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 | ultra modern house | advanced technology | monsieur hulot | nephew | 

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Taglines:

Mr Hulot takes a precious, playful...and purely premeditated look at modern times...

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Genres:

Comedy

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Certificate:

Not Rated

Did You Know?

Trivia

While filming, Tati and his crew came across a playful group of street dogs. Tati made several shots of them, which he later used to connect scenes. When filming was over, he couldn't bear leaving them alone, and he placed an advertisement in the newspaper, calling them "movie stars"; all dogs eventually where taken in by respectable families.

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Goofs

In a scene taking place in the garden, a man, supposedly a crew member, can be seen walking on the roof of the villa in the background.

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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

Spoofed in Police Academy 6: City Under Siege (1989)

User Reviews

The subtle world of Jacques Tati

Mon Oncle is a movie with a lot of subtle humor. You don't need subtitles as all speaks for itself. Also Monsieur Hulot only speaks when they ask for his name. It is an attack on modern times with the stupid superfluous technology that does not serve but make people crazy. Also the snobs are made ridiculous by their own technology and children, The film starts and ends with dogs. The dogs more or less are an example how man could be: free, having fun without the the obstacles of daily life they create themselves. The dogs are the winners. The children show us how adults easily can be fooled and also they always win.

In most of his movies there is only one typical french soundtrack that is constantly repeated, it enhances the suggestion of being in France and part of it. The sound is separately added to the movie and has the effect your hearing is far more sensitive. This also enhances the effect of being part of it.

The house with this special gravel garden is shocking modern considering the 50's the film was made. It is almost a piece of avant-garde art.

Take your time to watch it. This movie is art, not just another film that rolls out of a movie factory. Tati creates his own world that shows us who we are. Tati made his masterpiece but I can understand many people will not notice all the humor that passes.

Like in "Vacanses de Monsieur Hulot" and "Jour de Fete" there are so many subtle moments of humor, it is normal you will miss some.

It may be "The Party" with Peter Sellers was inspired by Mon Oncle as it has the same ingredients: the modern house with technology and the snobs that own it.

There is not anyone else who made films like Tati. In Europe Tati always was respected and admired for his work. Except for "Trafik" I have all films on DVD. All members of a family can watch these films.

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:

$36,991

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