Both a historical thriller and a courtroom drama set against a backdrop of espionage, “J’accuse” recounts one of the greatest judicial errors of the 20th century, with the conviction for treason of Captain Alfred Dreyfus.
Roman Polanski’s film is not a biopic about Dreyfus (played by Louis Garrel). It tells the story of this major scandal of the Third Republic, which lasted twelve years (1894-1906), from the perspective of Lieutenant Colonel Georges Picquart, head of the intelligence services, portrayed by Jean Dujardin.
Picquart had provided the evidence needed to exonerate Captain Dreyfus, a Frenchman of Alsatian origin and Jewish faith, who was unjustly convicted.
Roman Polanski transforms the historical events into an inspired dramatization, highlighting the absurdity of this accusation.
