This was my first time seeing the film, and I went in completely blind, so I actually felt rather lost in the first few minutes, seeing one strange, yet humorous, scene follow another. And that’s how much of the movie plays out. There is no storyline, nor narrative, but a series of wonderfully elaborate set-pieces that are the backdrop for countless gags, and chaotic mishaps by Monsieur Hulot, and others in this world. There is a lot to take in here as a first-time viewer, and perhaps even for those that have seen it numerous times. So much is happening in both the foreground, and background, that it feels near impossible to absorb it all.
I loved the film’s visuals, with its futuristic sets and designs. Many of them resembling mazes, and traps than anything providing actual function. As cool as the film’s visual signature was, the aural presentation was just as great. Numerous little sound effects for chair cushions, tech gadgets, and everything else, providing not only nice comic relief, but just adding to the complete sensory experience of the film.
The restaurant / nightclub scene in the last half of the film was equal parts comedy-gold, and anxiety-inducing. It felt like watching a car crash in slow motion, as we see this half-finished venue transform into pure bedlam, bordering on hellish nightmare by the end. I actually felt it was a bit too much for my senses at one point, and I just wanted to escape.
By the end, I realized my face was hurting from smiling, and laughing so much throughout the film. It was a great experience. I just started reading about the film’s production, and it makes me appreciate it even more. Tati spent 10 years trying to make it, and due to increasing costs, it became the most expensive French film ever made at that point, ultimately bankrupting him in the end. While the film was no financial success, its legacy speaks for itself. Tati’s ambition, and creativity is seen, and heard in every frame of the film. It’s one I can see myself rewatching many times in the future, not only to glean more of its wonderful comedy, and social commentary aspects, but just to be re-immersed in this surreal universe filled with strange characters that Tati created.
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