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3, 4…

This story is loosely based

on the life of Bernadette Chirac

Daughter of Jean-Louis Chodron de Courcel

and of Marguerite de Brondeau d'Urtières

Born Bernadette Thérèse Marie Chodron de Courcel

in 1933 in the year…

of Our Lord

But beware

We warn you

It is, above all, a work of fiction

What follows

Is not always true

Pray with me, Father.

May the Lord hear my prayers

and let my husband win at last.

The Lord is with you, Mrs. Chirac.

I believe it this time.

In '81, I knew Jacques didn't have a chance.

In '88, I told him Mitterrand would win again.

But now, I'm certain he can win.

I'm sure you're right.

I remember you predicting

that I'd celebrate Johnny Hallyday's 3rd wedding.

Not Father Deflours.

- Just intuition. - It's more than that.

You're good at analyzing situations.

Believe me, not everyone has that gift.

You're a great asset to your husband.

Over the years, he's forgotten that.

Don't say that, Mrs. Chirac.

He knows what he owes you.

If he wins, it'll also be thanks to you.

Political Science College

Like the Wise Men in Galilee

A Chodron de Courcel marries country teachers' son

Followed the Evening Star

I'll follow you

Wherever you go, I'll go

Loyal like a shadow

All the way

Chirac for Mayor of Paris

Like the Wise Men in Galilee

Followed the Evening Star

Like Christopher Columbus

Followed the sun

Bernadette elected in Corrèze! First female departmental councilor

May Heaven let me open my windows

Each morning by a blue lake

Jacques Chirac unfaithful? Bernadette supports husband

May nothing stop us In this world of adventure

Like the Wise Men in Galilee

Followed the Evening Star

My America

My Star of Bethlehem My cosmic truth

Is to live with you

Hello, hello…

Hello, Mr. Chirac.

Voted!

Hello, Mrs. Chirac.

Voted!

I'll follow you Wherever you go, I'll go

Loyal like a shadow

All the way

May Heaven open the clouds

The sun reveals the path

May Heaven grant that at the end of the journey

His triumph will be mine

The new President of the Republic is Jacques Chirac

with 52% of the votes.

What joy! What jubilation!

What are you doing here, Bernadette? You'll fall!

We won, we won!

How does it feel to be the next PM?

It feels great.

- What a score: 52%. - Incredible!

Well done. Claude, you made Balladur look like a dinosaur!

He did that himself!

Sarkozy helped, too!

We won't hear of Sarkozy again. He's dead and buried!

Sarkozy is finished!

Listen, Claude…

When are we going to City Hall?

Mom, you're going to the Pinaults'.

They're having a reception in our honor.

So, you party, I'm stuck with the oldies?!

Mom, you're First Lady now.

You can't always think out loud.

I so wanted to share this moment with your father.

Representing him lets you share in his victory.

You know Chirac can't be everywhere at once.

After all they've done for us, you have to go.

He needs you, Mom.

Very well.

We won, we won!

The party is still in full swing at City Hall.

Jacques Chirac celebrated with his family and team.

And yet someone is missing tonight.

Yes, strangely, the First Lady is not present.

She disappeared earlier on.

We wonder where she…

My knot is stuck again.

It's 3:00 a.m. Tomorrow will be hellish.

- Got flowers for Laurence? - Yes.

Tell the Elysée we need a kennel for Sumo.

And check the movers wrapped my statuettes properly.

The Zombo mask is very fragile. They need to be very careful.

And I need new shoes.

- Two pairs at least. - Is that all?

Yes. Goodnight.

Remember you're lucky to have married me!

- Hello, ma'am. - "Hello, Mrs. Chirac"!

Who made you forget your manners? The Socialists?

Centime coins help hospitalized children

This box turns centime coins into smiles

- Hello, Molinier. - Mr. President.

- We don't need to, do we? - I agree.

Hello, Mrs. Chirac.

Hello, Molinier.

Dad, Bill Clinton wants to talk about the G7 summit.

I don't! I'm free to come.

We'll see about the summit, Mom.

But what's with this cotton candy outfit?

Ask Karl Lagerfeld, dear.

I'm sure you can teach him a lot about style!

You could wear more modern clothes.

Thanks, Claude.

I won't become hip!

No risk of that!

Jacques, now that you're president, you could get a new chauffeur.

Nonsense! Molinier has been my faithful chauffeur for 25 years.

Faithfulness matters.

Well, that's news to me!

Hello, Laurence.

- Thanks, Mom. They're beautiful. - Hello, Laurence.

I'll put them in water.

So?

She's lost weight again in recent weeks.

She's lost weight again.

That's for you two to celebrate your victory.

Sweetie, you shouldn't have!

No, Dad!

That's for you.

And that's for Mom.

A Mangbetu jar!

