Ces malades qui nous gouvernent

From testimonies and medical explanations, an evocation of the last fifty years, seen through the different illnesses of the main heads of state in the world. The state of health of the men in power who have made the history of the last half-century has often been deficient at critical moments of decisions that affected millions of people. The dramatic consequences of Chamberlain's illness in front of Hitler in Munich, Roosevelt's illness in front of Stalin in Yalta.

Directed by Claude Vajda, Ces malades qui nous gouvernent leans on a strong ensemble — Yves Arcanel, François Chaumette, Yves Peneau — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about documentary titles of 1981.