Outdated as it may be, this is a remarkable slapstick comedy. It's mostly the way each sketch is choreographed than the action itself that is admirable.
It makes up for a good vehicle for Tati and his character of M. Hulot, whom he will reproduce in other films, but possibly never as well and as motivated. It is he who is the star, and there is never any doubt about it.
But at the same time, the lack of the plot makes the whole film long and overstretched. It's the same problem with a lot of slapstick comedy, and as well as that, with all due respect to Tati, it does not better the films that Keaton or Chaplin made. It's required taste, but it shouldn't be missed if you like slapstick comedy.
The strongest element - The character of Monsieur Hulot The weakest element - The almost complete lack of a definite plot.
WATCH FOR THE MOMENT - When Hulot plays table tennis. The whole sequence is slapstick gold.
It makes up for a good vehicle for Tati and his character of M. Hulot, whom he will reproduce in other films, but possibly never as well and as motivated. It is he who is the star, and there is never any doubt about it.
But at the same time, the lack of the plot makes the whole film long and overstretched. It's the same problem with a lot of slapstick comedy, and as well as that, with all due respect to Tati, it does not better the films that Keaton or Chaplin made. It's required taste, but it shouldn't be missed if you like slapstick comedy.
The strongest element - The character of Monsieur Hulot The weakest element - The almost complete lack of a definite plot.
WATCH FOR THE MOMENT - When Hulot plays table tennis. The whole sequence is slapstick gold.