Playtime

Directed by Jacques Tati, 1967

Written by Jacques Tati, Jacques Lagrange, Art Buchwald

Cast

Consider the relation between the actors and their setting. Tati had an entire "city" constructed in order to shoot this film. How is the environment (buildings, cars, etc) a character in the film, and how does it contribute to the film's use of physical comedy? How does this environment affect the actors? How do they negotiate their ways through it?

Consider the role of sound in this film. There is very little dialogue, but the movie is anything but silent. Look at the use of sound effects, ambient (environmental) sound, and music; consider which sounds are mixed high on the soundtrack. What is the relation between vision and sound? How does this relation contribute to the humor of the film?


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