This historical farce is set in the time leading up to and including the start of the French Revolution. Gene Wilder and Donald Sutherland play double roles of twins who were mixed up at birth. While not an unusual plot aspect, it's always good for some rollicking humor. Unfortunately, "Start the Revolution Without Me" just doesn't have much.
Oh, sure, it is funny - at times and in places. It does parody several historical films. But it lacks the rollicking, wacky humor that it could have. That's what one has come to expect of a Gene Wilder film. Wilder and Sutherland together should be bringing down the house here, but they don't. Hugh Griffith is the only very funny character. His King Louis is riotously farcical and steals every scene he's in.
The movie misses its potential first in the screenplay. The crazy antics are there, but the script is limp. It so often misses the chance for some very witty or outlandish dialog. There are just occasional funny lines here and there. And, even with the lesser screenplay, Wilder's characters are far too tame. Especially that of Phillipe DeSisi. Sutherland's roles as Pierre DeSisi and Charles Coupé start off as the oppressed twin who gradually changes into an almost bystander who seems to be enjoying the goings on.
The film gets six stars for three things. First is Hugh Griffith's role. Second is the outlandishly inept band of revolutionaries that Jacques leads. They wouldn't be able to capture a kitten. Third is the considerable work for the fine sets, costumes and props that create an atmosphere of the 1780s.
Oh, sure, it is funny - at times and in places. It does parody several historical films. But it lacks the rollicking, wacky humor that it could have. That's what one has come to expect of a Gene Wilder film. Wilder and Sutherland together should be bringing down the house here, but they don't. Hugh Griffith is the only very funny character. His King Louis is riotously farcical and steals every scene he's in.
The movie misses its potential first in the screenplay. The crazy antics are there, but the script is limp. It so often misses the chance for some very witty or outlandish dialog. There are just occasional funny lines here and there. And, even with the lesser screenplay, Wilder's characters are far too tame. Especially that of Phillipe DeSisi. Sutherland's roles as Pierre DeSisi and Charles Coupé start off as the oppressed twin who gradually changes into an almost bystander who seems to be enjoying the goings on.
The film gets six stars for three things. First is Hugh Griffith's role. Second is the outlandishly inept band of revolutionaries that Jacques leads. They wouldn't be able to capture a kitten. Third is the considerable work for the fine sets, costumes and props that create an atmosphere of the 1780s.