Mon Oncle (1958)

Monsieur Hulot visits the technology-driven world of his sister, brother-in-law, and nephew, but he can't quite fit into the surroundings.

Director:

Jacques Tati

Writers:

Jacques Lagrange (artistic collaboration), Jean L'Hôte (artistic collaboration) (as Jean L'Hote)

Stars:

Jacques Tati, Jean-Pierre Zola, Adrienne Servantie

Won 1 Oscar. Another 6 wins & 4 nominations.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Jean-Pierre Zola	...	Charles Arpel
Adrienne Servantie	...	Madame Arpel
Lucien Frégis	...	Monsieur Pichard (as Lucien Fregis)
Betty Schneider	...	Betty, Landlord's Daughter
Jean-François Martial	...	Walter (as J.F. Martial)
Dominique Marie	...	Neighbor
Yvonne Arnaud	...	Georgette, the Housekeeper
Adelaide Danieli	...	Madame Pichard
Alain Bécourt	...	Gerard Arpel (as Alain Becourt)
Régis Fontenay	...	Braces Dealer (as Regis Fontenay)
Claude Badolle	...	Flea Market Dealer
Max Martel	...	Drunken Man
Nicolas Bataille	...	Working Man

Storyline

Monsieur Hulot's brother-in-law is the manager of a factory where plastics are manufactured. His nephew grows up in a house where everything is fully automated and the boy is raised in a similar fashion. To take away the influence of the uncle on his son, his brother-in-law gets Hulot a job in his factory.

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Plot Keywords:

push button | factory | ultra modern house | neighbor | advanced technology | 

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Taglines:

Mr. Hulot Ventures Into Suburbia...And Disrupts...Disassembles...And Demolishes With His Very Subtle Satire

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Genres:

Comedy

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Certificate:

Not Rated

Did You Know?

Trivia

The film is included on Roger Ebert's "Great Movies" list.

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Goofs

When M Arpal and his son are about to get into the car in the last few minutes of the film the clock on the factory reads 3.42. As they drive off it's 4.45.

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Quotes

Charles Arpel: We could go to the Sexy Club.
Madame Arpel: I prefer Constantino and his nice music.

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Crazy Credits

The opening credits appear on signs at a construction site.

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Alternate Versions

An English version of the movie, that is some 10 minutes shorter with less dialogue, was shot side-by-side with the French version.

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Connections

Featured in Jacques Tati, le rire démocratique (2002)

User Reviews

Never say no to touch of storyline!

Tati's Oscar-winning movie has often been criticized for being the most conventional of his films. I am sure this is true, but on the other hand, there is still enough Tati inside this film to recognize it as one of his. And a touch of storyline and continuity can never be detrimental for a film, not even for a Tati. Actually, this is the most satirical Tati I have seen and therefore, in my opinion, the best. A true masterpiece, unbelievably full of ceative ideas. And I do not understand, how the Academy could award Mon oncle as best foreign film and at the same time completely ignore the tremendous production design.

Details

Country:

France Italy

Language:

French

Release Date:

3 November 1958 (USA)

Also Known As:

Mon Oncle

Filming Locations:

Créteil, Val-de-Marne, France

Box Office

Budget:

FRF250,000 (estimated)

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$37,331

Company Credits

Production Co:

Specta Films, Gray-Film, Alter Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

116 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color (Eastmancolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1