Mon Oncle (or My Uncle in English) tells the story of the simple Monsieur Hulot. He's a total idiot with no steady work and spends most of his days goofing off or taking his nephew out for mischief, much to the dismay and disapproval of his sister and brother-in-law.

I chose tonight's film with no prior knowledge of either Jaques Tati or the Monsieur Hulot character. M. Hulot was the main character for four of the films for Tati. He was also quite an influence for Mr. Bean and it's certainly not difficult to believe. Like Mr. Bean Monsier Hulot is mostly mute as are many of the characters around him. He does not have the mean streak that Mr. Bean shows and, outside of his Brother-in-law, seems to not have an enemy in the world.

If Hulot was to have an enemy it would be modern lifestyles. While he lives happily in a poorer part of the city (in a house which looks as if it was made of spare parts) Hulot's sister and her husband live in a decidedly modern and streamlined house. Like Buster Keaton's Electric House the Space Age home is impractical and uncomfortable with the Arpels more owned by their possessions and home than the other way around.

Mon Oncle is a fantastic film. Before today I was ignorant of this film, Jaques Tati and Monsiur Hulot. Honestly I chose this film on a whim from Time Warner's Free Movies on Demand channel. I highly recommend it to all. You'll laugh yourself silly!

On a side note, this is the final film of the 31 Days of Film experiment. Stay tuned for a review and retrospect on the experience as well as what the future brings.

Labels: 31 days of film, Comedy