Christophe Dechavanne recounts the provocative, scandalous, and irreverent television of the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s, which he experienced from the inside. From political programs to talk shows, entertainment to news programs, no genre escaped its sometimes provoked, often unexpected missteps, which amused, shocked, and even upset the public. Thanks to the testimonies of Léa Salamé, Michèle Cotta, Marie-Laure Augry, Enora Malagré, Patrice Carmouze, Alain Bougrain-Dubourg, Michel Field, Benjamin Castaldi, Eric Naulleau, and Marc-Olivier Fogiel, this documentary takes us behind the scenes of these cult sequences of French television.
In the future, the desert country of Turaqistan is torn by a riot after private corporation Tamerlane, owned by the former Vice President of the United States, has taken over. Brand Hauser, a hitman who suppresses his emotions by gobbling down hot sauce, is hired by the corporation's head to kill the CEO of their competitors.
A small-time politician aspires to become the leader of the state.
A humorous and satirical comedy, which places a man from the year 2222 one day in the (then) present day life in GDR, East Germany under Communist regime. Using a crystal for mind reading he uncovers some improprieties and moral weaknesses in the "Beautiful future" professed by VEB ("Volkseigener Betrieb" – "State Owned Holdings").
The Devil stalks the streets of a metropolis at night making his classic Faustian bargain to unsuspecting victims - The only catch is he is unable to close a single deal... Until he comes across a man with a US flag pin who helps him develop his business acumen.
In this biting satire of the film industry, an undiscovered actor will do anything to become the next 'Asian leading man' - other than go to therapy.
A notorious political satirist conceals his identity and poses as a political candidate.
A suicidally disillusioned liberal politician puts a contract out on himself and takes the opportunity to be bluntly honest with his voters by affecting the rhythms and speech of hip-hop music and culture.
A Ronald Reagan-obsessed serial killer targets a bunch of hippies who are heading to a weekend-long concert.
Millionaire conservative Bob Roberts launches an insurgent campaign against incumbent senator Brickley Paiste, firing up crowds at his rallies by singing '60s-style acoustic folk songs with lyrics espousing far-right conservative social and economic views.
When dignified Albert Donnelly runs for Governor, his team moves to keep his slow-witted and klutzy younger brother, Mike, out of the eye of the media. To baby-sit Mike, the campaign assigns sarcastic Steve, who gets the experience of a lifetime when he tries to take Mike out of town during the election.
On the day of Gandhi Jayanti, when meat sale is prohibited nationwide, an 11-year-old girl goes on a quirky adventure in pursuit of a forbidden chicken curry.
The naughty and funny witch Dioselina provides esoteric services to her neighbors helping them with rituals and ridiculous oddments, until her success falls apart when Dr. Sarmiento, a corrupt politician closes her business. This situation motivates her to want to unmask the intentions of the politician, uniting with her neighbors in a campaign to give her her due.
Dr. Harvey Wallinger is one of Nixon's aides who rises through the ranks to become the "real" power behind the president. This short was produced as a television special for PBS in 1971 and was scheduled to air in February 1972, but it was pulled from the schedule shortly before its airdate as PBS officials reportedly feared it might adversely affect their government funding. The special never aired, but it can now be viewed in The Paley Center for Media and has been widely bootlegged online.
In an effort to end family feuding, a young gypsy travels back in time to kill mammoths to ensure Hungary becomes rich by killing mammoths in order to create a massive oil reservoir. Things don't go entirely according to plan...
A wickedly clever musical based on the life and times of former Australian Prime Minister, Paul Keating. The genius of the lyrics, audacity of the conception, and beat and swing of the music sent its audience spinning into the night. Keating! has taken Australia by storm enjoying sold-out seasons, receiving numerous awards, rave reviews and standing ovations
Senator Pupis feels a strong and uncontrollable urge to grab women's bottoms, a habit than can lead to embarrassment, especially if the woman in question is head of another state and the occasion a state visit. In his desperation Pupis turns to the clergy for spiritual and psychological help.
In 1850 the Italian dancer Maria Baderna arrives at Brazil, her fame and the scandals she provokes turns her name in a common expression. The film uses passages supposed to be about her to criticize modern Brazil, the dictatorship period and also a homage to filmmakers like Rogério Sganzerla.
The year 2050 the planet has become overpopulated, to help control population the government develops a race. The Death Race. Annually competitors race across the country scoring points for killing people with their vehicles.
Caused by mysterious mosquitos, a strange illness spreads through the land, causing restlessness and agitation among the people. Young, ambitious and loyal to the throne, Hunshilal steps up to develop anti-mosquito medicines from onions. While doing so, he falls in love with his colleague.