If you haven't already, you've got to see Jacques Tati's fourth, and most complex, choreographically brilliant film, Playtime. You can actually see it here. But if you want a much better print go here.
Playtime is Tati's most ambitious film. Shot in 1964 through 1967 and released in 1967, Playtime features Tati as Monsieur Hulot, the hapless bumbler and jester from Mon Oncle, Les Vacances de Monsieur Hulot, and the exquisite Trafic.
As stated in the liner notes for the excellent Criterion release:
"Hulot appears intermittently in Playtime, alternating between central and supporting roles. Shot in 70 mm, Playtime is notable for its enormous set, which Tati had built specially for the film [called Tativille, which almost bankrupt him], as well as his trademark use of subtle, yet complex visual comedy supported by creative sound effects; dialogue is frequently reduced to the level of background noise."
The costumes are also vintage Mad Men.
The ultra modern Tativille office.
Tati, left, on the set of Tativille
Tati built a mini city/set outside of Paris
Tati's brilliant carousel of cars.
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The new design looks great! Much easier to scan and know what events are available. Thought it was worth noting. Cheers to all involved.
I have been a fan of Jacques Tati for decades and he still amazes and entertains me. I was up in the Adirondacks with no TV, Internet, only a MacBook Pro and four Tati movies on dvd which thoroughly enjoyed watching. Tati still makes me laugh, even though I have seen them dozens of times and I am continually discovering something that I missed in earlier viewings. He is a master at humor that moves very slowly and subltly from an earlier time yet, it is so contemporary in its message. I have heard that the late Peter Sellers of the "Pink Panther" fame, was a protege of Jacques Tati and I can see Tati's similar type of sight gags in Sellers' work, Tati's vision is brilliant and timeless.
The change of the newsletter catched my eye this time. I wasn't following for the last few months (workloads) and is more fresh and easy to read I can say. Cheers from a Mexican in Spain!