Two Roles for Christian Clavier
Clavier plays both Jacquouille, the medieval servant, and Jacques-Henri Jacquard, his modern descendant.
Movie
The Visitors
They weren't born yesterday!
After a wizard's spell goes awry, 12th-century Gallic knight Godefroy de Papincourt, Count of Montmirail finds himself transported to 1993, along with his dimwitted servant, Jacquouille la Fripouille. Startled and perplexed by modern technology, the duo run amok, destroying cars and causing chaos until they meet Beatrice de Montmirail, an aristocratic descendant of the nobleman, who may be able to help them get back to 1123.
Why it's in the Vault
Some comedies become classics because of their jokes; Les Visiteurs achieves something rarer, creating an entire comic universe that remains instantly recognizable decades later. Jean Reno's imposing medieval knight and Christian Clavier's gloriously uncouth servant form an irresistible duo, while Valérie Lemercier, Marie-Anne Chazel and the supporting cast make every collision between centuries even more memorable. The film's manic rhythm, endlessly quotable dialogue and unapologetically physical humor make it a remarkably rewarding rewatch. Some jokes are unmistakably rooted in their era, but the sheer comic energy feels timeless. An essential French comedy, as hilarious today as in our fondest memories.
— Matty, Curator of the Vault*
Atmosphere
Hilarious, medieval, chaotic, nostalgic, irreverent
Clash of eras
Slapstick humor
Medieval chaos
Time travel fantasy
Contains slapstick violence, sword fighting, crude humor, sexual references, insults, drunken behavior and occasional disturbing medieval imagery.
Dans les coulisses
Ce qu'on ne voit pas à l'écran
Two Eras for Valérie Lemercier
Lemercier portrays both Béatrice de Montmirail in the present and Frénégonde in the Middle Ages, earning a César for her performance.
Two Best Actor Nominations
Both Jean Reno and Christian Clavier were nominated for Best Actor at the 1994 César Awards for the same film.
A Director in Disguise
Jean-Marie Poiré makes several brief appearances and supplies voices in the film.
An Unforgettable Vocabulary
The film's exaggerated medieval speech and absurd modern-day reactions helped turn numerous lines into fixtures of French popular culture.
Palette
Les couleurs du film
Montmirail Steel#747C80
Jacquouille Earth Brown#806047
Medieval Banner Red#9A3439
Castle Stone Grey#B6ADA0
Sorceress Potion Green#668260
Royal Heraldry Gold#C8A353
Images
