PlayTime- Controlled Chaos

[@ekavakririski]

Jacques Tati was a bit underappreciated in his time. Playtime isn't successful when the time it released, and became significant impact to Tati's later career and his personal failings. Glad time proves this film is one of the best

[@Hannibal082]

Still underappreciated imo.

[@ingvarhallstrom2306]

It's such a slow burner it hasn't yet reached its peak. Give it another fifty or even a hundred years and it will be the defining film of the mid twentieth century.

[@hallu6666]

One of the greatest masterpieces of all time. Tati is poignant, funny, sometimes just crazy, but never tiresome. A bottomless reservoir of pure genius.

[@SecondThought]

Brilliant as always! Definitely going to have to give PlayTime a watch.

[@pdjinne65]

Tati's best film, that ruined him. But what a gift to the world.

[@NickVennlig]

The other brilliant thing about Tati is that his films didn't take a position assuming that the audience was dumb. There was no over explanation or over acting just to prove that a scene was funny. Tati made simply gags and subtle jokes that the viewer themselves had to interpret and then laugh. There were no over-the-top scenes that you commonly see in today's films that tried to force some laughter down the viewer's throat.

[@vicenteortegarubilar9418]

Some of the best physical comedy from cinema history and Tati's career. Thanks for paying attention to this great artist

[@robert0price]

my family watched without subtitles by accident and loved it

[@24FramesOfNick]

Amazing work. I've got a new film to add to my watch list, thank you!

make sure you watch the HD bluray version, otherwise you'll miss so much of what is going on, especially in that restaurant scene. I have seen Playtime maybe a dozen times, and I still discover things I have not seen before every time. Hope you'll love it as much as I did (do)!

[@comradejosephstalinoftheus8698]

PlayTime is my 8th favorite film, I would recommend it to anyone.

[@djbongwater]

Coming back to this after the Dunkey video- you beat him to it on a lot of commentary, and I’m glad I watched it after seeing this vid!!

[@lexy1485]

I'm actually a theatre artist, but I always watch your videos for inspiration because of the way you talk about different ways to communicate a story. I've learned so much from you, and you've been the source of many epiphanies in my artistic process. Thank you!

[@john.k.flores]

Excellent video on one of my all-time favorite films! Appreciate your effort to parse through and highlight the little details of such a chaotic scene, many of which go unnoticed or under-appreciated by general audiences. With each viewing of Playtime revealing new things, it seems more and more like a miracle that Tati was able to pull it all off.

[@SoundBlackRecordings]

Thanks for not just covering blockbusters and easy pieces everyone else has done. I actually get to learn about films I've never heard of from you!

[@diegovela1]

Absolutely one of the greatest films ever!!!!!!!! Every time I watch it, I'm just so astounded!

[@rmcellig]

I have seen this movie so many times along with Tati's other classics. Love them all!!!! He was brilliant!! 😀

[@friendlier]

Excellent, young man. I've watched Playtime many times in the last 40 years, and you pull together the best bits and why they work.

[@acadia5898]

I like that this channel is really diverse, like he talks about older movies.

[@mrpeel3239]

Intricate, brilliant film. Must be watched in 70mm restored film to appreciate all of its cinematic details.

[@pettaspro]

Was on holiday in Vienna when they were playing this in 4K at Vienna's first cinema. Needless to say that we were all entertained.

[@BackSeatHump]

I adore Tati's films (with the exception of "Parade") although "Play Time" has never been my favourite. But now that I've seen your video I have a whole new perspective and so I'm going to watch the film again and I'm sure I'll enjoy it like never before‼️

[@gyd67ckn]

This film looks great, I'm going to seek it out. My favourite kind of video from you - I would not have heard of this director without your channel.

[@zetetick395]

Just the story of making of the sets for Tati's *Playtime* (1967) is jaw-droppingly epic stuff! - They built an entire functioning city block (with traffic systems and skyscrapers!) just designed around different types of clever visual comedy! Truly Un-believable! @.@

[@mrtds]

I've felt the very same thing since getting to see this film on its eventual re-release. The beauty of this sequence is of the highest comedy perfection, thank you for a wonderful exploration.

[@CunningCondor]

Yet another technique more animated films could benefit from.

