Rating of
2/4
Playtime review
Daniel Corleone - wrote on 03/09/13
A film that is experienced visually and via various audio utilized. It focuses on architecture than character development, which makes the film seem long since it doesn't follow any traditional storytelling. The film is completely plot-less, is more of a journey instead of having a definite story. Barbara (Barbara Dennek) is an American tourist while Monsieur Hulot (Jacques Tati) becomes lost in a frenzy high tech environment. The movie boasts of extravagant set pieces, precise choreography and slight humor. Unfortunately, this picture doesn't appeal to this critic unlike 2001: A Space Odyssey, The Tree of Life or much like Stalker in terms of having a light (or no) plot with gorgeous visuals and endearing scores. It wasn't even funny and could not elicit a smile since everything felt too staged.
It's a case where the sum of its parts were better as a whole. Highlights would include a unique airport, an innovative building with furniture that have beautiful designs, the simultaneous vehicles moving together and a cut scene of the design held by Barbara. Plus points for direction, choreography, idea and sound. It's focus deters to having a real story, interesting characters and it's overall intent. Playtime is one of those films that requires attention, patience and understand of its original beauty. It's a film where once you have seen it, it's enough since you've viewed what's needed to be seen.
