Why Is Roman Polanski’s New French Movie Being Boycotted?

Called “J’Accuse,” or “An Officer and a Spy” in English, Roman Polanski’s newest film has been met with backlash and protests. Yet, even with the negative attention, the boycotts seem to be of no match, as “An Officer and a Spy” ranks among the weightiest Polanski openings in France with 501,000 tickets sold, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter.

“An Officer and a Spy,” adapted from Robert Harris’s novel, showcases the Dreyfus affair, in which a French military officer was accused of giving military secrets to the Germans, in full detail. Underscoring the false accusal of a Jewish major in the French military, the movie is a mere gateway into plenty of briefings and debriefings of yawning unrest. The Economist called “An Officer and a Spy” “respectable,” yet “hardly as thrilling” as Polanski’s other offerings.

Polanski, on the other hand, sees his film as the very emulation of his current plight. Director of 2003’s “The Pianist,” which won him an Oscar, Polanski has since been known as an artistic and thought-provoking director, despite his fleeing from America in 1977 after he pleaded guilty to statutory rape of a minor. The 86-year old director is now facing rumors circulate of yet another sexual abuse claim surfacing only weeks before the film’s debut.

While French actress Valentine Monnier’s allegations point to an occurrence from 1975, they still highlight a major concern rippling through French artistic circles. The question of distinguishing a filmmaker’s personal life with that of his actual work and art, something that goes relatively unnoticed in France, has become an exceedingly important task to bear for the French moviegoing industry.

Not only have feminist groups boycotted the new Polanski flick, but producer and director guild ARP has also even suspended his inclusion. Many have long called into question the nature of his fame, what with an actual rape charge under his belt in America, yet many find his work in showbusiness as a safety net for his malicious actions.

Beating out even “Ford v Ferrari” in France, Polanski’s “An Officer and a Spy” touches on vital French historical notes, which is why even the Prime Minister, Edouard Philippe, has admitted he will attend a showing. Contrary to his belief, however, many in French political circles aren’t pleased by Polanski’s actions outside nor inside of filmmaking.

Frank Riester, French Culture Minister, stated, “A work, however great it is, does not excuse the possible mistakes of its author. Talent is not a mitigating circumstance; genius, not a guarantee of impunity.” Likewise, other government ministers have made similar statements, such as Marlene Schiappa, Equality Minister, and Sibeth Ndiaye, president Emmanuel Macro's spokeswoman, both of whom denied any interest in seeing the film.

"An Officer and a Spy" has a limited release and will finish its debut in Italy on Thursday.