Tonight on CSTAR, Disco returns for an evening which, despite its good intentions, did not convince the spectators. Released in 2008 and directed by Fabien Onteniente, this film marks the second collaboration between the filmmaker and Franck Dubosc after Camping. But this attempt to celebrate the kitsch and festive world of disco quickly came up against harsh criticism, both for its shaky storyline and for its gags often considered clumsy.
Disco: Franck Dubosc becomes Didier Travolta
Following the success of CampingFranck Dubosc reunited with director Fabien Onteniente in 2008 for the comedy Disco.
The story follows Didier Travolta (Franck Dubosc), a man from Le Havre in his forties, unemployed and still living with his mother. Over-indebted and unemployed, he spends his days wandering around docks, PMUs and supermarkets, dreaming of a better life. One day, he receives a letter from his ex, who now lives in England with their son Brian. She informs him that he will not be able to receive his son this summer if he is not able to pay for a “real” vacation, far from his monotonous routine.
Determined to offer his son a vacation worthy of the name, Didier discovers that a disco dance competition, organized by the legendary “Gin Fizz Academy”, offers as first prize a trip to Australia for two people. Determined to participate, he embarks on the adventure.
One of Franck Dubosc’s worst films
To achieve his goal, Didier must reform his old dance group from the 80s: the Bee Kings. He first convinces his former partners, Walter (Samuel Le Bihan), a gruff crane operator-unionist, and Neuneuil (Abbes Zahmani), a salesman at Darty au look improbable. But after 20 years of inactivity, their talents are rusty, and the road to success looks strewn with pitfalls. To refine their preparation, Didier calls on France Navarre (Emmanuelle Béart), a classical dancer returned from New York, who becomes their teacher and mentor.
Worn by the star duo of Camping, Disco attracted audiences in droves during its first week in theaters. In total, the film displays more than two million entries during its operation. A good score, however tarnished by the icy reception from spectators, like its disastrous rating of 1.5/5 from our colleagues at AlloCiné.
The film was described as a “turnip” by a large part of the public, and remains today one of Franck Dubosc’s worst-rated films. However, it does not dethrone Cineman released in 2009 and its rating of barely 1.1/5…
