Les Rois du gag
1985 Comedy
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Credits
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Summary
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...
Review
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 Write a review for this film... |
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