PlayTime

The first hour felt so boring I thought I was watching a dead movie, but I like these kinds of films because they challenge me in a way. That’s when I try to form my own conclusions and compare them with other critics afterward. This movie is unconventional, and that’s why it is considered one of the most impactful films of all time. I think Jacques Tati is clearly expressing his disgust for modernity and new technologies. At the same time, I see a critique of Le Corbusier’s architectural vision for Paris, where he proposed redesigning historic districts into modern, identical, and massive buildings. As we see in the film, people seem happier with color and simplicity: Tati’s opinion, and maybe it should be ours too. Moreover, “Playtime,” as its name suggests, evokes something fun. I interpret it as an invitation to play with the film itself. There’s no traditional plot, so you’re free to enjoy it however you want, through the cinematography, the framing, the humor, or the almost complete absence of dialogue, which makes it accessible even if you don’t speak the language. Tati gives us so much to play with that it’s honestly unbelievable. I thought it was the most boring film ever, and now it feels like one of the most fun ones.