Cinema Sunset: PlayTime
PlayTime (1967) by Jacques Tati
+ the making of PlayTime
with an introduction by Laura d’Ors
Tuesday 7 July 19:30
ADA Rotterdam | Area for Debate and Art
Houtlaan 21
Studio 209
3016 DA Rotterdam
Tati’s famous alter ego Monsieur Hulot and a group of American tourists attempt to navigate a futuristic Paris constructed of straight lines, modernist glass and steel, high-rise buildings. In this environment, only the irrepressible nonconformity of human nature and an occasional appreciation for the good old days breathe life into an otherwise sterile urban lifestyle. While on his way to a important official, Monsieur Hulot gets lost in the maze of modern offices. The new industrial technologies, accepted as necessary by society, are represented by Tati as obstructions to daily life and an interference to natural human interaction.
Shot on 70mm Play Time is notable for its enormous set: ‘Tativille’ which Tati had built specially for the film, as well as Tati’s trademark use of subtle, yet complex visual comedy supported by creative sound effects; dialogue is frequently reduced to the level of background noise.
Runtime:
The making of PlayTime 6 mins
PlayTime 119 mins