Okay, fellow tapeheads, let's rewind to a slightly different kind of 80s discovery. You might have stumbled across this one under a slightly confusing title – maybe even something like "Firefighters" popped up on a bootleg market sticker or a mislabeled shelf? Let's clear the static: the film we're tuning into today is the 1985 French comedy gem, Les Rois du gag (often translated, more accurately, as The Kings of Gag). Forget fire hoses; this one's about the high-pressure world of professional comedy, directed by the prolific Claude Zidi, a man who knew his way around a popular French hit, having already given audiences comedies like My New Partner (Les Ripoux, 1984). Finding this tape felt like unearthing a quirky foreign cousin to the Hollywood comedies dominating the rental shelves back then, a burst of distinctly Gallic humor that was both familiar and refreshingly different.
When Laughter is Serious Business
Les Rois du gag throws us headfirst into the struggling lives of Paul (Gérard Jugnot) and Georges (Thierry Lhermitte), two gag writers desperate to make it big in Paris. Their apartment is a chaotic testament to creative frustration, overflowing with ideas but empty of cash. If you were a fan of French cinema in the 80s, seeing Jugnot and Lhermitte together again was a treat. These guys were core members of the legendary Le Splendid troupe, famous for the Les Bronzés films – think of them as France's answer to the National Lampoon or Monty Python crews, constantly collaborating and sending up societal norms. Their established chemistry crackles on screen here; you instantly buy their partnership, their shared dreams, and their near-constant state of comical panic.
Their big break seems to arrive when they land jobs writing for Gaëtan (Michel Serrault), a massively famous, beloved television comedian who, behind the scenes, is an absolute tyrant. And Serrault? Mon Dieu, what a performance! Known internationally perhaps best for the groundbreaking La Cage aux Folles (1978), Serrault sinks his teeth into the role of the egomaniacal star. He's hilarious, pathetic, and utterly monstrous, often all within the same scene. It's a sharp, satirical look at the often-brutal reality behind the smiles and laughter of show business, a theme that feels surprisingly relevant even today. Claude Zidi wasn't just about slapstick; he often wove social commentary into his popular comedies, and this film is a prime example.
Crafting Comedy, 80s French Style
Now, this isn't an action flick packed with explosions – the explosions here are mostly emotional or career-related! But the craft is undeniable. Watching Paul and Georges brainstorm gags, desperately trying to please the unpleasable Gaëtan, has its own kind of tension. The film itself is structured around comedic set pieces – the disastrous attempts at filming sketches, the awkward social encounters, the sheer absurdity of Gaëtan's demands. Zidi keeps the pace brisk, leaning into visual humor and showcasing the physical comedy skills of his leads.
Remember how some 80s comedies just felt... busy? Les Rois du gag has that energy, a certain controlled chaos that reflects the frantic world it portrays. There's a scene involving a disastrous historical sketch that descends into pure farce – it’s maybe not a fiery car stunt, but the comedic timing and escalating absurdity felt just as expertly constructed back then, a different kind of practical effect achieved through performance and direction. Apparently, Zidi encouraged improvisation from his seasoned cast, letting their natural comedic instincts shape scenes, which adds to that feeling of slightly unpredictable energy. It wasn't a mega-budget spectacle (reportedly made for a modest sum even by French standards of the day), but it channeled its resources into its star power and sharp writing.
That Dusty VHS Charm
Finding Les Rois du gag outside of France back in the day often meant searching specialty video stores or catching it on a late-night TV slot. It wasn't a global phenomenon, but in France, it was a significant hit, further cementing the star status of its leads and director Claude Zidi. Watching it now on a (hopefully clearer) modern screen, the 80s fashion and Parisian street scenes are pure nostalgic comfort food. The humor, while definitely French, holds up remarkably well, especially the satire of celebrity culture. Some jokes might feel a bit dated, sure, but the core dynamic between the struggling writers and the monstrous star remains sharply funny.
It’s the kind of film that might have initially seemed like an odd rental choice, squeezed between Arnold Schwarzenegger epics and John Hughes classics. But popping it into the VCR revealed something unique: a smart, funny, and sometimes surprisingly pointed look at the absurdity of fame, delivered by masters of French comedy. It wasn't trying to be Hollywood; it was gloriously, unapologetically French, and that was its charm.
Rating: 7/10
Justification: Les Rois du gag earns a solid 7 for its fantastic central performances, particularly Michel Serrault's unforgettable turn as the tyrannical comedian. The chemistry between Jugnot and Lhermitte is electric, carrying the film through its more episodic moments. While not every gag lands perfectly today and its appeal might be narrower than mainstream 80s fare, Claude Zidi's direction is confident, the satire remains sharp, and it offers a delightful slice of 80s French popular cinema. It’s a well-crafted comedy that delivers genuine laughs and a nostalgic glimpse into a specific time and place in filmmaking.
Final Thought: Forget the blockbuster explosions; sometimes the biggest bangs on VHS came from the perfectly timed implosion of a comedic ego. Les Rois du gag is a hilarious reminder that laughter can be serious, messy, and wonderfully French. Definitely worth tracking down if you enjoy sharp satire served with 80s flair.