[@AF-nh2ux]

I guess you could argue Emperor's new groove kinda did it

[@kenlieck7756]

@@AF-nh2ux I'd love to see some opinions on The Illusionist (2010) the animated Hulot film made from an unproduced Tati script...

[@lindalm5167]

My favourite film of his too, no question. It was just brilliant.

[@mthomasstevenson]

So happy someone's finally done a vid on this! It's been one of my faves for a few years.

[@rustyquoin]

That was a great explanation of the restaurant scene. It is a favorite of mine. How he did this with the not exactly completed opening of the restaurant with the builders doing the desperate last minute touches was great. And then he weaved it into a story that was so absurd was amazing. There was so much going on there and I don’t think anyone yet has done it so well.

[@Saltoric]

Thank you for this video! I watched this movie last night and it was absolutely amazing

[@on_certainty]

playtime is so goooood

[@janthasing5583]

When growing up, occasionally Tati came out with a film. 'Mon Oncle' started it all, it's slow observational gags easy to be missed if you were expecting a 'Laugh or I shoot comedy'. His films held over the years and if this one can be seen in the original 70 mm format, you are in for a treat. A high def on tv does not come close, but with a fairly big screen, you'll get the idea soon enough. Enjoy.

[@sclogse1]

Playtime was Tati's One From The Heart. But just budget wise. Both films succeed in their intentions. Imagine hiring Tom Waits to write a score and it turns out as if Hoagy Carmichael penned it and gets an Oscar nom. Plus the use of scrims is lovely. Playtime is the reason for Blu-Ray. So is It Started In Naples and The World of Suzy Wong.

[@Im_Behind_You]

Royal Ocean Film Society makes some of the best video essays (a category of video which has EXPLODED recently)

[@roguetoken5640]

The shot @ :18 is amazing. Especially if you know its context in the film.

[@TheYurisam]

Great video and explanation of a masterpiece.

[@stonesinmyblood27]

I agree that this is perhaps the greatest film ever. It has to be watched over and over again to TRY to catch all of the action.

[@dannyrowleyyt]

Excellent video.

[@eylam90]

This movie is wierd but in a good way, I think a lot of modern filmmakers can learn a thing or two from how it was made, sometimes it feels like modern cinema force feeds us information, they are so afraid of showing irrelevant things that it hurts the setting of atmosphere and sensation of a bigger living world around the main cast. Tati shows us there is no need to fear in showing a long wide frame and filling it with activity, it takes good quality control, but also I think it is the thing that makes people want to a watch a film again to better appreciate it.

[@timothyclark5900]

Imagine the choreography and rehearsals 0_0 Also, the production design is sooooooooooooooooo good.

[@samirmatar8794]

The mastership of Tati in organizing chaotic scenes is close to Mozart's in his operas' acts endings where all performers sing the same tune with different words.

[@musicalpop-tart4869]

I watched this while trying to make a Where's Waldo style picture Now I'm erasing everything

[@marcoaslan]

Could someone please recommend me other movies besides this one that depicts modern life ?

[@flashkraft]

I loved Mon Oncle when I was a kid but didn't enjoy PlayTime as much. However watching it again as an adult I appreciated it a lot more.

[@experi-mentalproductions5358]

2:25 - I know I'm not the best at maths, but I'm pretty sure that 22 minutes is not 10% of 48 minutes... 4.8 is 10% of 48...

[@maxshenkwrites]

Thanks for your great take on this film. I first watched it about a month ago and have watched it three times in the past month, and it keeps getting better and better. It reminds me of a couple albums that I bought, played through one time and thought "OK... what the FUCK was THAT?" but then felt compelled to listen AGAIN... and again... and again... and now it's a favorite. Same with PLAYTIME. I keep telling people WATCH 'PLAYTIME'. IT'S UNLIKE ANY MOVIE I'VE EVER SEEN. That puts it in my all time top ten already.

[@jerlinvinso246]

The greatest film of all time to me needs to have characters you can connect with. Vertigo is technically perfect and has characters to connect with.

[@aZeddPrattFilm]

Holy shit well gotta add this to the list

[@dreamhack123]

Thanks. Love this movie.

[@karltiedemann9329]

Very good indeed.... A shame, however, that most people nowadays will only see it through some form of home video. If ever a film needed the sprawling canvas of the big screen.... If you're ever gifted with the chance to see PLAYTIME theatrically, run don't walk....