They told me it belonged to a king who ate the brains of his enemies.

Wonderful!

- A tortoise! - Thanks, darling. Incredible!

See that, Bernadette?

I'll call it Marie-Antoinette.

It's my dream to have a queen in the Elysée!

By the way, sweetie…

I'd love you to come to my inauguration.

We know you hate attention,

but I'd love you to come.

Alright.

Just this once. Then, we'll leave you alone, I promise.

Right, a glass of champagne to celebrate.

Claude is waiting for me.

Sorry, I have to go.

Thank you very much.

See you tonight.

To you, my darling.

Thanks, Mom. Just as well you're here.

Come now, don't make a face.

Your father's the most important man in France. He's very busy.

Oh, Jacques!

What's with the outfit?

I could ask you the same thing.

We're going to the opera in half an hour.

Our first official engagement.

Oh, I completely forgot.

Charming!

Sorry, my lamb, I don't want to go.

I'll fall asleep before the end of Act I.

But do you know what I would really like?

A lovely dinner with my wife.

Here, with raku, we use stronger chamotte stoneware

which withstands great variations in temperature.

Several layers of coils…

I've thought it over.

I'd like to put back on the agenda

the high-speed train

in Corrèze.

What do you think?

The high-speed train, Poitiers - Limoges.

Forget it. It's beyond your councilor's mandate.

It's dragged on for years. It's time to put it back on the agenda.

What about me going to the G7 summit?

Well, actually,

the train idea is a very good one.

Let's make Corrèze proud of us.

Very well.

I declare this Corrèze council meeting open.

I'll hand over to Mrs. Chirac.

I believe she has some good news.

Hello, gentlemen.

I hope you're not too bothered by the camera.

They're doing a report on the First Lady.

Well, as Michel was saying,

I'm very pleased to announce

that thanks to my new status,

I will put back on the agenda

the high-speed train, Poitiers - Limoges.

Yes, it's high time to implement it so as to open up at last…

Excuse me. Sorry to interrupt.

Your husband wants to speak to you about an urgent matter.

Please excuse me.

Yes?

Should I go with seafood?

I don't know…

- Is it the right season? - If it's fresh, of course.

Or leek soup?

I have to go.

- What should I get? - Well, get the leek soup.

It's easier to digest.

Sorry.

What can I say? Some husbands never call their wives!

It's just as well you're here, Mrs. Chirac.

Because the President has forgotten us now.

Of course he hasn't.

He'll never forget Corrèze.

You know he's very close to people.

Maybe he is,

but as for his PM…

I can't disagree with you.

I still don't see why my husband chose Alain Juppé who is so…

austere.

Let's be honest.

"He has the political vision of a depressed mole."

What did we say, Mom? You can't always think out loud.

Lucky I stepped in. Imagine the damage to the President.

Before you say such things, you should clean your own backyard.

Oh, don't start all that again.

It's 1995. Who cares if Chirac's daughter is married?

You could've married the Prince of Monaco.

You'll have to accept

I'm not like you.

I won't sacrifice myself for a man.

You did, for your dad.

That's different. It's my job.

Five years' hard work to get him elected!

So, I don't want you to ruin everything.

You suck at handling the press.

Sorry.

You just have to learn.

It'll take some time.

I've found a communication advisor to help you.

Remember Bernard Niquet?

He worked for Dad at City Hall.

- Mickey?! - Don't say that.

Everyone at City Hall called him that.

He's useless.

Come in.

Claude…

- Hello, Mrs. Chirac. - You've come at the right time.

I just told Mom you would be handling her public image.

From now on,

he'll teach you how to speak to journalists.

Some did a lot for Dad's campaign, you know.

Don't panic, Mrs. Chirac, we'll work hand in hand.

If you say so…

With the garden party, we'll need you

to make it look prestigious.

What with the invitations, decorations, the menu, every detail counts.

I know how attentive she is to such matters.

After the military parade, it's time for youth.

Almost 4,000 youngsters came

from all over France to the garden party.

A few, each representing a French region,

were lucky enough to share the President's luncheon table.

…of farmers.

You'll say: "Yes, but in Japan,

"they have professional rangers and they're not the only ones.

Why can't we, too?"

Fine, but who'll pay for them?

People don't understand that.

Hunting is a regular hobby.

And an economic activity which creates jobs.

Unemployment…

Pierre, please move the flowers.

Jacky-Pierre, Mrs. Chirac.

So, if we had the resources, let me tell you,

we'd be the world's biggest exporters of well-hung meat.

It's a huge, little-known market. Australia is well placed.

Then, India and China…

Right…

Your daughter has talked

to her team and…

if they decided not to put you at the President's table,

it's because they thought it looked too… too…

too family-oriented.

What?!

