“A matter of principle”, with Bouli Lanners as José Bové: this techno-thriller which makes the corridors of Brussels eminently sexy

For this second feature film, the director planted his cameras inside the European Parliament in a “techno-thriller” led with panache and moral rigor by valiant deputies – including, in the front line, the character of José Bové who launches into a counter-investigation from behind the scenes of Parliament. A tension without excess which manages to give the big bureaucratic machine of Brussels the appearance of a mysterious temple.

Antoine Raimbault’s first film, An intimate convictiona legal thriller around the appeal trial of Jacques Viguier, with Marina Foïs and Olivier Gourmet, was released in 2019. Antoine Raimbault is also the author of several short films, including “Vos violences” (2014) in which he offered Éric Dupond-Moretti his first role in the cinema.

In “A Matter of Principle”, Bouli Lanners takes on the role of Bové, former MEP, emblematic figure of the green fight, anti-globalizationist with character, lover of law and slayer of barriers.

The film is based on real events, mentioned in one of the chapters of Bové’s book, which focuses on the fight against tobacco lobbies in 2012. It is about a plot by the giants of the cigarette industry against the health directive in preparation, and the fight for the independence of control agencies infiltrated by multinationals. On the front line, OLAF (European Anti-Fraud Office).

José Bové in a long interview: “Europe is such an inventive construction that it scares all empires. Putin and totalitarian China hate it”

Antoine Raimbault can pride himself on having created a new genre. Suspense made in Europe. Better yet: the adventure of leather rings with valiant hearts, officiating surreptitiously in the corridors of Parliament. Given the lack of embodiment that the Union is often criticized for, this was not an easy task.

The scenario is concrete, ensured by respect for the facts (reminder below of the serial, worthy of the best political thrillers*). Points described in detail in the work of José Bové. The latter confirmed this factual fidelity during the interview he gave us ahead of the film’s release. Only the time parameter had to be modified. In cinema, you naturally have to tighten the time frame. But if certain concrete episodes have been brought together by the imperatives of the genre, the work of parliamentarian is, in the film, faithful to reality. An accelerated translation that honors the sometimes underestimated vocation of certain Eurocrats.

We find in A matter of principle – both in the film and in its title – the density and this investigative format in strict compliance with the law that José Bové prized. He carried out his mission as a parliamentarian for ten years. It was, he assures us, work carried out “24 hours a day”.

The film also exposes the obligatory opening to other “religions”, other political worlds. Because Europe, José Bové reminds us again, is a land of obligatory alliances. Of compromise. In this sphere, which is by definition larger than the national scope, we must be able to overcome political divisions.

In this investigation, Bové and those who accompanied him, thus defended the image, for reasons of justice stricto sensu, of the European Commissioner John Dalli, who displayed other political tones

Thomas VDB, Bouli Lanners and Céleste Brunquel carry out a thrilling counter-investigation in “A Business of Principle”, by Thomas Raimbault, directly inspired by a book by José Bové. ©(c) Pascal Chantier/Agat/Memento A matter of principle

is fast-paced without superfluous trickery, conducted like a thriller, as we have said – American in rhythm, but also and above all terribly European.

The original music (work by Grégoire Auger) is amazing. The viewing angles, the rhythm, the costumes are perfect. The outfits, signed by Élise Ancion, are well observed, precisely composed, furiously credible.

The opaque aura of key figures like that of Jose Manuel Barroso, then President of the Commission, is also right. Muffled footsteps, rustling of fabric, heavy silence. The international atmosphere, the Swedish, Portuguese, Italian, Dutch accents, are larger than life.

The whole reflects the cozy side of the corridors of a Europe on the move. These huge official assemblies, where the future of the citizen is at stake, is almost nothing.

Bouli Lanners will play José Bové. In a long interview, he talks about his struggles, hotter than ever, and about society: “What we are experiencing is not decadence, it is a real decline”

During the preview at the UGC in Brussels, the team which leads the investigation of the righteous with a slightly boy-scoutesque good nature, answered questions from the public. José Bové and Bouli Lanners were slightly behind, in the shadow of the spotlight. In the center of the circle, Thomas VDB, loud words, stentorian voice, held the spittoon brilliantly.

Bouli Lanners therefore plays José Bové – a quiet interpretation, without arrogance. He has retained his accent, even if the liveliness, the rhythm of the phrasing has something French. Both also share Luxembourgish roots. There is therefore no obligation to make it more hexagonal than necessary.

Thomas VDB plays Bové’s parliamentary assistant. The young Céleste Brunquel is also impeccable as a passionate, idealistic intern, keen on law and justice.

The affair of the tobacco industry’s conspiracy against the health directive in preparation is an eloquent example of the great European adventures. Concrete, focused on well-being and health. With a visible and clearly identified enemy: the tobacco monsters, their infernal lobbies, their undercover deals. And, at the end of the day, a healthier future, lives to save.

In apotheosis, this scene which concludes the film with a form of unfinished happy ending, the culmination of the counter-investigation carried out vigorously by the valiant team members: the adoption on May 19, 2014, by the European Parliament of a directive on the tobacco, including the introduction of neutral cigarette packets.

A start of revolution. In European circles at least.

A matter of principle, with Bouli Lanners, Thomas VDB, Céleste Brunquell. Visible on Belgian screens since May 8, 2024. Adapted from “Hold-up in Brussels, lobbies at the heart of Europe” by José Bové, in collaboration with Gilles Luneau © éditions La Découverte, 2015.

“Hold-up in Brussels. The lobbies in the heart of Europe. The book by José Bové, a part of which inspired the film “Une affair de principle”, by Antoine Raimbault. (Ed. La Découverte) ©Ed. La Discovery – film Antoine Raimbault

Reminder of the facts (file)

October 16, 2012 John Dalli resigns as European Commissioner for Health and Consumer Policy at the request of José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission, following allegations of corruption and influence peddling linked to legislation on the tobacco.

October 2012 OLAF, the European Anti-Fraud Office, sends its final report to the Maltese judicial authorities who open an investigation. Maltese businessman Silvio Zammit allegedly solicited bribes from the Swedish company Swedish Match, which specializes in the sale of “snus” (a ground and moistened oral tobacco frequently consumed in Sweden), in exchange for of Dalli’s influence in the upcoming directives on tobacco products.

April 28, 2013 The OLAF report is made public.

June 8, 2013 Charges against John Dalli are dropped by Malta’s public prosecutor’s office due to lack of evidence.

May 19, 2014 The directive on tobacco products, including the introduction of neutral cigarette packaging, is adopted by the European Parliament.

May 12, 2015 The European Court rejects John Dalli’s action seeking the annulment of his forced resignation and compensation for damages.

March 2, 2016 The European Commission lifts part of the immunity of the president of OLAF, Giovanni Kessler, who will ultimately have to answer in court following John Dalli’s complaint.

July 2016 Maltese justice indicts Silvio Zammit for corruption.

January 1, 2017 Neutral packages on sale in France.