Safe Conduct
2h 50m
Directed by Bertrand Tavernier • 2002 • France
Starring Jacques Gamblin, Denis Podalydès, Charlotte Kady
Posing profound moral questions about the relationship between art, politics, and resistance, this heady, richly detailed historical drama unfolds during the Nazi occupation of France as two filmmakers (based on real-life figures) attempt to navigate their careers without compromising their ideals. Facing pressure from the Vichy government, assistant director Jean Devaivre (Jacques Gamblin) uses his position at the German-controlled studio Continental Films as a cover for his resistance activities, while screenwriter Jean Aurenche (Denis Podalydès) uses his wits to keep from being involved in the creation of any collaborationist propaganda.