Yes, I mean, a bit…

"mom and dad"…

They didn't want it to look…

- Too has-been. - Yes.

No!

I wouldn't put it like that…

I'll work on my speech with that new press officer.

- What's her name again? - Cute Ass!

Aurore Dubruit.

History will remember Chirac as a great reformer.

Brilliant idea, Dominique.

Inspired by De Gaulle.

Dissolving parliament will boost our popularity.

I quite agree, but I think

that with the Socialists, we must be discreet.

Jacques, Dominique's right, we must act now.

Good news: Pilgrim magazine wants an interview.

Later, Bernard.

Don't just stand there.

Mrs. Chirac, Pilgrim magazine sells millions.

The Socialists will be out of the game!

How orgasmic!

What brings you?

I heard you wanted to dissolve parliament.

I fear it's a mistake.

No, Bernadette!

Think!

If I win these elections, I'll have absolute legitimacy.

By the next elections, the Socialists will regroup.

We're taking them by surprise.

In chess, it's called the pinning strategy.

It's political common sense.

Gentlemen, please leave us.

Jacques, what about the risk if you lose?

"History will remember Chirac as a great reformer."

A great amateur!

You may hate Dominique,

but he has good ideas.

That's not it.

Your advisors must be very busy,

but I see what's happening in the field.

Juppé is finished.

The polls disagree.

My intuition has often beaten the polls.

Well, I'm sorry if I govern with figures rather than your intuition.

Anything to add, Mr. Niquet?

No, Mr. President.

Good.

Don't just stand there.

Socialists: 274 seats.

Communists: 36. Left-wing alliance: 16.

The majority is now on the left

with 334 seats.

You can see the very different reactions on each side.

Satisfaction versus disappointment.

How the hell did it come to this?

Yeah, well, congratulations!

It was your idea, after all!

How did you not see this coming?

I owe you an apology, Mrs. Chirac.

You were right.

I should've backed you up more.

Oh, Bernard, don't bother. My husband will never take me seriously.

Know what he said one day? You mess everything up.

Well, my mother said to me one day:

"The only thing you're good at is failure."

Your mother sounds charming!

I'd failed the civil service exams. I dreamed of being a

Know what?

She can't believe I work at the Elysée.

So, one must never lose hope.

I'm sure your husband will see

your worth and listen to you.

If he turned on his hearing aid!

If I may be so bold…

Someone else sets the volume.

My daughter lost her best friend when she was 23.

And her husband died 7 months after their wedding.

She needed her father.

So, I got them to work together.

She's doing well now.

He admires her…

They're very close.

I don't want to destroy all that.

August 31, 1997

Yes.

Mom, it's me.

Lady Di has had a bad car accident in Paris. Where's Dad?

We've looked everywhere.

Keep looking.

We won't make a statement. We're looking for him.

Hang on.

Aurore, the next journalist who wants a statement,

get rid of them.

National Security on the phone.

Hello, Mrs. Chirac?

- Yes. - Yes.

We've located the President's car in Palermo.

His chauffeur is here too.

He's in a meeting. Top secret!

Security Branch. Let me through.

No, wait! No!

Open this door!

No, don't!

Excuse me, ma'am. We're looking for the President.

One moment.

Giacomo, could you come here?

- Giacomo? - I'm coming.

What the hell is this?

OK, thanks.

Get him to call us.

Mom, it's me.

You can't have slept much.

No, I didn't.

Look, it's awkward, but I must warn you…

The President's absence was noticed,

and there are a lot of rumors about his…

his presence…

I mean, the night

he spent with an Italian actress.

The press won't give up,

so I'm sorry, but…

we'll put on a brave face.

Bernadette…

At least have lunch with us.

Laurence will be pleased to see you.

Please…

I said sorry.

Answer me.

Mrs. Chirac?

It's been three days.

We miss you, you know.

And you have a tea party at Nadine de Rothschild's this weekend.

What the…

You love her macarons.

No more!

What? The macarons?

No, the disrespect.

The mockery and humiliation - I've had enough.

I'm taking my real place.

He wouldn't listen to me? He'll hear me!

Mrs. Chirac…

I'm your man.

My poor Bernard…

What a cramped office.

I make do.

Satisfaction survey

Here we are.

Mrs. Chirac, as Claude didn't give me a budget to order a proper opinion poll,

I did one myself with the Elysée staff.

900 people from all over France

and every socio-professional category.

It's a good panel

to get a better grasp of your image.

So… don't worry…

I must warn you that the results aren't good.

People find you… has-been.

Most of them.

Cold: 19.8%. Austere…

Crabby and sour-tempered.

- OK, I get it. - Don't panic.

We'll make sure the French discover your true face. I saw you at work.

You're intelligent, generous, and above all, funny.

Stop censoring yourself and you'll appeal to journalists.

