--- title: "US Premiere of Charles de Gaulle Film Draws Standing Ovation" url: https://noti.group/us-premiere-of-charles-de-gaulle-film-draws-standing-ovation/ language: en publisher: "Noti Group" section: "Entertainment" published: 2026-11-09T03:16:45.000Z updated: 2026-11-09T05:28:47.616Z id: 636a2436-ddf2-45f0-9f59-cfa3d38cc440 source: "Variety https://variety.com/2026/film/global/goldwyn-french-ww2-epic-de-gaulle-crossing-over-u-s-audiences-1236942834/" attribution: "Link to https://noti.group/us-premiere-of-charles-de-gaulle-film-draws-standing-ovation/ and name Noti Group when you quote or summarize this story." --- # US Premiere of Charles de Gaulle Film Draws Standing Ovation The two-part film, 'De Gaulle: Resistance', is the first installment of the €74 million production starring Simon Abkarian as the French general. A World War II epic about Charles de Gaulle has made its US premiere at the American French Film Festival in Los Angeles, drawing a standing ovation from packed audiences. The two-part film, 'De Gaulle: Resistance', is the first installment of the €74 million production starring Simon Abkarian as the French general and Simon Russell Beale as Winston Churchill. The film's release marks one of Pathé's boldest gambles in the US market, following the success of "The Count of Monte Cristo" and the two-part "The Three Musketeers, which were also distributed by Samuel Goldwyn Films. The production company has been quietly gaining momentum through word of mouth in France, where it has sold over six million tickets. In the UK, 'De Gaulle: Resistance' currently ranks as the highest-grossing French-language film of the year, a testament to its broad appeal and historical significance. The film charts De Gaulle's heroic battle to build a Resistance movement after France surrendered to Nazi Germany in 1940. The success of the film has not gone unnoticed internationally, with 'De Gaulle' recently being acquired in China for release in late November by Light Films. This is a rare feat for a French-language film, highlighting its global appeal and potential for crossover success. To capitalize on this momentum, Samuel Goldwyn Films is rolling out the epic theatrically across major US markets, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Washington D.C., among others. The second installment, 'De Gaulle: Liberty', will be released in early December. The availability of the film in theaters nationwide is complemented by a simultaneous release on transactional VOD, making it accessible to audiences across the country. As the film continues its journey from French box office success to international recognition, its potential for crossover appeal remains strong. The success of De Gaulle at the French box office has sparked interest in its potential crossover appeal to US audiences. Peter Goldwyn, president of IFC Films, believes that the film's narrative can transcend cultural boundaries and resonate with American viewers despite being centered around a lesser-known historical figure. He attributes this confidence to the universality of human experience and the enduring power of storytelling. The film's epic scope is seen as a major draw by Goldwyn. The president of IFC Films points out that US audiences have consistently shown enthusiasm for stories about prominent leaders like Roosevelt and Churchill, suggesting that De Gaulle's story could fill a gap in American cultural knowledge. He highlights the significance of De Gaulle's achievements as a single individual during World War II. Goldwyn argues that the film's cinematic ambition sets it apart from traditional European art-house fare. The sheer scale of De Gaulle is comparable to Hollywood blockbusters, with a narrative scope rivaling that of The Odyssey". This blend of epic storytelling and character-driven drama makes the film more accessible to a broader audience. Goldwyn notes that the primary obstacle to wider distribution in the US market lies not in the film's artistic merit but rather in the practical challenge posed by its language. The French dialogue presents logistical hurdles for theaters seeking to show it on a wide screen count. The decision to release 'De Gaulle' in theaters nationwide, alongside a transactional VOD release, is an attempt to ensure the film reaches its target audience as quickly and widely as possible. Goldwyn's reasoning behind this strategy is rooted in the understanding that American theaters often lack patience for slow-burning films. He notes that US audiences tend to prefer movies with instant appeal, rather than those that gradually gain momentum. To maximize exposure, Goldwyn's team has developed a single campaign targeting diverse groups, including art-house film enthusiasts, history buffs, educational institutions, and younger viewers through social media channels. The strategy is designed to generate buzz around the films, as they require word-of-mouth promotion due to their length. With limited daily showtimes, the campaign aims to attract as many viewers as possible. The narrative of 'De Gaulle' challenges traditional American and British perspectives on World War II by exploring the complex relationships between De Gaulle, Churchill, and Roosevelt. Baudry's meticulous research involved poring over 150 books and historical archives to accurately portray De Gaulle's transformation from an isolated military officer in 1940 to a leader of the French Resistance. Baudry's meticulous research has uncovered a wealth of historical details that remain largely unknown outside academic circles. This period in history is often glossed over in favor of more widely known events, leaving many to rely on incomplete or inaccurate accounts of the past. To ensure his films are accessible to a broad audience, Baudry organized early screenings for young students who may not have prior knowledge of De Gaulle's story. The goal was to make the films self-contained, allowing viewers to follow the narrative without needing outside references or context. By doing so, Baudry aimed to bring this pivotal moment in history to life for a new generation. Abkarian's meticulous preparation for his role as Charles de Gaulle extended beyond mere research and script analysis. The actor took a unique approach to memorizing his lines by transcribing every single one into a small notebook that he carried throughout the 150-day shoot. This notebook became an invaluable tool, allowing Abkarian to fine-tune his performance and stay true to de Gaulle's character. However, as Abkarian delved deeper into the role, he began to realize that simply mimicking de Gaulle's mannerisms wouldn't be enough. The actor eventually abandoned this approach in favor of a more nuanced understanding of the character. Instead of trying to replicate de Gaulle's behavior, Abkarian sought to evoke his spirit through a deeper exploration of his voice and language. One pivotal moment came when Abkarian spent an evening recording de Gaulle's speeches with director Baudry. This exercise allowed them to dissect the rhythm, frequency, and musicality of de Gaulle's words, giving Abkarian a deeper understanding of how to bring the character to life on screen. Abkarian found a like-minded partner in Russell Beale, who played Winston Churchill opposite him in the film. The two actors shared a similar approach to their craft, one that prioritized a deep understanding of the text and its characters. The portrayal of Churchill and De Gaulle's friendship in the film is seen as a key aspect of its appeal, according to Abkarian. Their relationship was marked by an idealism that set them apart from Roosevelt, who was more focused on political pragmatism. This difference in approach created tension between the leaders, but also fostered a deep understanding and respect for one another. Abkarian notes that this aspect of their friendship is what makes it both beautiful and complex. He believes that Americans may struggle to relate to the film's portrayal of their wartime leadership, given the differences in their historical context. Goldwyn, however, sees De Gaulle as a hero who embodies American values such as patriotism and independence. --- Source: [Variety](https://variety.com/2026/film/global/goldwyn-french-ww2-epic-de-gaulle-crossing-over-u-s-audiences-1236942834/) Published by Noti Group: https://noti.group/us-premiere-of-charles-de-gaulle-film-draws-standing-ovation/