[@poweroffriendship2.0]

6:29 Hmmm... Many gags in just one view. Sounds like Waldo is at it again.

[@Pancrasio-it9qd]

Jacques tati

[@keimanmahabadi9842]

Also one of my top 5 choices. Thanks for this great video essay.

[@bendaydot6733]

Just as I was watching your Jacques Tati video this is uploaded. What are the chances?

[@alairlibreinsfreie5785]

i m absolutely with you...

[@SmokeyJoe4991]

So I'm guessing that this film inspired Blake Edwards to film The Party??? Because I can see that.

[@purplestonehenge4501]

Paused the video after 1 minute. Gonna watch it and come back =)

[@luram3118]

4:08 Even if a dialog is technically a story, I wouldn't say that he sets two stories against one another in this shot. (sry for my english)

[@tobiolopainto]

Tati was a genius on the order of Chaplin. Tati demonstrates once and for all in Play Time that dialogue is not needed to tell a story. This is largely true in his earlier films, but PlayTime and Traffic go all the way. His treatment as a filmmaker in France is a scandal. It was complicated by the fact that he was Swiss, not French. Also he was Jewish. The history of his treatment is disgusting, just as disgusting of the treatment of Chaplin by America. However, it's great to see an excellent video about some of the glories of Play Time. Keep up the good work!

[@gblatt8472]

Great essay, but after your Push Process video and your revelation that video essays are first and foremost films, I expected something more exciting. I know reinvention takes time, that it's easier to have a revelation then execute it and there might be a lot of failures and blind alleyways on the journey, but I, for one am excited to see those experiments, those new directions. Good luck, I'm a big fan.

[@TheRoyalOceanFilmSociety]

I appreciate that man! It does take time though, but keep watching- I've got a lot of fresh ideas and exciting ideas I'm working on as we speak!

[@jacksaunders386]

This movie drives me crazy, my eyes want to see everything and subconsciously gets frustrated. Such a cool movie, but it’s so hard for me to watch.

[@Pancrasio-it9qd]

😎

[@pramanabudiman9761]

Yeah this movie is where's waldo illustration but in motion.

[@glenjo0]

Very good! Tati is AMAZING!

[@ChrisMustard]

Dunky sent me

[@rafaelandrade7627]

Just had an incredibly frustrating first watch of PlayTime. Definetly see why so many people go for this, but its not for me. Roger Ebert said it gets better on rewatches, but it will take me at least some good 3 years to even consider seeing this again.

[@imgoodbye9252]

Ikr, it feels like such a pointless movie to me, especially since it's overall theme is so simple and not nearly as biting as some people make it out to me. Idk, I really wish I liked this, but it's honestly so hard to enjoy.

[@karltiedemann9329]

I do hope that someday you can see it theatrically.

[@RSEFX]

ANYONE AGREE, OR HAVE THOUGHTS ABOUT?---Blake Edwards' THE PARTY gives a major nod to PLAYTIME (and prior Tati films). Worth a watch. Steve Franken's waiter in Edwards' film would've been very much at home in PLAYTIME, as well as the mumbling, unflappable General played by J. Edward McKinley.

[@SpirusOfH]

Great font choice, dude. I don't know if that's the font associated with the movie, but it fits perfectly, so if you found it yourself, kudos.

[@JaredGriffiths2000]

I love this movie too!

[@TheBiggervern]

Thanks. Need to get this film

[@alainsulmon2064]

Existe-t-il une version sous-titrée ou traduite de ce documentaire qui paraît fort intéressant. ?

[@MrBiswas123]

Please make a video on Satyajit Ray !

[@mr000brightside]

These movies look awesome I have to watch them

[@tomkent4656]

Blake Edwards' inspiration for "The Party"?

[@nashavelli9508]

A Masterpiece ....

[@timothyclark5900]

Also, I notice that the aspect ratio is 16x9, which was not used at the time. Is it cropped in on 1.85:1?

[@TheRoyalOceanFilmSociety]

Nope, but good catch! Tati shot PlayTime on 70mm but with an aspect ratio of 1.7:1 rather than the 70mm standards of 2.20:1 or 2.75:1. Criterion went with the 1.78:1 (16x9) ratio when they released it on DVD/BluRay since it's the closest ratio to 1.7:1 that's currently used.

[@lucywangtw]

I love LOVE your vids!!

