Mon dieu. I love the idea of a combination of an homage to silent films and a satire of "modern life," and there is undeniably a charm and simple sweetness to this film, but it was just a little too simple for me. The sound design and overall aesthetic are wonderful, but it was too slow, with the gags taking a long time to develop, and then only with small payoffs. Buster Keaton apparently said that Jacques Tati was carrying on the best traditions of silent comedy, and that comment notwithstanding, I thought the comedy here lacked the vitality of the better silent comedians. It's impossible not to think of Charlie Chaplin in Modern Times when Hulot (Tati himself) starts work at the 'Plastac' factory, but the visuals and humor are a pale reflection of that masterpiece.
There are amusing little bits like the steak flipper and sauce dispenser used while cooking, the giant circular windows that tilt open to show a neighbor furiously churning her legs to power a ridiculous looking lawnmower, and the homeowners' heads appearing like pupils in these windows at night. This is a world where artistic chairs are uncomfortable, office space is unrelentingly sterile, and a fish fountain at home is activated by the touch of a button when a guest arrives, and just as promptly turned off when they leave. That's humorous as a basis but not enough is done with it, and the moments I smiled were few and far between. It's one I wish I could say I enjoyed more given its reputation, but I gotta be honest, I was glad when it was over.
There are amusing little bits like the steak flipper and sauce dispenser used while cooking, the giant circular windows that tilt open to show a neighbor furiously churning her legs to power a ridiculous looking lawnmower, and the homeowners' heads appearing like pupils in these windows at night. This is a world where artistic chairs are uncomfortable, office space is unrelentingly sterile, and a fish fountain at home is activated by the touch of a button when a guest arrives, and just as promptly turned off when they leave. That's humorous as a basis but not enough is done with it, and the moments I smiled were few and far between. It's one I wish I could say I enjoyed more given its reputation, but I gotta be honest, I was glad when it was over.