Every inch of this film is composed. Right down to the pantomiming of the numerous background actors who fill these crowded 70mm frames. Jacques Tati is the conductor and everything else is an instrument to be played. With composition and sound he is able to guide your attention precisely where he wants it. I'm pretty sure there has never been a more designed film. Even moreso than the work of Wes Anderson! Despite the oppressive grey that dominates the film's pallet, the design is just so damn appealing. I almost feel bad for how desperately I want to live in this movie. Sure it's meant to mock and poke fun at the unnecessary complexity of mid-century life, but I'd like to think that Tati had to have enjoyed it on some level as well. Otherwise, why go to all the trouble of building whole thing from scratch? And though there is not a single stitch of plot or character, you cannot help but get caught up in the increasingly rapid and beautiful swirl of humanity on display here. And though there aren't really any "big laughs" you will always find yourself tapping your toes leaving with a smile.
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