François Mitterrand: A Tale of Power 2001
Distributed by Films for the Humanities & Sciences, PO Box 2053, Princeton, NJ, 08543-2053
Produced by Patrick Rotman
Director n/a
VHS, color, 56 min.
High School - Adult
Biography, European Studies, History, Political Science
Date Entered: 11/09/2018
Reviewed by Christine Rigda, Cataloging Department, Bierce Library, The University of Akron, Akron, OhioFrançois Mitterrand was President of France from 1981-1995. This video uses mostly archival footage and interviews with former cabinet members and associates, to show his rise to power in French left-wing politics. His contributions to France are also included such as his efforts at unifying Europe, and his many construction projects. Also described are some of the questionable activities and scandals which occurred during his presidency such as his controversial participation in the pro-Nazi Vichy government during World War II, his illegitimate daughter, and the secrecy of his cancer during the last few years of his second term.
The video is fast-paced yet fairly comprehensive. It is assumed the viewer has some understanding of French government. The quality of the entire video was excellent as was the narrator. Some of Mitterrand’s questionable activities are presented as fact, even though he denied them publicly, however, and that should be pointed out to students who watch the video.
This video is recommended for any senior high or college curriculum dealing with French history or for anyone interested in the life of this fascinating French president.