January 4, 2009
I ordered this one through Netflix... (1958 Comedy French classic) An utter delight! On DVD in spoken French with English subtitles...this is mostly a nonverbal artistic satire on The Joneses conforming to the "Modern Age" of technology...and societal attitudes! BRAVO!! I loved it! A quirky and pleasing French comedy by director Jacques Tati. 'Mon Oncle' displays, as an underlying theme, the contrast between the new and the old: the old buffoon trying to 'grow up' and get a respectable job in something that is strange and new to him; the 50-60s retro-futuristic houses from the suburbs, full of strange gadgetry and colourful furniture, compared to the poor and old-fashioned neighbourhoods. Even Jacques Tati's 'Monsieur Hulot' is practically a silent film character - much like Charlie Chaplin or Buster Keaton - in a sound film. As such, it is an unusual combination of subtle humour and slapstick. A great film "poignant" and bfore it's time!!
