Review of Mon Oncle (1958) by Rod A — 07 Aug 2008

I feel conflicted about this film. Despite its status as "a comic masterpiece", I didn't laugh once. The one thread I could appreciate was the contrast with the France of the nineteenth century with that of post WW II.

Much of this wariness was already sounded by Chaplain in "Modern Times". In comparing Tati to Chaplain, I find myself rooting for the Little Tramp wheras M. Hulot is more opaque and without a cause.

I'm not sure what he wants. He just seems to be a bumbler, oblivious to all around him. I think this is why it was so difficult for me to appreciate this movie. Perhaps I'll see the light someday.