The Dinner Game (1998)
Francis Veber's razor-sharp French farce turns a cruel parlor game into a night of spectacular, unstoppable chaos.
The Dinner Game - Movie Information
- Original Title: Le Dîner de cons
- Release Year: 1998
- Directed by: Francis Veber
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Comedy
- Runtime: 1h 20m
- Original Language: French
- Spoken Languages: French
- Release Date (Theatrical): April 15, 1998 (Belgium - 14), July 9, 1999 (United States), April 15, 1998 (Canada - 14A), July 2, 1999 (United Kingdom - 15), February 4, 1999 (Germany), April 15, 1998 (France), February 24, 2000 (New Zealand), December 23, 1999 (Australia), January 1, 1999 (Brazil - e 12), May 12, 2000 (Italy), January 15, 1999 (Spain - 16)
- Alternative Titles: The Idiot's Dinner (US), Le Dîner de cons (FR), Le diner de con (CA), Ужин с дураком (RU), Obiad dla palantów (PL), La Cena de los Idiotas (ES), Idiotmiddagen (NO)
- Production Companies: Gaumont, EFVE, TPS Cinéma, TF1 Films Production
- Production Countries: France
The Dinner Game - Plot
For Pierre Brochant and his friends, Wednesday is "Idiots' Day". The idea is simple: each person has to bring along an idiot. The one who brings the most spectacular idiot wins the prize. Tonight, Brochant is ecstatic. He has found a gem. The ultimate idiot, "A world champion idiot!". What Brochant doesn't know is that Pignon is a real jinx, a past master in the art of bringing on catastrophes...
The Dinner Game - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the chaos begin:
A feast for the senseless.
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The Dinner Game - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Francis Veber
Main Cast
- Jacques Villeret
- Thierry Lhermitte
- Francis Huster
- Daniel Prévost
- Alexandra Vandernoot
- Catherine Frot
- Edgar Givry
- Christian Pereira
- Benoît Bellal
- Jacques Bleu
Writers
- Francis Veber
Producers
- Alain Poiré
The Dinner Game - FAQs
Where can you watch The Dinner Game online?
The Dinner Game is available to stream via the France Channel Amazon Channel and Kanopy (free). It can also be rented or purchased on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. Availability may vary by region.
Is The Dinner Game based on a true story?
No, The Dinner Game is not based on a true story. It originated as a stage play written by Francis Veber, who also adapted it for the screen. The premise — a weekly dinner where guests compete to bring the most entertaining fool — is entirely fictional.
Who are the main actors in The Dinner Game?
The film stars Jacques Villeret as the lovably disastrous François Pignon and Thierry Lhermitte as the smug publisher Pierre Brochant. The supporting cast includes Francis Huster, Daniel Prévost, Alexandra Vandernoot, and Catherine Frot.
What is The Dinner Game about?
Every Wednesday, Pierre Brochant and his circle play a cruel game: each guest must bring the most spectacular idiot to dinner. Brochant believes he has found the ultimate candidate in François Pignon — but the well-meaning fool proceeds to unravel Brochant's entire life in one chaotic evening.
Did The Dinner Game win any awards?
Yes. The Dinner Game was a major awards success in France. Jacques Villeret won the César Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of François Pignon, and the film received additional César nominations. It became one of the highest-grossing French comedies of the 1990s.
How long is The Dinner Game?
The Dinner Game has a runtime of 80 minutes (1 hour and 20 minutes), making it a brisk, tightly constructed comedy that wastes no time delivering its escalating chain of mishaps and misunderstandings.
Who directed The Dinner Game?
The Dinner Game was written and directed by Francis Veber, the celebrated French filmmaker behind comedies such as La Chèvre, Les Compères, and Le Placard. Veber adapted the film from his own highly successful stage play of the same name.
Is The Dinner Game worth watching?
Absolutely. The Dinner Game is widely regarded as one of the finest French comedies ever made. Critics praised its sharp writing and Jacques Villeret's unforgettable performance. Its blend of farce, wit, and unexpected warmth makes it a rewarding watch for fans of intelligent comedy.
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