I've come quite a way.

In my world, women ask for their husband's agreement.

So, learn to disobey.

We'll get you press, even if your husband and daughter disapprove.

Listen, Bernard, if you can reverse this survey,

you'll have everything you want.

Thank you, Mrs. Chirac. Just stop calling me Mickey behind my back.

Well, I can guarantee you'll be appointed

First, you must get reelected in Corrèze. It won't be easy.

Your husband has lost all credibility.

And the right is in ruins.

Thanks to whom?!

Hello there.

The great strategist!

Next time, say that kind of thing in front of the cameras.

Two months!

Look, my lamb, I'll file a complaint for desertion!

Remember to visit Laurence while I'm away.

Of course, Bernadette.

Oh, Jacques, one last thing…

I'd like Molinier to drive me around those narrow Corrèze roads.

What? Molinier?

You can't take Molinier, too!

Do you want me to end up like Princess Di?

You're right, it's safer.

I'll do without him.

I don't want to stand by anymore

I've had enough, I've suffered too much

God has answered my prayers

I'll stay and fight and I'm proud

God gave me the faith

That burns within me

I have in my heart

This guiding force

March 1998 Local election campaign

What a lot of journalists. You should have warned me.

Since the Italian actress scandal, they want to see the tearful wife.

Can we have a word, Mrs. Chirac?

Why are you all here?

I'm not Claudia Cardinale or Gina Lollobrigida!

Can you confirm the high-speed train is coming?

Yes.

Our Transport Secretary seems very keen.

Maybe the only good news lately!

Françoise!

Oh, how are you?

- How's the farm? - Fine.

Come over to name our new calves.

For 30 years, Françoise has asked me

to name her calves.

They're named after the whole party!

Oh, the famous "black ass" pork!

- Here, ma'am. - A Corrèze specialty. Thank you.

And a glass of local red wine.

- Cheers. - Good health.

Now then…

- Some straw wine, Mrs. Chirac? - Gladly.

You'll see, it's sweet with a hint of acidity.

Like me!

Hey, vote for Mrs. Chirac!

She's helped us for 20 years.

She's truly interested in people.

- One for the road? - Sure.

- Have a good day. - Thank you.

Vote for Mrs. Chirac.

Do you think Molinier can drive?

He's used to it.

We'll take the back roads, they're more direct.

Good afternoon, sir.

Could you blow into this, please?

- Was that you? - Of course it was.

People will hear about this! Mark my words!

I hope they do, Molinier!

From now on, they'll toe the line at the Elysée.

- A d-d-dash of milk? - Yes, Pierre.

Can I call you Pierre? Jacky-Pierre sounds so ridiculous.

Of course, Mrs. Chirac.

There you are.

Mrs. Chirac.

Mr. Niquet.

Yes, Jacques?

You won in the first round.

It's the best score in France.

The people of Corrèze always support me.

Yes, Jacques, they adore you!

Bravo for this success.

Speak to you later.

Corrèze was a wonderful training ground.

Now, we'll move it up a gear.

Centime Coin Operation

Why the Princess of Wales? May she rest in peace.

Lady Di became popular thanks to a simple equation.

Humanitarian aid + showbiz.

Using celebrities to promote her charities,

she became the highest-profile princess.

You want to use the Operation

to attract stars and raise my profile?

Exactly. We'll make you…

an icon!

But no-one will accuse you of being insincere, thanks to your daughter.

Let me stop you.

I won't use Laurence.

It's not about using her. Just tell her story.

Out of the question.

It's non-negotiable.

OK, we won't mention Laurence.

Or anorexia.

OK. Well, we need famous people who the kids like.

So, I've prepared a selection.

These girls are baring their bellies!

If that's what's fashionable…

I really am has-been.

You're not has-been - you're vintage.

So, what about…

Two Be Three. It's a boy band.

They sing and dance, and girls love them.

They're an absolute phenomenon.

He's not bad.

- OK for the boy band. - OK.

The Musclemen

Sausage Party

Forget your troubles Long live France

It's a summer vacation

Is that supposed to be vintage, too?

These guys are very successful with the kids.

It's pathetic nonsense.

What about 2Be3?

Well, 2Be3 don't share your political views.

They turned me down.

The truth is, it's harder than I thought.

Most young artists are left-wing.

So, I had to try elsewhere: sportspeople.

Excellent idea. I love Yannick Noah.

I ran into the same problem.

However…

David Douillet. He's not only right-wing,

but he had a motorbike accident.

His agent says he has free time.

Well, an Olympic champion is a better idea than a sausage party!

And he's a real muscleman.

Yes, you should see the hands on him.

David Douillet, the judo champion,

was in Lyon as patron of the Centime Coin Operation

and to take children's collection boxes.

