Review of Monsieur Hulot's Holiday (1953) by Kevin P — 22 Oct 2007

A world cinema classic. The best part about Jacques Tati's introduction to his famous Monsieur Hulot character is that it succeeds at a structured, but happily superficial level. One of the generalizations of foreign cinema is that its the deeper off set to Hollywood, but with Tati's Hulot and other films like Le Million (credited with inspiring the Hollywood musical), it's been proven that foreign cinemas can succeed just as well with light entertainment as the best Hollywood has to offer.

Mr. Hulot's Holiday is also my favorite entry in the series. The design and structure is simpler than the other two sequels, but the laughs and fun of the character is everywhere. The sequels focused too much on the theoretical relationship of Hulot to the world around him.

Too much idea was put into that relationship, but Mr. Hulot's Holiday exists to entertain. Though I always respect it when a film tries to be more, I see the Hulot character the way I see music. It's personal enjoyment.

As Hector Berlioz said, music can give an idea of love, but love can give no idea of music. Playtime adds a theoretical world around to invite commentary about Hulot, but he is an instrument for enjoyment instead of a symbol of worldly problems.

The later films are also too monotoned to be enjoyed. Mr. Hulot's Holiday has the right balance of fun and enjoyment.