Terror's Advocate

Schroeder explores the career of the extraordinary character Jacques Vergès. "He is of diabolical intelligence whereas Idi Amin was of diabolical innocence" (Barbet Schroeder). The multiplicity of points of view shows the complexity of this mysterious and obscure man, revealing what he judges necessary and defending himself with a series of pirouettes. "I want audiences to make their own opinions of this man through this film. That is why there is no commentary. I have made a cinema film, not a journalistic one" (Barbet Schroeder). Schroeder does not impose any bias and by looking at Vergès he explores less the life of the lawyer than the history of the 20th century and of terrorism.