Terror’s advocate // L’Avocat de la terreur
( France, 2007, 135 min. )
Director: Barbet Schroeder
Screenplay: Barbet Schroeder
Communist, anti-colonialist, right-wing extremist? What convictions guide the moral mind of Jacques Verges? Acclaimed director Barbet Schroeder takes us down some of history’s darkest paths to elucidate this «mystery.» As a young lawyer during the Algerian war, Verges espoused the anti-colonialist cause and defended Djamila Bouhired, who was sentenced to death for planting bombs in cafes. He obtained her release, married her and had two children with her. Suddenly, at the height of an illustrious career, Verges disappeared without trace for eight years. He re-emerged from his mysterious absence, taking on the defense of terrorists of all kinds, from Magdalena Kopp and Anis Naccache to Carlos the Jackal. He represented historical monsters such as Nazi lieutenant Klaus Barbie. From the lawyer’s inflammatory and provocative cases to his controversial terrorist links, Barbet Schroeder follows the winding trail left by this «devil’s advocate,» as he forges his unique path in law and politics. Schroeder explores and questions the history of «blind terrorism» through his penetrating investigation of this compelling man and leads us towards shocking revelations that expose long-hidden links in history.
Cesar 2007: Best Documentaryz
Film is screened in the Free Thought. Documentary cinema program
Screening shedule
– only for press
23 June
