Jeanne, a magistrate, must sort out and prepare for the trial of a complex case of misappropriation and embezzlement of public funds that implicates the president of an important industrial firm. As her investigation progresses, she uncovers a web of corruption which puts her in a position of great power. With her influence growing stronger and her life becoming increasingly public, her efforts to combat corruption and unravel the truth begin to jeopardize her private life, putting stress on her relationship with her husband. Jeanne soon asks herself two questions: how powerful can she become without clashing with a power greater than her own? to what extent can human nature resist the intoxication of power? Comedy of Power is inspired by a corporate scandal that rocked France in the 1990s, exposing extensive corruption in one of its giant oil companies.

Claude Chabrol
With more than 50 movies directed, Claude Chabrol’s filmography is one of the most impressive in French Cinema history. From the early sixties and the beginning of the Nouvelle Vague - for which he is credited - to the 21 st century, Chabrol has always been considered a master of suspense. In Comedy of Power, Chabrol explores France’s unspoken laws of class and power as Isabelle Huppert’s character uncovers a web of corruption and treachery much deeper than she bargained for.

Director’s quote
“You open the film with this disclaimer: “any resemblance to persons living or dead is, as they say, coincidental.” That’s a nice way to thumb your nose at the real-life events that inspired the film…
I did it mainly to indicate to the viewer that he should allow himself to recognize possible resemblances, but not seek them out. Moreover, we decided not to name any people who exist in reality. Therefore it is an entirely fictional universe. (…) When I decided to make this film, I began by creating a list of pitfalls to avoid, in particular those of immediate identification and of the absolutely imaginary.
Because obviously if the film had no relationship to reality, it would be of no interest… There are very few films in France about political-financial scandals.
Yes, in the ’70s there were several exposés, like for example the films of Yves Boisset. But as for myself, I wasn’t seeking to denounce events known to everyone, but rather to show the repercussions of any sort of power on the human spirit and to what point it can lead and mislead people.”