Ultimately, the restless approach, ever-roaming camera, and operatic flourishes create a skimming effect, when we hunger for a fuller portrait of the scarred, steely soul driven to alleviate suffering and counter injustice, against all odds.

No matter how grave the situation, “Simone: Woman of the Century” treats it as spectacle.

Despite the exhaustive way her life is dressed and described, we never get to know who Simone Veil really was.

But, what Dahan has put on the screen is inspiring, intelligent and – often – very moving.