The Childhood of a Leader

In 1919, an American boy finds himself temporarily in the serene French countryside alongside his father, a diplomat engaged in the intricate negotiations of the Treaty of Versailles, and his German-born mother. After a tumultuous rehearsal for a church pageant, frustration boils over as he hurls rocks at other children and their parents before escaping into the comforting embrace of the woods. Upon his return, he discovers his father, previously embroiled in drink with family friend Charles Marker. Reluctantly, the boy apologizes to the townsfolk, maintaining a sense of obstinacy but ultimately receiving their forgiveness.

Although fluent in French, the mother has mandated that the boy converse only in English with her. Yet, in their current setting in France, she seizes the opportunity to hire a tutor, Ada, to aid his studies. Surprising emotions emerge when the boy catches a glimpse of Ada alone with his father, who claims to be compensating her for services. However, a troubling incident occurs when, during a lesson, the boy inappropriately touches Ada—a moment that leaves her distressed, but she chooses to remain silent about it to his mother.

As tensions within the home rise, the father engages in covert meetings with his aides, losing faith in the evolving negotiations. One aide, mistaking the boy for a girl, instigates a reaction where the boy strips himself of clothing and retreats into the isolation of his room for several days. His mother, determined to teach him a lesson, attempts to starve him out; however, he receives hidden sustenance from Mona, the housekeeper. When the mother eventually uncovers this, she dismisses Mona, who swears revenge on the family.

In the solitude of his room, the boy dedicates his time to mastering French. After a period of study, he performs a recitation for his mother and Ada, subsequently requesting that his mother dismiss Ada so he can pursue his education in solitude. The father’s return is marked by a chaotic scene where he finds his wife with Charles Marker. Angered upon discovering his son disrobed, he lashes out with threats, leading to a violent altercation that results in the boy sustaining an arm injury.

To commemorate the signing of the treaty, the family hosts an intimate dinner gathering. During this event, the father asks the mother to pray; however, she redirects this request to the boy, who defiantly proclaims his disbelief in prayer. When she attempts to take him to his room, he retaliates by striking her with a rock multiple times. As the father intervenes, the boy feigns injury, taking off in a panic but inadvertently injuring himself in the process. In a twist of fate, he encounters Charles Marker, who comforts him, assuring him of his well-being.

Fast forward several decades, the boy, now grown and known as Prescott, has ascended to a position of power as a military leader of an authoritarian regime. He is met with adulation from crowds of fans, bearing a striking resemblance to his biological father, Charles Marker.

Last Updated: November 08, 2024 at 16:28