Centime Coin Operation

is about collecting 5, 10, and 20 centime coins

to finance initiatives

to help hospitalized children.

Bravo!

Mrs. Chirac…

Could I have your autograph?

Thank you!

Excuse me. Mrs. Chirac!

Your husband. He couldn't reach you.

I said you were busy.

Ah, Bernadette, what are you up to? I've been trying to call you.

Well, I'm working.

You're working?!

Where are you? Who with?

At the station with David.

David who?

David who?! David Douillet, Jacques. Talk to you later.

Bernadette… Well, she's incredible.

It's all thanks to her. She could knock out a lot of sportspeople!

But seriously, she's such a good person.

Bernadette Chirac's Campaign Success

Bernie, Bernie!

Excuse me.

- Now what? - Sorry.

This time it's Mr. Lagerfeld.

He sounds annoyed.

Are you trying to kill me?

People ask: "What does Bernadette do with her old dresses?

She wears them!"

It's awful.

Awful, awful!

Now you're on TV,

people will think I haven't made anything

since 1978!

You know, Mrs. Chirac, there are two things I can't stand:

moths and rags!

If you want to become a fashion muse, you must get with it.

So?

Perfect!

2Be3's Filip asked to be the patron of the Centime Coin Operation.

But before I accept, I'd like you to do something for him.

Make him wear a shirt for once!

For Mrs. Chirac.

From Mr. Sarkozy.

Why's he here?

Same as us, I suppose. To change his image.

What nerve!

It shows he wants to be friends because you're popular.

If that traitor thinks I'll be seen with him…

Take this champagne back. We don't want it.

It's been three years since he betrayed your husband.

He must think it's ancient history.

He was a witness at my daughter Claude's wedding.

He was like a son to us.

My resentment matches the affection we had for him.

But I won't let that good-for-nothing spoil my night.

Mom, I asked you one thing:

not to damage the President's image.

And you wiggle your hips in a club with half-naked young men!

Look, Claude, it's my friend Filip.

- The 2Be3 singer… - I don't care if it's the Pope!

He's a charming man.

He agreed to be the patron of next year's Centime Coin Operation.

I'm fighting off the tabloids who call Dad Super Liar.

They'll call you Sugar Granny!

It's the paparazzi!

It's normal for them to go to nightclubs.

Not for the First Lady!

I'm the one to blame. I didn't know they'd be there.

I told you he was useless.

That's enough!

I'm warning you…

The President wants you to live up to your role as First Lady, OK?

From now on,

I want to know your movements.

Is that clear?

Well, Bernard, let's live up to the role.

Good evening. Chirac and Clinton in Corrèze.

A women's summit between Bernadette Chirac and Hillary Clinton.

They decided to meet some time ago.

Mrs. Clinton said she was interested in French rural political and social life.

Corrèze is on high alert,

with French police and the US Secret Service.

The limousine was shipped over.

But it's not easy to catch sight of Hillary.

Councilor Bernadette greets Hillary and shows her around.

Hillary is interested in the local highways.

Relaxed yet presidential, the wives

of the two heads of state appear very friendly.

Local children learned an English song. Hillary doesn't speak French.

As nursery schools don't exist in the US, they set a good example.

They're in the same boat: they're both cheated on!

"I'm very happy to be here. Mrs. Chirac has told me so much about Corrèze.

I'm delighted to see it for myself."

What the hell is all this?

We're lucky the weather's fine.

Corrèze is showing its sense of hospitality.

Mrs. Clinton comes to France, but not to the Elysée!

Why wasn't I told?

No-one was.

Don't worry, it won't happen again.

Without Mrs. Chirac, she wouldn't have come here.

The World Cup final between France

and Brazil in Paris.

Well, it's nearly time.

Kick-off is in less than 10 minutes.

The atmosphere is electric in the presidential stand.

Thanks, Mom, for this feast.

Thank Claude and your dad.

They didn't invite me to punish me.

But I'm glad to be with you, darling.

No. 5:

Laurent…

I must be dreaming! Dad doesn't know any of our players' names.

You're not dreaming.

He could have asked Claude to write him a note.

No. 10:

Zinedine…

Zidane!

Oh, he knows Zidane!

The only one.

Oh, no, it's a disaster!

Laurence, punished or not…

I'm happy to spend tonight with you.

March 2001 Municipal elections

Yes, Mrs. Chirac will pose with you,

but she can't visit the markets.

Her schedule's tight. She's going to Bastia.

That's right. Excuse me.

Yes?

No, she can't support all the municipal candidates.

And you're no longer even in the party.

Patrick!

What can I do for you?

Yes, go on.

An autobiography?

Why not? I'll talk to her about it.

Mrs. Chirac insists on preserving her private life.

So, I can't promise you anything.

But we'll think about it, of course.

