A director with a simultaneously delightful and critical view of the 20th century
bourgeoisie, Jacques Tati
is among the most beloved of French filmmakers. Tati's films are a blend of physical
comedy reminiscent of silent-era slapstick, riotous sight gags that incorporate hopelessly
new-fangled technology, and hilarious send-ups of modern living - not to mention the
presence of the lovable, bumbling hero, Mr. Hulot, who graces most of Tati’s films
with his charming social ineptitude. From such classics as M. HULOT'S HOLIDAY to PLAYTIME
to the seldom-screened PARADE, Tati proves over and over again that he is a master
of capturing the playful disconnect between humans and their surroundings.
PLAYTIME, 1967, Janus Films, 126 min. Dir. Jacques Tati.
Monsieur Hulot must contact an American official in Paris, but he gets caught in a tourist
invasion and roams around the city with a group of American tourists, causing chaos in his
usual manner. In true Tati fashion, we are shown Paris as a stylish maze of mid-century
modern architecture filled with the latest technological gadgets. In French with
English subtitles. Clip | Buy
Tickets
Friday, February 26 - 7:30 PM
Double Feature: MON
ONCLE, 1958, Janus Films, 117 min. Dir. Jacques Tati. M. Hulot is let loose to
discover - in his bumbling yet affable manner - the awkward, comic, and hopelessly
new-fangled advances of domestic modernism. As usual, our inept hero is uncomfortable with
the more socialized adult species, and finds a playful soulmate in his young nephew. Film Clip
Los Angeles Premiere! THE MAGNIFICENT TATI, 2009, 60 min. Dir. Michael
House. This documentary traces Jacques Tati's rise from the Parisian Music-Hall stage to
his Oscar winning films of the 1950s, to Tati's ultimate gamble with his fourth film
'PlayTime'. Filled with rare Tati archival footage, television appearances and commentary
from an eclectic mix of film historians, animators, rock stars and fans.
Plus, following the feature film: three rare shorts co-written or
directed by Tati, all starring Tati: René Clement’s "Soigne ton
gauche," 1936, 20 min. Tati’s "School for Postmen"
(L’Ecole des facteurs), 1947, 18 min. Nicolas Ribowski’s "Evening
Classes" (Cour du soir), 1967, 30 min. In French with English subtitles.
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Tickets
Saturday, February 27 - 7:30 PM
Double Feature: Restored print! MR.
HULOT’S HOLIDAY (LES VACANCES DE MONSIEUR
HULOT), 1953, Janus Films, 85 min. Director Jacques Tati’s first film starring
Monsieur Hulot finds the irascible Frenchman on vacation in a petite resort town. Hulot
attempts to keep his slapstick clumsiness at bay and to blend in with the hilariously
habituated bourgeoisie, but with little success. In French with English subtitles.
View trailer
THE BIG DAY (JOUR DE FETE), 1949, Janus Films, 79 min.
Jacques Tati’s feature debut as director is a priceless showcase for his comedic
talents as he plays a mailman attempting to streamline delivery in his small town. He soon
finds his attempts at modernization and a coinciding Bastille Day celebration don’t
mix. In French with English subtitles.
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Tickets
Sunday, February 28 – 7:30 PM
Double Feature: TRAFFIC,
1971, Janus Films, 96 min. Jacques Tati reinstates M. Hulot, who is given the assignment
of escorting a ridiculously gadget-addled, super-deluxe camper from its French factory to
the International Automobile Show in Amsterdam. Of course, a comic set of obstacles,
detours and mishaps sets the caravan reeling. In French with English subtitles.
View trailer
PARADE, 1974, Janus Films, 84 min. Rarely screened, PARADE
is likely the least seen of Jacques Tati's works. Freed from the persona and ancillary
mannerisms that he had inhabited onscreen for 20 years, Tati returns to the vibrant
pantomiming and giddy clowning of his youth as a music-hall star. In French with English
subtitles.
