Fresh
Jacques Tati's 1967 masterpiece still holds up as a feast of subtle sight gags, playful noise and, above all, visual wonders.
Dave Calhoun, Time Out
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PlayTime
Overview
Clumsy Monsieur Hulot finds himself perplexed by the intimidating complexity of a gadget-filled Paris. He attempts to meet with a business contact but soon becomes lost. His roundabout journey parallels that of an American tourist, and as they weave through the inventive urban environment, they intermittently meet, developing an interest in one another. They eventually get together at a chaotic restaurant, along with several other quirky characters.
Director and cast
- Jacques Tati Director
- Jacques Tati as Monsieur Hulot
- Barbara Dennek as Young Tourist
- Rita Maiden as Mr. Schultz's Companion
- France Rumilly as Woman Selling Eyeglasses
- France Delahalle as Shopper in Department Store
- Valérie Camille as Mr. Lacs's Secretary
- Erika Dentzler as Mme. Giffard
- Nicole Ray as Singer
- Yvette Ducreux as Hat Check Girl
- Nathalie Jem Cast
Critics on Rotten Tomatoes
Top critics, in their words
98%
Tomatometer
Fresh
Pic takes to the 70mm process with an extraordinary impressionistic outdoor set of a new Paris, and is an observant romp during a one-day stay of a group of tourists.
Variety Staff, Variety
Fresh
For this remarkable 1967 comedy about man and his modern world, Jacques Tati attempted nothing less than a complete reworking of the conventional notions of montage and, amazingly, he succeeded.
Dave Kehr, Chicago Reader
Fresh
My all-time favorite movie, this 1967 French comedy by actor-director Jacques Tati almost certainly has the most intricately designed mise en scene in all of cinema.
Jonathan Rosenbaum, Chicago Reader
Fresh
Playtime is a peculiar, mysterious, magical film.
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
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