Memoirs of a Tortoise

Corrected proofs

A few months before the elections,

your book could hurt the President.

If I may, Dominique,

the President is my husband, not yours.

Mom, we've had this conversation.

We can't put our private life on display.

Darling, it's not as if France

didn't already know that your father cheated on me.

I don't just mean that.

What else, then?

I didn't mention your sister though they insisted.

We've announced that all the royalties will go to the hospitals.

So, preventing publication wouldn't go down well.

Well, maybe we could work on a few points that could be improved?

The title, for example.

- "Memoirs of a Tortoise"! - Change it.

Find something more… classy.

I was also thinking of "The Cry of the Gargoyle".

Yet another shitty title!

It's the title of my next book.

You'll have to stop being so assertive.

I'll end up paying for your lack of humility.

On the contrary. This book will bring us closer to the French.

I don't just mean the book.

For a while now, you've played solo.

It's unbearable.

But Jacques, I've done all that to help you.

If you want to help me, stay behind me, as you've always done.

I'm the President campaigning for reelection.

Not you.

Here's the latest episode of "Talk of the Town".

Until 1997, you were Jacques Chirac's chauffeur.

You've brought out your memoirs, "With Him".

Wave those fingers in the air!

Bernadette's an opportunist.

She's just interested in her image, power, and money.

What an awful little worm! Will he ever go?

Everyone has to obey her.

She exploits sick kids for her image, but she couldn't give a shit.

You have no choice, you must fight back.

Tell people why this fight matters to you.

- You don't like her? - No way!

She's Cruella in a Chanel suit.

You can't let people think that you're just acting for your image.

She's unbelievably mean.

Even her own kids fear her.

Enough!

The book is still being proofed.

Just say the word and you can change things.

8:00 P.M. NEWS

Mrs. Chirac, for the first time, you refer to your daughter's condition.

Why break your silence now?

Because I want to help sick children and their families.

I'm not a doctor,

but I want to help the hospital system

which lacks resources.

That's why I decided to…

build Solenn's House,

a specialist center

for teenagers who suffer from eating disorders.

I think it's important to be open about things,

not to hide.

You promised, Mom.

I know. I'm sorry, but it's become too complicated.

Look, it helps the parents.

- And for young people like you. - Of course.

Poor little sick kids, poor Laurence…

Isn't good ol' Bernadette kind?!

You have no right.

- Your name? - Marguerite.

Like my mother.

A strong woman's name.

Not as strong as you.

My daughter is anorexic.

I'd like to thank you for your words.

Thank you.

So, we've put out the fire,

and it's proved useful.

Who to?

Nicolas.

Hello, Mrs. Chirac.

Congratulations for the portrait of a woman

who's suffered

while showing dignity.

Get out before I kick you out

Thank you, Mrs. Chirac.

What a hypocrite.

He sends me bouquets of flowers,

now he comes to sweet-talk me.

He can't unite the right without you.

You've become indispensable.

- Your name? - Nicole.

He'll be a big player in the presidential campaign.

I know. Jacques is losing sleep over it.

The huge success of your book won't help.

True.

5,000 seats sold in 6 hours!

Extraordinary, Mrs. Chirac!

Now you can build Solenn's House.

Well, tonight will stand out for all future charity galas, my dear Pierre.

Could we tempt him with candy to the cabinet room?

It would do all those bears with sore heads good

to see a real bear!

Lorie, 2Be3, Yannick Noah…

La Compagnie Créole…

Cirque du Soleil… She's lost it!

No, she's popular.

That'll be a big help in the campaign.

I've seen enough. I have too much work.

Go on…

Stand up straight.

Mr. President…

I recommend…

you consider your wife as an asset.

With all your ongoing court cases, you'll face criticism of your morals.

She's outside all that. Her image is of a strong, honest woman.

Yes, Bernadette has been a bit more popular lately.

Charity work appeals to the typical housewife.

But as for putting her forward…

Well, "a bit more popular"…

I think you have to face facts, Mr. President.

71% of people like the First Lady.

She's become their favorite political figure.

I think she's now your best chance of winning.

That's it!

That's it!

Bravo!

Know why I love election campaigns?

I love meeting the French.

Know what disgusts me?

Coming across women who aren't used to their full potential.

Female farmers, shopkeepers,

teachers…

They're tempted to give up…

as men don't treat them properly.

Have you finished?

Sorry, we'll be 2 more minutes.

Please hurry. The President is very busy.

Really, Claude…

Let the press do their job.

They're helping Dad get reelected,

you know.

I'm in no hurry.

Well…

take your time.

Very well. Mr. President…

Could you tell us

about your relationship?

Well…

I'd say that she's

my most precious asset.

She helps me a lot,

and I'm very grateful to her.

