The Dinner Game

Pierre Brochant, a Parisian publisher, regularly participates in a bizarre social event called the 'idiots' dinner.' At these gatherings, wealthy businesspeople bring an unsuspecting 'idiot' as their guest to be mocked throughout the evening. The aim is to determine who among the 'idiots' deserves the title of the champion for that night.

Brochant, with the help of his friend known for spotting 'idiots,' finds François Pignon, a quirky employee from the Finance Ministry, to bring to the dinner. Pignon's peculiar hobby of creating detailed matchstick models of famous landmarks captures Brochant's interest. The discovery seems perfect, as Brochant despises the Finance Ministry.

Just as Brochant invites Pignon to the dinner, he suffers from a sudden and severe back pain while golfing at a country club. This incapacitating injury complicates his plans for the evening, leaving him in distress and unable to move freely. The timing is disastrous, as this was meant to be an evening of ridicule.

Brochant's personal turmoil intensifies when his wife, Christine, decides to leave him. Her departure is prompted by his insistence on proceeding with the idiots' dinner, despite the incident with his back. This personal crisis adds to the weight of the evening and Brochant's anxiety.

François Pignon arrives at Brochant's apartment, blissfully unaware of the turmoil surrounding Brochant. Initially, Brochant wishes for Pignon to leave, overwhelmed by both his pain and marital issues. However, as the night progresses, he finds himself increasingly reliant on Pignon's assistance.

Despite Brochant's reluctance, Pignon begins to help him by making phone calls to locate Christine. However, Pignon's well-meaning intentions often result in comedic disasters. His inability to grasp the nuance of the situation only adds to Brochant's growing frustration.

During the phone call to Christine, Pignon accidentally reveals Brochant's secret affair with Marlene Sasseur. Misunderstanding the situation, he mistakenly believes that Marlene is Brochant's sister. This blunder intensifies Christine's suspicions and adds chaos to the already complicated situation.

Amidst the chaos, Pignon invites tax inspector Lucien Cheval to Brochant's residence without realizing the implications. Brochant scrambles to hide his valuables to conceal his tax fraud before Cheval arrives. This unexpected visit further complicates Brochant's efforts to maintain his facade.

Brochant reflects on his past mistakes, particularly concerning his relationship with Juste Leblanc, an old friend. He feels compelled to mend their relationship while managing the chaos unfolding around him. This reflection serves as a necessary turning point for Brochant's character.

In an act of sincerity, Pignon calls Christine to share the steps Brochant has taken to redeem himself, such as ending his affair and seeking reconciliation. However, when questioned about Brochant’s presence, Pignon lies, leading Christine to distrust Brochant even more.

When Christine decides to reach out to Brochant for a conversation about their future, Pignon accidentally answers her call. This miscommunication leads Christine to believe that Brochant has orchestrated the situation to manipulate her feelings. The mounting tension creates a tragic misunderstanding.

As the evening concludes, Brochant finds himself feeling overwhelmed and exasperated by the chaos that Pignon has inadvertently caused. The unraveling of his personal life and the dinner's ridiculous premise all combine to leave him frustrated. He blames Pignon for the turmoil in his life.

In the aftermath of the evening, Brochant is left to reflect on his choices and failures. The experience with Pignon forces him to confront not only his relationship with Christine but also his own moral failings. This introspection marks a significant moment for his character growth.