The French Minister, also known as Quai d'Orsay, is a 2013 French political comedy directed by Bertrand Tavernier. The film is based on a graphic novel of the same name by Abel Lanzac, which is a pseudonym for a former speechwriter for French Minister Dominique de Villepin.
The story follows Arthur Vlaminck, a young and inexperienced writer who is hired by Taillard de Vorms, the larger-than-life Minister of Foreign Affairs for France. Despite having no political background, Arthur is tasked with writing the minister's speeches and navigating the complex world of French diplomacy.
As Arthur tries to keep up with Taillard de Vorms' erratic and unpredictable behavior, he also has to contend with the political infighting and backstabbing that goes on within the Quai d'Orsay. He forms an unlikely friendship with the minister's chief of staff, Claude Maupas, and together they try to steer the ship through multiple crises, including a potential war in the Middle East.
The film is a sharp satire of French politics and the vainglorious personalities that often dominate the diplomatic arena. It features a standout performance from Thierry Lhermitte as Taillard de Vorms, who embodies the larger-than-life character with aplomb. The film was a critical and commercial success in France, winning three Cesar Awards (the French equivalent of the Oscars) and garnering positive reviews from critics.