I knew about this French film when I saw it listed in the 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die book, the title didn't suggest anything particular to me, it was rated highly by critics so I was certainly looking forward to giving it a go, from director Jacques Tati (Mon Oncle, Playtime). Basically it is the summer and many people are taking their holidays, awkward but lovable Monsieur Hulot (Jacques Tati) has decided to take a vacation to the seaside, to the l'Hotel De la Plage resort where they are running holiday-taking classes. Often smoking his smoke and somewhat quiet, but he often gets himself into trouble, causing mishaps and unintentional chaos for other tourists and guests at the resort, and sometimes for himself. Hulot is able to socialise with young blonde Martine (Nathalie Pascaud), but because of class differences, him being much lower, they are not permitted by others to go that far with a relationship, but they ignore these constraints. Also starring Michèle Rolla as The Aunt, Raymond Carl as Waiter, Lucien Frégis as Hotel Proprietor, Valentine Camax as Englishwoman, Louis Perrault as Fred the boatman and André Dubois as Colonel. I will be honest and say that I didn't see much of a story going on, but I know that Tati gave a good performance as the nice guy that is accident prone, I did giggle at the obvious moments, like a paint pot for a boat floating in and out on the waves, and things being made to crash and collapse, so it is a fun and watchable satirical comedy. It was nominated the Oscar for Best Writing, Story and Screenplay. Very good!
Review of Monsieur Hulot's Holiday
