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An electrician trades wires for spotlights and his marriage for the stage. What could go wrong?
TMDB
37
IMDb
51
Watch(FR)

Le Débutant (1986)

French farce energyMidlife crisis chaosTheater kid cringe

Overview

Comedy

The journey strewn with adventures of François Veber, electrician who decides to embark on the theater. For his passion, he leaves his wife. Particularly awkward, he will have to work to achieve his dream.

Flag of FRFRFrench
Content warning
Pursuit of passion vs. responsibilitySocial class and aspirationThe absurdity of artistic ambition

Standout Aspects

Acting

Francis Perrin's physical comedy is committed, bless his chaotic heart.

Writing

Veber's screenplay somehow makes marital abandonment feel twee.

Best for:Streaming: Perfect for a lazy Sunday when you want zero brain engagement.·Solo: Watch alone so no one sees you laugh at this nonsense.
Daniel Janneau

Director

Daniel Janneau

ReleasedMay 19, 1986
Runtime1h 26m
StatusReleased

Vibe

Pacefast
Intensitylow
Tonelight
Feellight
Films A2
T. Films

Top Cast

Francis Perrin

Francis Perrin

François Veber

Dominique Lavanant

Dominique Lavanant

Marguerite Balicourt

Jean-Claude Brialy

Jean-Claude Brialy

Willy

Julien Guiomar

Julien Guiomar

Lucien Berger

Christiane Jean

Christiane Jean

Valerie

Valérie Rojan

Valérie Rojan

Odile

Philippe Lelièvre

Philippe Lelièvre

Chassignole

Maurice Baquet

Maurice Baquet

Maurice

Xavier Saint-Macary

Xavier Saint-Macary

Philippe Rivière

Patricia Elig

Patricia Elig

Bernadette

Charlotte Walior

Charlotte Walior

Sophie

Ask about Le Débutant

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Deep Dive

Trivia, insights & behind the scenes

Trivia

Francis Veber wrote this as a vehicle for himself after success with 'Les Compères'—essentially fanfic starring himself.

Cultural

This bombed so hard it barely registered, yet captures that very specific 80s French obsession with class mobility through culture.

Gallery

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