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Poster for PlayTime

PlayTime

An incomparable spectacle.

1967 · 1h 55m · Not Rated Comedy
Directed by Jacques Tati

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Overview

Clumsy Monsieur Hulot finds himself perplexed by the intimidating complexity of a gadget-filled Paris. He attempts to meet with a business contact but soon becomes lost. His roundabout journey parallels that of an American tourist, and as they weave through the inventive urban environment, they intermittently meet, developing an interest in one another. They eventually get together at a chaotic restaurant, along with several other quirky characters.

Director and cast

Critics on Rotten Tomatoes

Top critics, in their words

All reviews
98%
Tomatometer
Fresh

Jacques Tati's 1967 masterpiece still holds up as a feast of subtle sight gags, playful noise and, above all, visual wonders.

Dave Calhoun, Time Out
Fresh

Pic takes to the 70mm process with an extraordinary impressionistic outdoor set of a new Paris, and is an observant romp during a one-day stay of a group of tourists.

Variety Staff, Variety
Fresh

For this remarkable 1967 comedy about man and his modern world, Jacques Tati attempted nothing less than a complete reworking of the conventional notions of montage and, amazingly, he succeeded.

Dave Kehr, Chicago Reader
Fresh

My all-time favorite movie, this 1967 French comedy by actor-director Jacques Tati almost certainly has the most intricately designed mise en scene in all of cinema.

Jonathan Rosenbaum, Chicago Reader
Fresh

Playtime is a peculiar, mysterious, magical film.

Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

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