[@Davod2139]

Thanks for the tip.

[@Albdentist]

Superb!

[@MentatGibraltar]

This movie gives me hope to go on living whilst everything else is painful.

[@grantimusmaximus8932]

I've never seen any of Tati's films, but I'll have to after watching this!

[@kennyhagan5781]

Tati's stuff always reminds me of a Tex Avery cartoon, which ain't bad, if you ask me.

[@SophiahKoikasWindyQueen]

this was fantastic

[@watashiwajigabudesu9662]

got recommended this by a gaming memer

[@MarcoBrevi]

totally agree, superb movie

[@gouvyrock]

great movie!!! love the lady in white with black short hair dancing !!!!! 🥰😍😇😇😉😉

[@leobergmiller873]

While Chaplin and Keaton both had more illustrious and vast careers, I think Playtime is better than any movie either of them made, as much as I love The General and City Lights

[@julyandavis8528]

Great. Thanks.

[@SpaneenOomlong]

Jeez, how many times have I watched this movie? At least fifteen.

[@rmbrown5736]

its a movie about extras.

[@paulmitchum8658]

Half disappointed, half relieved that there's no mention of Blake Edwards' 'The Party' in this essay.

[@gblatt8472]

That's a much harder film to talk about in the modern age, but yeah, it clearly borrowed a lot of Tati's ideas and pulled off some amazing things with them.

[@TheRoyalOceanFilmSociety]

There's definitely an interesting study that could be done comparing and contrasting the two films. Personally, I'm not the biggest fan of The Party and I definitely think PlayTime succeeds with flying colors over it.

[@miguelangelgrimm9860]

There was a time when cinema was alive.

[@DROIDFARM]

Liked and subscribed!

[@albiehay5567]

Mon Oncle is hilarious. But isn't PlayTime about three hours long?

[@liefwerk]

AlbieHay 40012 Time flies when you watch it. Just give it a try, you won't be disappointed :)

[@kostajovanovic3711]

2h 4min

[@gjvmbmvm575]

It's soo good I wish it were

[@davidford6200]

Mon Oncle is actually 3 minutes longer would you believe haha

[@EinSofVirtuoso]

Imagine if this was how LoTR was directed

[@SaturnBoy87]

Support this man on Patreon if you can. One buck, anything helps. 2019 should be the year Royal Ocean goes full time.

[@spinynorman1562]

I do like Tati's films but at 48 minutes the restaurant scene really is too long. I remember thinking in the cinema, "Does this film ever end?"

[@xelrosenri]

I've lost it at 6:03 hahahahhaha

[@drobbi]

but not "freshly painted chairs." It is, rather, the impress of the metal chairs on fabric. Much subtler.

[@pennykent5687]

I would have to agree😃. A real movie connoisseur. Although.... Well, I better not get started....😀

[@jeanleon3537]

These colors....omg

[@rolfisdreamworld489]

a great movie

[@ianottaway]

yer background music made this impossible

[@fardeanjoseph8879]

Noticed the the Caucasian dance routine at 3:30

[@sandorx4]

It's pronounced Tati, with the stress on the i.

[@lilypondlane]

It's prounounced "tah-TEE". The accent is on the second syllable.

[@sandorx4]

@@lilypondlane That's what I said but didn't dumb it down in English.

[@AlexanderPont]

I feel odd saying this, but I have not found this man funny in any sort of way. After viewing both Playtime and Monsieur Hulot's Vacation, I must say that I felt he was a boring presence on screen, and any sort of visual humor and gags were either predictable or fell flat. Am I missing something here? I would very much like to understand, appreciate, and even laugh at his work, but so far I have felt disappointed.

[@leavantgarage]

His films are generally filled with smaller moments and subtle sight gags; if that’s not your thing, you probably won’t ever like his movies much. This video does a pretty good job explaining how his comedy often works, so if you’re still not convinced I don’t think it was meant to be. That’s fine.

[@talcumpowder1000]

They're also very slow as well. I like JOUR DE FETTE and HULOTS HOLIDAY but then it was all downhill

[@karltiedemann9329]

You are missing something, but we ALL miss something. E.g., I adore Keaton, Lloyd, Chase, L and H, Fields, etc. but never warmed to Chaplin. Everyone has a blind spot (or several).

[@Sadgamer-143]

You forgot the fish