The Dinner Game 1999
Directed by
Francis Veber
Plot Summary
Pierre Brochant is a Parisian publisher who regularly takes part in a peculiar tradition known as the “idiots’ dinner.” At these gatherings, elite, fashionable businessmen must bring along an unsuspecting “idiot” for the evening’s entertainment, allowing the guests to ridicule this oblivious person without their knowledge. The aim is to choose the evening’s “champion idiot” from among the gathered guests.
With the assistance of a friend known for spotting these “idiots,” Brochant discovers an unexpected treasure in François Pignon, a lively employee from the Finance Ministry, a position Brochant despises due to his own tax malfeasance. Pignon has an unusual obsession with constructing detailed matchstick models of iconic landmarks. Just as Brochant extends an invitation to Pignon to join the dinner, he finds himself suddenly incapacitated with excruciating back pain while golfing at his posh country club. Compounding his troubles, his wife, Christine, leaves him after realizing he still intends to host the dinner, and turmoil arises when Pignon arrives at Brochant’s apartment.
At first, Brochant wishes for Pignon to leave, but as the evening unfolds, he increasingly depends on him—thanks to his back issue and complications in his personal life. Brochant seeks Pignon’s help in making phone calls to track down Christine, yet Pignon’s well-meaning efforts frequently end in disaster. He unwittingly discloses Brochant’s secret affair with Marlene Sasseur to Christine, mistakenly thinking Marlene is Brochant’s sister due to her name, and even invites tax inspector Lucien Cheval to Brochant’s residence, forcing Brochant to hurriedly stow away his valuables to conceal his tax fraud.
Throughout the chaos, Brochant attempts to mends fences with Juste Leblanc, an old friend from whom he once wrongfully took Christine. As the evening progresses, Brochant is compelled to reflect on his past missteps. Pignon, in a moment of honesty, calls Christine to share all the efforts Brochant has made in trying to redeem himself, including ending his affair and seeking reconciliation. However, when Christine becomes skeptical and questions Pignon about Brochant’s presence during the call, Pignon lies, saying he’s alone in a phone booth.
In a tragic twist, when a softened Christine reaches out to Brochant for a conversation about their future, Pignon answers the call instead, leading her to believe that Brochant has manipulated the situation. The film concludes with Brochant feeling exasperated and blaming Pignon for the chaos that has ensued in his life.
Timeline
The Tradition of the Idiots' Dinner
Pierre Brochant, a Parisian publisher, regularly participates in a bizarre social event called the 'idiots' dinner.' At these gatherings, wealthy businesspeople bring an unsuspecting 'idiot' as their guest to be mocked throughout the evening. The aim is to determine who among the 'idiots' deserves the title of the champion for that night.
Discovery of François Pignon
Brochant, with the help of his friend known for spotting 'idiots,' finds François Pignon, a quirky employee from the Finance Ministry, to bring to the dinner. Pignon's peculiar hobby of creating detailed matchstick models of famous landmarks captures Brochant's interest. The discovery seems perfect, as Brochant despises the Finance Ministry.
Inciting Incident of Back Pain
Just as Brochant invites Pignon to the dinner, he suffers from a sudden and severe back pain while golfing at a country club. This incapacitating injury complicates his plans for the evening, leaving him in distress and unable to move freely. The timing is disastrous, as this was meant to be an evening of ridicule.
Christine Leaves Brochant
Brochant's personal turmoil intensifies when his wife, Christine, decides to leave him. Her departure is prompted by his insistence on proceeding with the idiots' dinner, despite the incident with his back. This personal crisis adds to the weight of the evening and Brochant's anxiety.
Pignon Arrives at Brochant's Apartment
François Pignon arrives at Brochant's apartment, blissfully unaware of the turmoil surrounding Brochant. Initially, Brochant wishes for Pignon to leave, overwhelmed by both his pain and marital issues. However, as the night progresses, he finds himself increasingly reliant on Pignon's assistance.
