political legitimacy while navigating tensions with the British government under Winston Churchill and the United States administration. The film also highlights the internal efforts of the French Resistance, including the roles of figures like Fernand Bonnier de la Chapelle and the contributions of Free French Forces in African colonies.

The sequel, ‘Liberté’, continues the biography, portraying De Gaulle’s efforts to reclaim political space following periods of marginalization by Allied leaders. The production features Simon Abkarian as De Gaulle, Anamaria Vartolomei, and Simon Russell Beale as Winston Churchill.