On the way to being President

Chirac's real asset

On the campaign trail

Her tour of France

The First Lady campaigning

April 2002 A few days before the 1st round

It's looking good. You're ahead of Jospin in the 1st round.

- Right, Xavier? - Very good.

- They're preparing your speech. - Good.

- Chevènement is doing well though. - Shit a brick!

I've been saying for the past 6 months he'll be a pain in the ass all the way!

The Front National will go through.

Well…

why do you say that?

I was in Corrèze.

Some of your most loyal voters

have gone over to the far right.

It's a very bad sign.

Look, it's most unlikely.

The French may be sheep,

but they're nice sheep.

Not racists.

You must take this seriously.

Don't worry…

We were examining the latest polls.

We'll keep an eye on it.

- But I am worried. - We're dealing with it, my lamb.

When you get something in your head, you're as stubborn as a mule!

I should call you My Little Donkey!

Well?

Frankly, Jacques…

The Front National in the 2nd round?

No…

Well, it put Mommy in a state.

Jacques Chirac: 20%.

But a huge surprise:

Jean-Marie Le Pen seems to be in second place with 17%.

Lionel Jospin: 16%.

François Bayrou: 6.6%.

You good-for-nothings!

As much political sense as clown fish!

How dare you rejoice?

Well, on the positive side,

we've won the election.

Don't be too hard on poor Dominique.

Only one person predicted it: Bernadette!

None of you listened to her!

What is happening today…

is very serious.

These people aren't used to demonstrating.

They're here to support the Republic.

There's an explosion of joy.

The militants expected Jacques Chirac to win,

but not such a score:

81.7%, according to the latest estimation.

- Bravo, Mrs. Chirac. - Thank you.

Bravo, Mrs. Chirac.

- Congratulations. - Thank you.

Congratulations. You deserve this victory.

Thank you, Mrs. Chirac.

We owe this to you. Especially your husband.

How about a speech?

Go on.

Go on, Mrs. Chirac.

Go on. This is your moment.

Bernadette, speech!

Go on.

Dear friends…

This victory which brings us together this evening

showed us what people expect.

Not seeing our differences…

They're drinking it up.

But our union against the far right.

Of course!

Sarkozy at the front.

But family feuds

are a weakness

and a danger for the future.

We must stand together…

Can you give her this?

…and work together hand in hand.

That's why I'm happy tonight

to see this family.

Yes, we're a fam…

SHUT UP!

I'm happy…

to see this…

this family…

of the right reunited here tonight.

So, I wish a long life

to our family and to our President, Jacques Chirac.

Thank you.

Long live France!

3 YEARS LATER…

"Complicity in the misuse

of public assets with fictitious jobs,

corruption in Greater Paris public contracts,

corruption and influence peddling in public housing projects,

complicity in embezzlement in the affair of…"

I don't pay you to list problems, but to find solutions.

Legally, there's no solution, Mrs. Chirac.

Once you leave power, you won't avoid prison.

And the fine will be colossal.

No, the only solution is a political one.

Your fate depends on the next presidential elections.

Mrs. Chirac,

I'm so pleased to see you.

Bernard, what a fine

Versailles ladies are lucky!

No, Bernard. We Chodron de Courcels don't much like physical contact.

A matter of social hygiene.

I should have come sooner.

What with Solenn's House, the Jacques Chirac Foundation,

the Tour de France… I don't have a minute to myself.

My mother.

She was so pleased.

That's sweet of you.

I doubt my daughters would do the same.

Be patient. I'm sure they'll return to the fold.

How is the President?

Wonderful. He still hardly ever listens to me.

He missed our appointment with the lawyer today.

I'm worried, Bernard.

If he's not reelected in 2 years' time, we'll be in big trouble.

Talk of the devil.

That's him.

He always calls for no reason.

Hello, Jacques.

Bernadette, where are you? I'm sick.

- What? - I can't see straight.

I have a terrible migraine.

Look, go straight to the hospital. I'm coming.

Your husband has had a stroke.

My God…

Luckily we acted fast.

But there could be long-term effects.

Jacques, you'll be fine, as always.

You're a rock.

A warrior.

Unsinkable.

It's the first time I've seen you pray since your communion.

You know I don't believe in all that.

Oh, whatever!

God, if You exist, let my father get over this.

It can't hurt.

We don't have much time.

Dad is incommunicado. We must make an announcement.

What do we say?

Nothing.

Minimize things.

And don't say "stroke." That's scary.

Yes, definitely.

For now, only we know.

And the doctors.

And the…

the…

the Elysée chief of staff.

Frédéric Salat-Barroux…

Your choice surprises me as I like him a lot.

Good.

But we're not about to get married.

With hindsight, at your age, if I'd had your ambition,

I wouldn't have bothered with a husband.

What's so funny?

Nothing. We were talking.

I see.

