Review of Ridicule (1996) by Jim H — 13 Jan 2013

A provincial lord goes to Versailles to entreat Louis XVI to finance an engineering project that will save his villagers.

This film's concept is engaging and interesting, in the ilk of Dangerous Liaisons: I like the idea that one's wit an ability to manipulate social standing have economic and political weight. Such a concept demonstrates the power of rhetoric as a creation of reality.

However, the execution of the film leaves much to be desired. When the film presents itself as an exhibition of fine wits, it is reasonable to expect witty remarks, but all the repartee, witticisms, barbs, come-backs, and clever insults (no puns, of course) are rather lame. There's more wit in a bad House episode than in this whole film. What is more, the love triangle doesn't work for me because the final result is a predictable fait d'accompli. Finally, the conclusion of the film essentially makes the action that preceded it meaningless.

Overall, while I like the film's central thesis, I can't find much to like in the action or plot.