Jacques Tati

[larffalot]

Surely one of the greatest film comedy geniuses. Most of his hilarious films are virtually silent, like Mr. Hulot's Holiday, Traffic, Jour de Fete etc., but arguably his best film, Mon Oncle (My Uncle) not only has some dialogue (not Tati of course) but also a genuine story, something else unusual in a Tati film. Most Tati films are a succession of comic incidents based on Tati's observations on life, and he would have made a great stand-up comedian. Some are lampoons, and Mon Oncle is a gentle dig at modern technology, while extolling the virtues of life in a small town.
If you've never seen a Jacques Tati film, you've missed a treat - make up for it soon.

[Stan Butler]

This forum is an education sometimes. I've never heard of this chap!
Sounds very interesting.

[larffalot]

I've just picked myself up off the ground. Never heard of Jacques Tati??? Film comedy genius!!! His film My Uncle won an Oscar for Best Film, never mind best comedy. his great films like Mr. Hulot's Holiday, Parade, The Big Day and Traffic are some of the funniest films ever made. I came on here today to say that I heard this afternoon that a NEW Tati film is due for release in 2009. It will be called The Illusionist. Meantime, give your eyes and laughing gear a treat, by catching up with the man who took over from Chaplin, but who was actually not just funny, but hilarious. Try and start with Mr. Hulot's Holiday (b + w) or My uncle (Mon Oncle) with dialogue in English, his first colour film. It's gentle humour, but constant and full of surprises.

[larffalot]

Now found out the new film in progress is an animation, which cannot do justice to a genius of body-language. What a disappointment. Still, the rest of the message stands - get yer peepers on Tati!

[The Collector]

I've seen clips of Tati But never a full film, They don't get screened much on TV

[Stan Butler]

I'll look out for this chap now.