Glad you're having fun.

Laurence!

Mom…

Stop blaming yourself.

You do all you can for her.

Well, no, clearly not enough.

You founded a hospital for her.

I hope you know I've done a lot for you too.

Yes.

But…

it wasn't easy for me to be

the healthy one.

I know.

We asked too much of you.

My mother always said…

"You can cry later, Bernadette." I know.

After all Dad's done, he's lucky you're still here.

He's an exceptional husband.

I mean, many would like to be in my shoes.

It may sound crazy, but…

I love your father.

After all you've been through, that's not enough.

Maybe, but…

it's my old-fashioned side.

I always wanted the four of us to stay united.

When I see what you've become…

Thanks for being old-fashioned…

Mom.

Come on.

This afternoon, I'm going to see Sarkozy.

I have to keep an eye on the traitor.

He's convinced he's going to replace me.

Well, he's doing a good job.

I haven't said my last word.

Pleased to hear it.

Then I'll go to see the Mime Prinister.

- You mean the Prime Minister? - Yes.

That's what I said.

Then, I must prepare the UN Summit with Villepain.

With Villepin.

- Villepin. - Yes, Villepin. That's what I said.

No, you didn't.

Look, the UN Summit

is in New York.

The doctors said you couldn't fly…

for six weeks at least.

You must rest.

I'm not dead, Bernadette.

For the love of God, you just came out of the hospital.

You can be tired.

Even La Fayette had a siesta before going into battle.

La Fayette's wife didn't have a cellphone!

If I can help you or your husband, don't hesitate.

Nicolas.

Who was it?

No one.

Politics: Jacques Chirac has announced

he won't run again on account of his health.

But he hasn't announced his choice for a successor.

On the right, Nicolas Sarkozy, who leads the polls,

awaits the President's approval to give a final boost to his campaign.

Chirac is still mired in scandal…

Sorry for my late reply.

Does your offer still stand?

MESSAGE SENT

I've thought it over.

We have no choice but to support Nicolas.

For fuck's sake, Bernadette!

You're ruining the best part of my day!

It's hard for me too to overcome my resentment.

But he'll win.

If we don't scratch his back, he won't scratch ours.

Listen, Bernadette.

As long as I'm alive,

I'll never support that traitor Sarkozy.

Never!

It was 11 years ago.

Maybe he's changed.

Once a traitor, always a traitor.

Jacques, I beg you…

Let's forget our pride.

He'd be disastrous for France.

It's too late. He's going to win.

You're going against your own interests.

And mine!

For better or for worse.

You took that oath 50 years ago.

I've had the worst.

If I may, I'd like to enjoy the "better" for the time I have left.

Well, in that case…

get another husband.

Sorry I'm late.

I'd have preferred the Ritz.

It's quiet though.

Isn't it the best place to pardon you?

We can talk at last.

Enough of the sycophancy. I have a proposal.

I can give you Chirac's support.

From the bottom of my heart, I thank you.

You're my fairy godmother.

But I ask one thing of you…

Once you win, you do all you can to help us.

Of course.

It's the least we can do for Jacques Chirac.

Very well. One more thing…

You know how dear Corrèze is to me.

I want to keep my seat for as long as possible.

You can count on the party's support.

I have a confession to make.

I always thought the great politician in the Chirac clan

was you.

Know what my happiest day was?

Your wedding?

No.

It was in 1979.

My first victory in the local elections.

Love is a Bohemian child

It has never, never known what law is

If you do not love me, I love you

If I love you, then beware!

If you do not love me

If you do not love me, I love you!

But if I love you

If I love you…

Then beware!

April 2007 2 weeks before Round 1

If you're here with such enthusiasm, it's not just because you agree with me.

If you're here with your friendship and trust…

it's because you know that I won't lie to you.

Look at those turncoats

applauding him!

Nicolas, Nicolas!

I recognize myself in Jaurès…

in Blum…

Sure!

Jules Ferry…

Why not?

And in Péguy.

Yeah, right!

And General de Gaulle!

Of course!

You've had enough.

You're right. I'll restore your freedom.

Freedom of speech.

I have to go.

Freedom of thought.

What the hell?

Xavier, tell my wife to leave at once. It's an order.

Two things unite and bring us together:

Long live the Republic

and France!

Now, an extraordinary politician

who has fought

and stayed true

to her values and convictions.

What?!

Xavier, move your ass! Ger her off that stage!

Stop her!

Stop her right now!

We're going to win!

We're going to win…

Mrs. Chirac…

A word on your support for Nicolas Sarkozy?

Did your husband agree to you coming today?

Well, I never do anything without my husband's agreement.

Bernadette remained a Corrèze councilor

And remained true to form

But the high-speed train

never…

came…

came…

It never came

Subtitles: J. Miller

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