The title of this French-Canadian film translates to In the Belly of the Dragon, but don't assume that it's just another kung fu epic. Rather, the film is a likeable mixture of science fiction and humor, centered around the money-making schemes of star David La Haye. Unable to make ends meet with his minimum-wage job, La Haye hires himself out as a guinea pig to genially loopy scientist Marie Tifo. It is the doctor's contention that a person's intelligence can be artificially increased. La Haye proves her right...up to a point, that is. Extremely popular in Canada, Dans le Ventre du Dragon has yet to receive proper distribution in the States.
Acting
David La Haye's desperate everyman energy is pitch-perfect
Direction
Simoneau balances satire with genuine affection for his losers
Writing
Sharp class commentary disguised as sci-fi comedy
Director
Yves Simoneau
Rémy Girard
Steve
Michel Côté
Bozo
David La Haye
Lou
Marie Tifo
Dre Jonas
Monique Mercure
Mireille
Andrée Lachapelle
Madame Côté
Pierre Curzi
Le Boss
Jean-Louis Millette
Le Directeur
Roy Dupuis
Jean-Marie
Pierrette Robitaille
Chef-infirmière
Robert Gravel
Voisin 1
Angèle Coutu
Voisine 2
Suzanne Champagne
Voisine 3
Sylvie Potvin
Voisine 4
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
This film dominated Quebec box offices in 1989 but remains virtually unknown in English Canada and the US, a perfect case study in how linguistic markets create invisible cinema.
Yves Simoneau would later direct Hollywood prestige TV including 'The Borgias' and '24,' making this scrappy sci-fi comedy a fascinating origin point for his career trajectory.
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