Jacques Tati takes over World Cinema on UCSD-TV this Saturday. This comedic actor and director got his start in the entertainment business as a cabaret performer before his hilarity was quickly recognized in his famous charade/performance of Impressions Sportives. In 1946, he transitioned into film with the creation of his production company Cady-Films, co-founded with Fred Orain, which produced his first three movies.
Mon Oncle (My Uncle), one of Tati’s most highly praised films, begins the film festival starting at 4pm. It won that year’s Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film and the New York Film Critics Award. Starring Tati as one of his most beloved characters, Mr. Hulot, the 1958 film follows Mr. Hulot’s relationship with his nine year old nephew as he comically struggles with France’s postwar consumerism. In case you miss the first showing, Mon Oncle airs again at 9pm.
At 6pm, watch the debut of Tati’s character Mr. Hulot in Mr. Hulot’s Holiday (Les Vacances de Monsieur Hulot). This 1953 film reveals the gauche Mr. Hulot as he vacations in the tiny seaside village of Saint-Marc-sur-Mer. The hotel Mr. Hulot stays at in the movie is still there today and a statue of Tati resides on the beach.
Play Time begins at 7:30pm and is arguably Tati’s masterpiece. Tati spent nine years on the film making it the most expensive French film ever made at the time (1967). He built an all glass and steel mini city on the outskirts of Paris to be the set for his futuristic foray of Mr. Hulot and some American tourists.
Don’t miss these Tati classics!