Title: Liberté, égalité, choucroute (1985)"Liberté, égalité, choucroute" is a French funny film directed by Jean Yanne in 1985. The title is a funny play on the national slogan of France, "Liberty, Equality, Fraternity," with the last word changed by 'choucroute,' a traditional Alsatian meal of fermented cabbage.
PlotThis unconventional, satirical film is set in the time of the French Revolution. Yet, it provides a lively take on French history with great deals of comic absurdities instead of closely following the historical events and makes an extreme period light-hearted, featuring characters based loosely on major historic figures of the time.
The movie's storyline revolves around King Louis XVI, played by Michel Serrault. Annoyed by his advisors exploiting their power and benefiting from the kingdom's treasury, he chooses to reinvent the tax system. Nevertheless, this results in him being toppled, and he needs to go into hiding. With his partner Marie Antoinette, performed by Ursula Andress, and their kids, they hesitantly begin living an easier life, handling the camouflage of a Jewish common man named Moses and offering sausages and choucroute on the streets of Paris.
Directorial BrillianceThe director, Jean Yanne, uses the plot to criticize the French society and power characteristics. His dark humor and sarcasm permit him to showcase his vision of the Revolution and the monarchy's fall, embedding a strong social critique in the movie's story. The movie likewise beautifully records the contradictions intrinsic in society with its dramatized occasions and cartoonish portrayals, blurring the lines in between the reality of the times and funny exaggeration in a special French satire design, where humor often works as a lorry for social observation and critique.
Performances and HighlightsMichel Serrault's representation of Louis XVI takes the program as he effectively displays the transformation from a royal king to a citizen, showcasing a brilliant comic timing that brings levity to the film. Ursula Andress's serving as Queen Marie-Antoinette and her small talk with Michel Serrault produce minutes of laughter throughout this pioneering satire.
Conclusion"Liberté, égalité, choucroute" stands apart as a French comedy classic that uses the background of a serious historical setting instilled with humor, wit, and paradox with a touch of French style. It is a satire on government, monarchy, and societal standards, making it a timeless piece that resonates with audiences. Despite its oddball take on French history, it uses viewers another viewpoint on the French Revolution, sparing no one from its satirical animadversions. A blend of funny and historical aspects, this movie continues to be valued for its eccentric narrative style and amusing take on a substantial period in French history.
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