At last! After nearly seven years in the making, I’m very pleased to announce that De Gaulle: Résistance is now in cinemas, with De Gaulle: Liberté following as the second part of this extraordinary two-part story from director Antonin Baudry.
Produced by Pathé Films, the films tell the story of Charles de Gaulle’s struggle to keep France fighting after its defeat in 1940, and the increasingly complicated relationship between France, Britain and the United States as the Second World War unfolds.
I’m delighted to say that I’m part of the story, playing American General Frank McSherry in both films.
Chambourg, France
One of the locations was particularly memorable: Chambourg.
Chambourg played a genuine part in the events surrounding the D-Day landings, so filming there carried an added significance. You’re standing in a place where history actually happened, while recreating those events for a new audience. That’s a pretty remarkable feeling.
The Americans
General Frank McSherry is one of the American military figures caught up in the political and military tensions surrounding de Gaulle and the future of France.
One of the most fascinating — and certainly boldest — aspects of the films is their portrayal of Franklin D. Roosevelt.
It takes some courage to portray Roosevelt as the villain.
He is such an established and revered figure of the Second World War that presenting him in a much more antagonistic light is bound to provoke discussion. But that’s part of what makes these films interesting. They don’t shy away from the conflicts, personalities and competing ambitions behind the familiar historical narrative.
Now in cinemas
After such a long production, it’s fantastic to finally see De Gaulle out in the world.
The films feature a terrific international cast, with Simon Abkarian as Charles de Gaulle and Simon Russell Beale as Winston Churchill, alongside a large French, British and American ensemble.
I’m very proud to have been part of it.
** De Gaulle: Résistance is now in cinemas, released by Pathé Films, with De Gaulle: Liberté completing the story as the second part.**
- Cinema Listings in the UK: degaullefilm.co.uk
- IMDb: imdb.com/title/tt28553375/
