Le souper - Jean Claude Brisville

Directed by: Dominique Lamour. Cast: Talleyrand / Michel Adjriou, Fouché /Jean-Michel Messina The two servants / Pascal Gentil, Jean Latil

The supper scene takes place in Paris at midnight on July 6, 1815, in Talleyrand’s private mansion, just before Louis XVIII returns to power, following Napoleon’s defeat at Waterloo. Captured by the English, Napoleon will be exiled to Saint Helena. Fouché has accepted Talleyrand’s invitation to discuss political affairs. Paris is occupied by the English and Russian coalition troops. The question is what kind of government France should have. Outside, rioters are being held back with difficulty by the capital’s security forces. Fouché believes the republic should be restored. Talleyrand believes the monarchy should be reinstated; but to do so, he needs the support of Fouché, who is currently president of the provisional government and controls the city of Paris. This fine supper is an opportunity to convince him that Louis XVIII’s return to the throne is the only right solution. Between courses, the two senior dignitaries reveal, often in veiled terms, their crimes, betrayals and intrigues. Sworn enemies for years, these two political sharks, without a scruple between them and hungry for power, have managed to make themselves indispensable to every regime. But tonight, once again, to protect their own interests, they have no choice but to join forces and overcome years of betrayal and mutual hatred. Amid silverware and velvet, over artichoke bottoms with ravigote sauce, truffled foie gras and champagne, the two powerful men size each other up, clash and prepare—entirely for their own benefit—to make history once more.