The subject of Rejeanne Padovani is corruption in high places. A powerful exposé of some brutal realities specific to Québec politics, its international implications are nevertheless obvious. “The wheels of government,” as Arcand states, “may be remarkably similar to the wheels of the Mafia in a so-called free enterprise democracy.”
The scene is an elegant dinner party at the home of industrial magnate Vincent Padovani. Being celebrated is the opening of a new autoroute in which all the guests - businessmen, government officials and their wives - have been instrumental. But the occasion might just as well be the happy wedding of government and crime. Upstairs at the Padovani estate, the wine and conversation flow undisturbed. Downstairs, however, Padovani's coterie of ruthless henchmen deal with any number of threats to their boss's welfare, including the arrival of Padovani's ex-wife, Rejeanne. Rejeanne is as tough and determined in her efforts to see her children as her husband is in denying her access. But her only weapon is brutal honesty, which, in the face of Padovani's brute strength, is no weapon at all.