Francis Veber is one of my favorite French filmmakers, with some amazingly clever comedies to his credit, such as "The Closet" and "The Dinner Game". However, compared to his best films, I'd place "Tais-Toi!" just below them...watchable and enjoyable but nothing more.
The story begins with Quentin (Gérard Depardieu) getting arrested for an armed robbery. However, it's obvious that he's very dumb...incredibly dumb. He also loves to talk a lot and subsequently annoys his various cellmates in jail. Eventually, Ruby (Jean Reno) is placed in the same cell...because he's refused to say even a word to the police following his stealing a gang of professional thieves' loot. The police hope that Quentin will drive Ruby crazy....just like he did with his previous cellmates.
Oddly, Quentin thinks Ruby is his best buddy...even though for much of the film Ruby says nothing to him. And, since Ruby is his 'buddy', Quentin is determined to help his friend escape. As for Ruby, his only goal is to get out in order to kill the gang leader. After all, he murdered Ruby's girlfriend and paybacks are definitely in order.
Throughout the film, Quentin annoys the heck out of Ruby...a bit like the idiot in "The Dinner Game" annoyed his host. These moments are enjoyable and overall the film is worth seeing even if it is a tad formulaic towards the end.
The story begins with Quentin (Gérard Depardieu) getting arrested for an armed robbery. However, it's obvious that he's very dumb...incredibly dumb. He also loves to talk a lot and subsequently annoys his various cellmates in jail. Eventually, Ruby (Jean Reno) is placed in the same cell...because he's refused to say even a word to the police following his stealing a gang of professional thieves' loot. The police hope that Quentin will drive Ruby crazy....just like he did with his previous cellmates.
Oddly, Quentin thinks Ruby is his best buddy...even though for much of the film Ruby says nothing to him. And, since Ruby is his 'buddy', Quentin is determined to help his friend escape. As for Ruby, his only goal is to get out in order to kill the gang leader. After all, he murdered Ruby's girlfriend and paybacks are definitely in order.
Throughout the film, Quentin annoys the heck out of Ruby...a bit like the idiot in "The Dinner Game" annoyed his host. These moments are enjoyable and overall the film is worth seeing even if it is a tad formulaic towards the end.