A grasping, dishonest aristocrat steals from rich and poor alike. He is hell-bent on marrying the young princess, a mere child, since that would allow him to gather great power and - who knows ? - wear the crown himself one day. However, the queen quarrels with him and causes him to fall from a great height. Seething with rage, the aristocrat swears revenge. His unsuspecting valet, an inoffensive man, is about to become a pawn in his dark plot...
"La folie des grandeurs" is loosely, very loosely, based on "Ruy Blas" by Victor Hugo. It is pretty much a parodic take on the piece which, unlike this movie, ends in pure tragedy.
The movie is a truly funny comedy. It unites the talents of two celebrated comedians, to wit Louis de Funès as a greedy, vicious, megalomaniac nobleman and Yves Montand as his long-suffering valet. Both men do very well and their interaction is a joy to behold. It is a testimony to the comedic genius of De Funès, that he is capable of playing an absolutely despicable character while hanging on to his charm and charisma.
Both characters evolve against the background of an opulent Spanish court set, I suppose, somewhere during the seventeenth century. The said royal court overflows with hypocrites, traitors, liars, egotists and buffoons. Here many a black heart beats beneath a rich garment. Even the relatively sane and kindly persons slowly get warped and twisted beyond recognition. Just watch the fair young queen (an import product from Bavaria) get thwarted and berated at every turn. Nearly every normal human amusement is denied to her : a Spanish queen does not listen to music, does not talk to strangers, does not go for a walk, does not indulge in daydreaming.
There's a disquieting air of veracity about this environment.
The movie, which was filmed in a number of gorgeous or striking locations, looks absolutely stunning. The exquisite costumes would grace many a "straight" historical drama.
Much recommended.
"La folie des grandeurs" is loosely, very loosely, based on "Ruy Blas" by Victor Hugo. It is pretty much a parodic take on the piece which, unlike this movie, ends in pure tragedy.
The movie is a truly funny comedy. It unites the talents of two celebrated comedians, to wit Louis de Funès as a greedy, vicious, megalomaniac nobleman and Yves Montand as his long-suffering valet. Both men do very well and their interaction is a joy to behold. It is a testimony to the comedic genius of De Funès, that he is capable of playing an absolutely despicable character while hanging on to his charm and charisma.
Both characters evolve against the background of an opulent Spanish court set, I suppose, somewhere during the seventeenth century. The said royal court overflows with hypocrites, traitors, liars, egotists and buffoons. Here many a black heart beats beneath a rich garment. Even the relatively sane and kindly persons slowly get warped and twisted beyond recognition. Just watch the fair young queen (an import product from Bavaria) get thwarted and berated at every turn. Nearly every normal human amusement is denied to her : a Spanish queen does not listen to music, does not talk to strangers, does not go for a walk, does not indulge in daydreaming.
There's a disquieting air of veracity about this environment.
The movie, which was filmed in a number of gorgeous or striking locations, looks absolutely stunning. The exquisite costumes would grace many a "straight" historical drama.
Much recommended.