Le souper - Jean Claude Brisville

The dinner scene takes place in Paris on July 6, 1815, at midnight, in Talleyrand’s private mansion... Directed by: Dominique Lamour. Cast: Talleyrand / Michel Adjriou, Fouché / Jean-Michel Messina The two valets / Pascal Gentil, Jean Latil The dinner scene takes place in Paris on July 6, 1815, at midnight, in Talleyrand’s private mansion, just before Louis XVIII’s return to power, following Napoleon’s defeat at Waterloo and his capture by the English, after which he would be exiled to Saint Helena. Fouché has accepted Talleyrand’s invitation to discuss business. Paris is occupied by English and Russian coalition troops. The question then arises of what kind of government should be given to France. Outside, rioters are being contained with difficulty by the capital’s security forces. Fouché believes they should return to a republic. For Talleyrand, the monarchy must be restored; but to do so, he needs the support of Fouché, currently president of the provisional government, who controls the city of Paris. This refined dinner is an opportunity to convince him that Louis XVIII’s return to the throne is the only good solution. Between courses, the two high dignitaries reveal, often only half-heartedly, their crimes, betrayals and intrigues. Sworn enemies since time immemorial, these two political sharks, devoid of scruples and hungry for power, have made themselves indispensable to every regime. But that evening, in order to protect their interests once again, they have no choice but to join forces and overcome years of mutual betrayal and hatred. Among silverware and velvet, over artichoke bottoms with ravigote sauce, truffled foie gras and champagne, the two powerful men size each other up, confront one another and prepare, entirely for their own benefit, a new encounter with History.