Pignon Attempts to Help
Despite Brochant's reluctance, Pignon begins to help him by making phone calls to locate Christine. However, Pignon's well-meaning intentions often result in comedic disasters. His inability to grasp the nuance of the situation only adds to Brochant's growing frustration.
The Call to Christine
During the phone call to Christine, Pignon accidentally reveals Brochant's secret affair with Marlene Sasseur. Misunderstanding the situation, he mistakenly believes that Marlene is Brochant's sister. This blunder intensifies Christine's suspicions and adds chaos to the already complicated situation.
Lucien Cheval's Surprise Visit
Amidst the chaos, Pignon invites tax inspector Lucien Cheval to Brochant's residence without realizing the implications. Brochant scrambles to hide his valuables to conceal his tax fraud before Cheval arrives. This unexpected visit further complicates Brochant's efforts to maintain his facade.
Mending Fences with Juste Leblanc
Brochant reflects on his past mistakes, particularly concerning his relationship with Juste Leblanc, an old friend. He feels compelled to mend their relationship while managing the chaos unfolding around him. This reflection serves as a necessary turning point for Brochant's character.
Pignon's Moment of Honesty
In an act of sincerity, Pignon calls Christine to share the steps Brochant has taken to redeem himself, such as ending his affair and seeking reconciliation. However, when questioned about Brochant’s presence, Pignon lies, leading Christine to distrust Brochant even more.
Miscommunication Leads to Tragedy
When Christine decides to reach out to Brochant for a conversation about their future, Pignon accidentally answers her call. This miscommunication leads Christine to believe that Brochant has orchestrated the situation to manipulate her feelings. The mounting tension creates a tragic misunderstanding.
Exasperation at Pignon
As the evening concludes, Brochant finds himself feeling overwhelmed and exasperated by the chaos that Pignon has inadvertently caused. The unraveling of his personal life and the dinner's ridiculous premise all combine to leave him frustrated. He blames Pignon for the turmoil in his life.
Reflection on Personal Failures
In the aftermath of the evening, Brochant is left to reflect on his choices and failures. The experience with Pignon forces him to confront not only his relationship with Christine but also his own moral failings. This introspection marks a significant moment for his character growth.
Characters
Pierre Brochant
Pierre Brochant is a Parisian publisher who initially revels in his status and traditions but experiences a shift in perspective as chaos unfolds around him. Despite his arrogance, he becomes more reliant on the 'idiot' he invited, leading him to confront his own shortcomings.
François Pignon
François Pignon is an endearing and oblivious employee from the Finance Ministry with a passion for building matchstick models. His cheerful disposition, despite the ridicule he faces, brings unexpected depth to Brochant's tumultuous evening, showcasing the positive impact of kindness.
Christine
Christine is Brochant's wife, whose patience wears thin as she grapples with her husband's selfishness and infidelity. Her character embodies the struggle for self-respect and clarity amidst personal chaos, leading her to question her choices.
Setting
Time period
The film is set in contemporary times, reflecting modern social dynamics and the complexities of personal relationships in urban life. The actions and consequences faced by the characters resonate with present-day scenarios around friendship, betrayal, and societal expectations.
Location
Paris, Country Club
The movie primarily takes place in Paris, a vibrant city known for its rich culture, fashion, and culinary delights. The elite atmosphere is further highlighted by scenes at a posh country club, where business deals and social status play a crucial role.
Themes
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Humiliation
The theme of humiliation is central to the 'idiots' dinner tradition where elite guests derive amusement from ridiculing an unsuspecting individual. Brochant's journey delves into the moral implications of such traditions while revealing how humiliation can lead to unexpected connections.
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Chaos
As the evening progresses, chaos ensues in Brochant's life, particularly due to his injury and the unexpected arrival of Pignon. This theme illustrates how one's attempts to control a situation can spiral into confusion, ultimately leading to revelations and self-reflection.
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Betrayal
Betrayal manifests in the personal relationships of Brochant, particularly in his dishonesty towards Christine. The film explores how secrets and deceptions can fracture bonds and lead to deeper understanding through painful realities.
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