Remember the communiqué from the Rambouillet G7 conference back in 1975? Of course they do. Tramping through a wooded estate somewhere in Germany, pursued by the zombie remains of Iron Age chieftains recently exhumed from the grounds of the nearby stately home, the leaders of the world’s richest democracies recite it by heart. What could be more stirring than a well-rounded public announcement that sounds grand, but doesn’t commit anyone to doing anything? A successful joint statement is a work of art.
These leaders – the chancellor of Germany ( Cate Blanchett ), the prime ministers of the UK, Japan and Canada (Niki Amuka-Bird, Takehiro Hiro and Roy Dupuis), and the presidents of the United States, Italy and France (Charles Dance, Rolando Ravello and Denis Ménochet) – clearly think they are masters of that art in Guy Maddin , Evan Johnson and Galen Johnson’s Rumours . Surges of orchestral music as they wave in front of a rippling sea of national flags emphasize their importance. Over a working dinner in a subtly lit gazebo near the grave dig — where they have already had a splendid photo opportunity, each leader holding his or her own shovel — they are working on a compendious communiqué of their own.
The first sign of a coming apocalypse, if that is indeed what is happening, is the failure of the waiters to refill their wine glasses. Related Stories Festivals Cate Blanchett On Political G7 Satire ‘Rumours’: “It’s Not Trying To Be An Important Film.
