The Discord (1978)
A French comedy classic pitting an eccentric inventor against his fed-up wife in a battle that spills from the living room to the ballot box.
The Discord - Movie Information
- Original Title: La Zizanie
- Release Year: 1978
- Directed by: Claude Zidi
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Comedy
- Runtime: 1h 30m
- Original Language: French
- Spoken Languages: French
- Release Date (Theatrical): March 16, 1978 (Germany - 6), June 6, 1978 (United States), March 16, 1978 (France - U)
- Alternative Titles: The Discord (UK), Der Querkopf (DE), Onkruid Vergaat Niet (NL), The Spat (US)
- Production Companies: Les Films Christian Fechner
- Production Countries: France
The Discord - Plot
Guillaume has made it: A machine that can clean dirty air by simply sucking all dirt into air balloons and then shipping them far far away so his explanation. Some Japanese business guys, after dinner with a lot of alcohol, order 5,000 pieces. His only problem: His production capacity is way to small so he gets to produce the machines in his private house. His wife Bernadette is far from being happy about it. Her private life goes down the line so she decides to leave Guillaume and to finally have revenge she candidates for major against her husband...
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The Discord - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Claude Zidi
Main Cast
- Louis de Funès
- Annie Girardot
- Maurice Risch
- Jean-Jacques Moreau
- Geneviève Fontanel
- Jacques François
- Georges Staquet
- Mario David
- Daniel Boulanger
- Tanya Lopert
Writers
- Claude Zidi
- Michel Fabre
- Jean-Pierre Mocky
Producers
- Christian Fechner
- Bernard Artigues
- Marcel Berbert
The Discord - FAQs
What is The Discord about?
The Discord follows Guillaume, an eccentric inventor who lands a massive Japanese order for his air-cleaning machine and turns his home into a factory. His wife Bernadette, fed up with the chaos, walks out — and then runs against him for mayor in a deliciously absurd act of revenge.
Does The Discord have a happy ending?
The film wraps up in true French comedy fashion — chaotic, satirical, and bittersweet. The mayoral election battle between Guillaume and Bernadette escalates to a farcical climax, with the couple's rivalry driving the humor right to the final scene. Whether it's truly "happy" depends on your perspective.
Is The Discord a political satire?
Very much so. Beneath the slapstick and domestic squabbling, the film takes sharp aim at French small-town politics, ecological hypocrisy, and the absurdity of local elections. Bernadette's campaign against her own husband gives the story a satirical edge that goes well beyond typical marital comedy.
Where can you watch The Discord online?
You can check current streaming availability and rental options for The Discord on JustWatch, which lists all platforms offering the film in your region.
Who are the main actors in The Discord?
The film stars Louis de Funès and Annie Girardot as the warring couple Guillaume and Bernadette. De Funès was one of France's biggest comedy stars of the era, and his pairing with the formidable Girardot makes for an electric, perfectly matched comic duo.
Who directed The Discord and wrote the screenplay?
Claude Zidi directed the film and co-wrote the screenplay alongside Michel Fabre and Jean-Pierre Mocky. Zidi was a prolific French comedy director known for crowd-pleasing, fast-paced films, and The Discord is a strong example of his signature style.
What are some films similar to The Discord?
If you enjoyed The Discord, you might love Welcome to the Sticks (2008) for its French regional comedy, Pardon Mon Affaire (1976) for its classic French farce energy, or Mon Oncle (1958) for its satirical take on modern life. Bed and Board (1970) and Love on the Run (1979) also share a similar spirit.
Who composed the music for The Discord?
The score was composed by Vladimir Cosma, one of the most beloved French film composers of his generation. Known for his warm, playful, and melodic style, Cosma's music is a perfect match for the film's comedic tone and adds a great deal of charm to the story.
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