Jacques Tati: Essential Collection (Region B)

A bumper collection of films by the beloved French actor-director

The films:

Jour de Fete(1949) was Tati’s directorial debut and became one of his most famous comedies. After observing the high-speed efficiency of the American postal serivice, Franois (Tati), postman of a sleepy French town, is inspired to add a little excitement into his delivery route. This coincides with the arrival of the summer fair, and chaos soon ensues.

Les Vacances De M. Hulot(1953) sees the introduction of the beloved character of Monsieur Hulot (again played by Tati himself). As Hulot sets off on a seaside holiday, a trail of accidents and misunderstandings follow him, leaving his fellow hotel guests less than happy.

InMon Oncle(1958), Monsieur Hulot returns with his brother-in-law, the technology-loving manager of a plastics factory, in tow. When Hulot discovers that his young nephew has been growing up in a house full of gadgets and gizmos, he tries to steer him away from a life of automation.

Hulot returns once more inPlaytime(1967), this time accompanying a group of American tourists on a predictably chaotic journey through Paris.

Parade(1974) is a docudrama starring Tati, which presents a jovial insight into the life of the circus, including much behind-the-scenes shenanigans.

Trafic(1971) was Mr. Hulot’s final bow on screen.As he transports his innovative motorhome from Paris to a motorshow in Amsterdam, Hulot encounters an array of problems and hindrances, including traffic jams, nose-picking drivers and car crashes.