M. Hulot's Holiday (Les Vacances De M. Hulot)

Jacques Tati, France 1952, 91 minutes

French comedian Jacques Tati presents us with a curious paradox: On the one hand his Monsieur Hulot films can be seen as a clear continuation of the silent comedy tradition of Charlie Chaplin and company. On the other, Tati's films are pretty much unthinkable without sound, in terms of ReneClair style sound gags if not actual dialogue and wordplay, which are invariably minimal to non-existent.

The Chaplin connection likewise extends to the major theme of Tati's feature films: the collision between the individual and the modern world, the former represented by the singularly French figure of Hulot - though it must be emphasised that, like Chaplin's Tramp, tout le monde can appreciate and identify with him - and the latter by an impersonal, speed-and-efficiency obsessed American Taylorism and its concomitant Bergsonian mechanical men.

Those who haven't a clue what I'm babbling on about here - this of course assumes I myself know - needn't worry though, in so far as all Tati's films can be appreciated regardless of subtexts, with Les Vacances de M. Hulot also probably his most accessible and straightforward work.

There isn't really a plot, per se: Monsieur Hulot goes on holiday to the seaside and, in his well-meaning, helpful way, causes all manner of chaos to break out. Rather, it's all about recognising the characters and situations and seeing the eternal and universal truths behind them, of ourselves and others we know in affectionate, whimsical, caricature.

And, above all, it's laugh out loud funny.

Review by Miichel Gentil
Written for EUFS Programme Autumn 2005

Jacques Tati is back and better than ever. The French funnyman produces a film brimming with laughs and a joy to watch. From his rickety old car to his numerous run-ins with dogs, fireworks and other hazards, Tati manages to make catastrophe seem funny and misery, well quite frankly hilarious. He builds the gags with a sure hand and his elaborate pantomime pulls them off. All sorts of crazy characters populate his tourist resort, with henpecked husbands mingling with macho beach boys and elderly English spinsters, and all add to the overall feel of the film. The script has a fine eye for the idiosyncrasies and actions of the various fellow holidaymakers and does not let a joke slip through. Come and enjoy, and let your worries disappear.

"Tati's most consistently enjoyable comedy" - Time Out

Review by Neil Chue Hong
Taken from EUFS Programme 1996-97