As Hyderabad moves past the dry September with little rain, we look forward to October, hoping for the first hints of winter in the air. In that spirit of change and gentle anticipation, Lamakaan brings you the Jacques Tati Film Festival, every Wednesday evening this month. Just as the season shifts, Tati’s films invite us to pause, observe, and laugh at the quirks of modern life. His cinema is a reminder that humor can be subtle, human, and deeply connected to the rhythms of everyday existence.
Jacques Tati (born October 9, 1907 in Le Pecq, France – died November 4, 1982 in Paris, France) was one of France’s most beloved filmmakers, actor‑directors, and comedians. He created a unique style of visual comedy that relied less on dialogue and more on carefully choreographed physical humor, sound design, and the absurdities of modern society. His iconic character, Monsieur Hulot, became a symbol of the ordinary man navigating the complexities of modernity. Tati’s films—such as Jour de fête (1949), Monsieur Hulot’s Holiday (1953), Mon Oncle (1958), and Playtime (1967)—are celebrated for their gentle satire, inventive use of sound, and timeless charm. His contribution to cinema lies in showing that comedy can be both poetic and critical, making audiences laugh while reflecting on the world around them.
Tati’s work remains important because it bridges the gap between silent‑era physical comedy and modern social critique. His films are not just entertainment; they are cultural observations that capture the humor in everyday life and the absurdities of progress.
Film Title: PLAYTIME | 1967 | 98 Mins | France & Italy | French English German with English Subtitles.
About the film: Playtime (stylized as PlayTime and also written as Play Time[3]) is a 1967 satirical comedy film directed and co-written by Jacques Tati. Tati also stars in the film, reprising the role of Monsieur Hulot from his earlier films Les Vacances de Monsieur Hulot (1953) and Mon Oncle (1958). However, Tati grew ambivalent towards playing Hulot as a recurring central role during production, and he appears intermittently in Playtime, alternating between central and supporting roles.
Screening followed by Discussion. All are Welcome. Entry is free and open to all!