Jacque Vergès
Terror’s Advocate (aka L’Avocat de la Terreur) is a 2007 French documentary film about the controversial French attorney Jacques Vergès.
Synopsis: Communist, anti-colonialist, right-wing extremist? What convictions guide the moral mind of Jacques Vergès? Barbet Schroeder takes us down history’s darkest paths in his attempt to illuminate the mystery behind this enigmatic figure. As a young lawyer during the Algerian war, Vergès espoused the anti-colonialist cause and defended Djamila Bouhired, ‘la Pasionaria’, who bore Algeria’s hopes for freedom on her shoulders and who was sentenced to death for planting bombs in cafés. Vergès obtained her release, married her, and had two children with her. Then suddenly, at the height of an illustrious career, Vergès 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. The filmmaker explores and questions the history of ‘blind terrorism’ and leads us towards shocking revelations that expose long-hidden links in history.
TOP TEN FILMS OF 2018 – J. HOBERMAN – VILLAGE VOICE
#8. Terror’s Advocate [Barbet Schroeder]
“Now here’s a political thriller in the guise of a talking-head and archival-footage documentary (my candidate for the year’s best nonfiction movie). Barbet Schroeder’s portrait of French lawyer Jacques Vergés is a belated and worthy sequel to The Battle of Algiers and La Chinoise. The action hopscotches the globe, from North Africa to China to Germany; the supporting cast includes Pol Pot, Klaus Barbie, and Carlos the Jackal. The anti-hero is the suave embodiment of Third World rage: Is he evil incarnate or the bad conscience of the West?”
Website of TERROR’S ADVOCATE (English) (French)
TERRORS ADVOCATE trailer: (YouTube)
“’Terror’s Advocate’ is a fascinating portrayal of a controversial political figure; both morally unsettling and emotionally gripping.” – Rotten Tomatoes (85% Rating)
“A brilliant study in the link between moral corruption and narcissism.” -David Edelstein, New York Magazine
“One of the most powerful films I saw” – Michael Moore, in The Brisbane Times
Review, J. Hoberman, Village Voice
VARIETY, Barbet Schroeder Talks
