I agree with you hundred procent. I love his work. Playtime is his best maybe, a little more pessimistic than his melancholic theme of Mon Oncle. Traffic is somewhat of a miss (gentle kind of saying it is a failure) and also hard to get to see or rent.
I am really glad you liked, but one tip. Because of your "people tell me (as they sometimes do) that I "hate" comedy" quote: do not recommend Jacques Tati to anyone. I did once, and their response after viewing was so horrible I really wish I hadn't. I still remember it, and it bothers me and it confuses me, because I love it so much and I cherish Jacques Tati. You know ppl tell you "what it was" (not what they thought it was) when they hated it, not taking your enthousiastic and loving view of it in account (you were so inspired you couldn't help recommending it because you thought it would be a gift to anyone, you know...).
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lanceandnade
16 years ago
I love Tati as well and I've recommended him to many people and all have told me that they love him as well. Just think of yourself as having great taste!
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lizy24
16 years ago
Same problem here. Mon Oncle is one of my favourite films but i could never share this experience with others. They always quit after 20 minutes while i'm having the time of my live. 'Guess I'll keep enjoying it myself. There is no better company then Jacques.
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Skrappy
16 years ago
Tati is the Rube Goldberg of film. And a nod to Harold Lloyd here, please.
The "script" is hilarious. I kept trying to follow the conversation as I would a typical film and then caught on that the banter is pretty much meaningless. I came with no pre-conceived notions as I stumbled upon the film on TCM.
"I have something to tell you. The company is adding people but they need hard workers. Let's retire to the garden."
Okay.
And then the fish spouts and the maid has issues with a switch. And people hop-scotch away on stepping stones and aerated water erupts in fountains of blue...and then there's impromptu dancing. Meanwhile someone keeps buzzing to be let in.
This is 1958 and I'd like to think that throughout the 60's there were many a party on that patio with people trying to re-create the hilarity.
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DaVooz
15 years ago
How about that saucage shaped dog helping out the garagedoor top open: it only works because by accident it stretches. Talking about happy accidents in film. And the similarity between the dog and his friends and the little boy and his friends. Such a sweet and great film.
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DaVooz
15 years ago
Not only do they quit, they blame you for the harm done... Ah!
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