Les Rois du gag (1985)
Directed by Claude Zidi

Film 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.

Film Synopsis

There was a time, not so long ago, when Gaétan was the funniest comedian on television.  But lately his popularity has taken a noticeable nosedive.  This does not surprise his wife Jacqueline, who keeps nagging him to give up comedy and begin a more respectable career as a straight actor.   Fearing that his decline may be irreversible, Gaétan dismisses his veteran gag writers, Robert and Jean, confident that their brand of humour is distinctly dépassé.  Encouraged by his secretary René, the comedian sets out to find a new writing team in the hope that this will bolster his popularity.  He finds what he is looking for whilst attending a show at a small theatre in the suburbs.

It is not the star of the show that interests him but an unknown comedy duo, Paul and François, whose modern brand of comedy so appeals to Gaétan that he signs them up straight away to work for him as gagmen.  Sure enough, with better material, Gaétan's popularity sky-rockets, and as it does so the comedian attracts the attention of the well-known filmmaker Robert Wellson, who is in Paris to make his latest film.  Impressed by Gaétan's obvious talents, Wellson offers him the leading role in the film and the comedian accepts, to the delight of his wife.  Alas, this new opportunity turns out to be a total disaster for both the director and his lead actor, who fail to hit it off.  This bad experience merely convinces Gaétan that he should stick to what he does best...