Les Rois du gag (1985) - film review

Anxious that his popularity as TV’s funniest man is on the wane, ageing comedian Gaétan hires two young comics, Georges and François, to provide him with some new material.  Whilst Gaétan is performing in his “rejuvenated” show, he learns that the world famous director Robert Wellson wants to offer him the leading role in his next film.  For the disillusioned comedian, it is a dream come true...

Claude Zidi’s attempt to satirise the art of gag writing doesn’t quite hit the mark but there are plenty of decent laughs to be had along the way.  It’s a pity that the storyline is such a rambling mess because the central premise of the film is a good one – an exploration of how gag writers and performers can become obsessed in their art.  Admittedly not all of the jokes work, but there’s great pleasure to be had in watching the comic antics of Gérard Jugnot, Thierry Lhermitte and Coluche.  It is ultimately Michel Serrault who steals the show, with a brilliant (and thoroughly evil) parody-impression of the great Orson Welles.

© James Travers 2007

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