M. HULOT'S HOLIDAY (1953)

Directed By: Jacques Tati Story By: Jacques Tati & Henri Marquet Written By: Jacques Tati, Henri Marquet, Pierre Aubert & Jacques Lagrange Cinematography By: Jean Mouselle & Jacques Mercanton Editor: Jacques Grassi, Charles Brentoneiche, Suzanne Baron Cast: Jacques Tati, Louis Perrault Monsieur Hulot goes on a holiday to a seaside resort, but accidents and misunderstandings follow him where ever he goes. The peace and quiet of the hotel guests don't last very long with Hulot around, because although his intensions are good, they always turn out catastrophically. It’s a silly film that is seen as an artistic masterpiece. That part must have flown over my head. The film at first would seem like the French version of a Charlie Chaplin film only updated. While it does have a central main character who does physical humor. The film doesn’t stay with him all the time. The film focuses on a bunch of different characters and residents at this beach community. They all have their own little stories and adventures. There isn’t much in the way of story and plot and the dialogue is pretty much minimal. The film though does have a certain charm with a slice of life reality to it. It’s a disappointment to me though as the film sadly doesn’t not live up to it’s classic reputation. I can see why some might like it. IT is entertaining, but I found myself not entertained at all as things just seemed to happen I thought certain scenes were inventive but not that good. I’m sure you have to take note of the time period as to why this film is so simple. Of course it paved the way for other comedians to so the same kind of story playing a wacky character who causes havoc though he never intended too. Luckily the film focuses on his hi-jinks and not so much making him misunderstood or giving him a love interest. Watching this film I can see why the French love jerry lewis. Though this isn’t as slapsticky. This film and the character reminds me of him and his movies. The film has nice shots of the French countryside. This might be a film that for me leaves me with something lost in translation. Since it seems to be universal yet it seems to me aimed more at French humor and a nice look at it’s history. This is the first in a series of movies directed by Jaques Tati and starring the same Character of Monsieur Hulot. I will continue with the series that I was looking forward to enjoying. I think i will take my time. This is just a film I didn’t gel with it might be more enjoyed by the public as it focuses on more physical humor then one liner jokes and situations. Watch On Cable GRADE: C