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Jacques Tati: One of the greatest French filmmakers of the twentieth century
Renowned French filmmaker, Jacques Tati, directed only a handful of feature-length films; however, his influence spanned several generations. Born in 1907, Tati trained in his family’s picture-framing business. After a stint in the army, he played semi-professional rugby, where he honed his comedic skills entertaining fellow teammates. He began his acting career during the 1930s performing in cabarets. He was drafted in the army during World War II. Following the end of the war, he returned to his cabaret career. During the late 1940s, he founded a production company Cady-Films with his friend, Fred Orain, which produced his first three films.
Tati introduced film-goers to his most famous character, Monsieur Hulot, who had recurring roles in several of his movies. Mostly devoid of dialogue, his movies rely on visual gaffs and comedic timing to tell the story and advance the plot. Tati’s comedic movies have been recognized as some of the most iconic and influential of their genre. Tati died on 5 November 1982 from a pulmonary embolism. He was 75.
Tati’s films include:
L’École des facteurs (1947)
This short movie directed by and starring Tati tells the story of a postman, played by Tati, trying to prove he can be just as fast at delivering the mail as his American counterparts.
Jour de fête (1949)
Jour de fête is Tati’s first feature-length film. In the movie, Tati plays a postman who becomes discombobulated when a travelling fair comes to his village. This movie introduces hallmarks of Tati’s cinematic techniques (silent visual gags, minimal sound effects) and themes (the absurdity of the increasing reliance on modern technology).
Les Vacances de Monsieur Hulot (1953)
In this movie, Tati introduces one of his most iconic personages: Monsieur Hulot. The pipe-smoking yet clumsy and chaotic M. Hulot appears in subsequent movies including Mon Oncle, Playtime, and Trafic.
Mon Oncle (1958)
M. Hulot makes a return appearance in Mon Oncle. In the movie, M. Hulot struggles with the myriad changes facing postwar France: modern architecture, efficiency, and consumerism. He uses visual comedy rather than dialogue (which is barely audible) to tell the story. Tati won an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, a Special Prize at the 1958 Cannes Film Festival, and the New York Film Critics Circle Award for Best Foreign Language Film.
Playtime (1967)
Tati once again explores the theme of over-reliance of technology. The hapless M. Hulot continues to struggle with the modern world as he navigates an ever-changing Paris.
Trafic (1971) (Available on AppleTV)
Tati’s comedy Trafic was the last movie to feature M. Hulot. In this movie, M. Hulot drives his recreational vehicle to Amsterdam. Comedy and misadventure occur along the way.