Simone Veil appears as a central figure in this biographical journey, tracing a life that spans public service, legal reform, and political leadership. A trailblazer who broke gender barriers in a country with a long history of male dominance in government, Veil is honored in Paris at the Panthéeon, a place reserved for France’s most revered figures. The film recounts her pivotal 1975 achievement when as Minister of Health she played a decisive role in decriminalizing abortion in France. Beyond this milestone, the narrative follows a life marked by resilience, fighting for justice for women, prisoners, AIDS victims, and the broader European project, where her influence helped shape a more unified future. Veil emerges as the first woman to lead the European Parliament, a testament to her enduring impact on European politics.
Elsa Zylberstein portrays the grown Veil with gravitas, while Rebecca Marder portrays her younger, teenage years. Zylberstein, a respected French actress, brings depth to a portrait that filmmaker Olivier Dahan frames as a candid exploration of a woman who evolved through hardship. The film, lasting nearly two and a half hours, offers a vivid, nuanced view of Veil and a France that evolved rapidly over a short period. The performance is both emotionally charged and grounded, with moments that feel intimate yet expansive in scope. During promotion in Madrid, Zylberstein speaks of the project with enthusiasm, noting its place as one of the most successful French releases in recent months.
Q. The desire to make a film about Veil came from a personal connection to her story.
R. The filmmaker recounts meeting Veil and presenting her with an award at a gala organized by a leading Jerusalem research center in Paris. The encounter inspired a deeper understanding of Veil and cemented the decision to bring her life to the screen. The goal became a portrayal that captured not only Veil’s public achievements but also her humanity, her courage, and the tenderness beneath her public persona. Respect for the family and the life she led guided the project from its inception to production.
Q. The film relies heavily on interviews with Veil at her home, revealing much about her character and the experiences that shaped her.
R. A year was devoted to building the character. The actor committed fully, gaining weight and studying every gesture, every movement, every routine. A documentary interview by Jean-Emile Jeannesson provided a benchmark for the portrayal, including Veil’s explanations of her life, the deportation of loved ones, and the personal losses that defined her resolve. That material became a daily source of energy for the performance.
Q. Veil’s temperament in the film grows tougher, tempered by tragedy and the daily friction of public life. How was the character shaped?
A. Veil is shown as a resilient young woman who already carried strong will and intellect. The narrative follows her evolution, including friendships forged in adversity and the endurance learned in concentration camps. Collaborations with contemporaries who shared those experiences highlight a life force that refuses to fade. The film presents Veil as both a formidable figure and a person with warmth, exploring the balance between public duty and private humanity.
S. The actor portrays Veil across a span of decades, bringing a convincing presence to the aging process and the various roles she inhabited. The transformation goes beyond makeup, delving into the pain, anger, and focus that defined her later years. The approach aims for a universal, accessible depiction rather than a narrow, French specificity.
“In cinema, politics can be embedded even in humor. A film can be a weapon.”
Q. Some biographical works carry a message beyond entertainment. Was that intention embraced from the start?
R. The project grew from a compelling story rather than a plan to teach. It resonates beyond a particular period because the themes of totalitarianism, Europe, and dignity remain relevant. The film’s success in France—drawing a large audience—suggests that younger viewers are connecting with Veil as a contemporary role model. For the filmmaker, cinema becomes a form of engagement, inviting audiences to reflect and act without sacrificing entertainment.
Fr. Simone Veil is remembered as one of the most influential figures in late 20th-century France. The public recognizes her abortion law achievement, yet the film emphasizes many other contributions—the defense of AIDS patients, better prison conditions, and a broader commitment to human rights. The narrative reflects on the political context of Veil’s era, including the time of President Giscard d’Estaing and Prime Minister Chirac, when women faced significant barriers in political life. Veil’s courage in speaking out, her Assembly speech, and her stance on public health underscore a legacy that endures in discussions about women’s rights today.
Q. How is Veil viewed in the context of contemporary feminism? Is she considered a modern feminist?
R. The portrayal presents a form of feminism grounded in equality and respect for both sexes. It highlights the importance of women being heard and placed on equal footing with men, while also honoring Veil’s quieter strength and principled stance. The narrative also acknowledges the broader social climate, including debates about gender and power that continue to evolve.
“People who fought in difficult times sometimes struggle to speak about their experiences. The memories linger and the truth surfaces only after years.”
Q. The film addresses the Jewish experience in France and Veil’s own sense of history. How is this aspect portrayed?
R. Veil is depicted as someone with enduring faith in humanity, recognizing both resilience and responsibility. The portrayal avoids sensationalism while acknowledging the harsh realities faced by those who resisted oppression. It portrays the complexity of memory and the ongoing challenge for France to confront its past with honesty. The film encourages viewers to reflect on how society remembers history and the individuals who shaped it.
Q. The personal history of the filmmakers also echoes in the film. Is there a direct connection to Veil’s experiences?
A. The narrative touches on personal histories and the broader context of Jewish family experience during wartime. It acknowledges the sacrifices and hidden lives that shaped generations, while keeping the focus on Veil’s enduring legacy and the meaning her life holds for today’s audiences.