Review of the film “Quasi” (2023): a modern satirical look at Hugo’s famous novel

A satirical film about the alternative history of France. The character of Quasi was created using the image of the main character from the novel by Victor Hugo “Notre Dame de Paris”. At the same time, the actors are radically different from their prototypes. Kevin Heffernan has also developed his own completely original script. The filming was attended by a group of American comedians Broken Lizard. Operator John Collins, edited by Frank McGrath. Timeline of the film is 99 minutes.



Quasi and Duchamp Rousseau work as executioners, share one hut. Friends routinely torture heretic student Michel when they learn about the lottery for Papal Week. The winner is entitled to a personal meeting with the Lord of the Holy See. The comrade gives the ticket to the hunchback, who wins as a result. At court, the character meets the King of France Guy and his future wife – Queen Catherine (the country is not named). The hero is entrusted with the murder of Pope Cornelius (later he will give a similar task).



Kevin Heffernan’s films are interesting with a non-standard approach. In "Quasi" many actors play several roles at once. Examples: the director took the role of Duchamp and the assistant to King Henri-Françoise, the comedian Jay Chandrasekhar plays the monarch and owner of the local pub, the hunchback and the court jester is Broken Lizard member Steve Lemme. The plot does not carry any philosophical meanings, but is original and unpredictable. The main emphasis is on virtuoso acting, improvisation and rapid reincarnation.

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The film "Quasi" can be considered as a film adaptation of the show Broken Lizard. The operator used a minimum number of doubles, key roles are performed by team members. The program itself has been known in the United States since 1989, created by students at Colgate University (Hamilton, New York). Stand-up performances have become the basis for many imitations around the world (including the Comedy Club). Filming took place in California - the cities of Los Angeles and Santa Clarita. The film is suitable for viewing for rest.

Broken Lizard’s film work has received mixed reviews from critics and viewers. Many did not understand the film, trying to find the difficult in the simple. Claims of a lack of moral concepts are unfounded. "Quasi" is a comedy show-improvisation, filmed using modern effects. It is worth focusing on acting and humor. Without clues, it is extremely difficult to see the same comedian in diametrically opposed characters.