M. Hulot's Holiday (The Criterion Collection)

Jacques Tati's Mr. Hulot's Holiday is one of the most charming and original comedies ever made. And yet, it is not a comedy of absolute hilarity or laugh out loud gags. It is more a comedy of nostalgia, memory, fondness and of good cheer. They're some real funny moments in the film, but Mr. Hulot's Holiday brings us much more than just that. It presents to the audience a rare, odd, and amusing affection for people and of human nature. When the film was first released it immediately delighted and charmed audiences along with introducing to the world the iconic accident prone character of Mr. Monsieur Hulot; played by none other than Jacques Tati himself.

Mr. Hulot's Holiday tells the story of Mr. Hulot vacationing at a small seaside hotel by the sea, in Brittany. Hulot arrives in his improbable little car, (inconveniencing a dog which wants to sleep in the road), which closely resembles a car specifically made for a Soap Box Derby competition, which rides on bicycle wheels. During his vacation Hulot is clearly never the man for the job, whether it's attempting to grapple with a heavy suitcase, ride a temperamental horse, or drive his extremely faulty motor car. And yet in the end like all the great comedic clowns, Hulot manages to land on his feet, unshaken by his experiences, and most of the time is largely unaware of the comic destruction he has been creating on those who've crossed his path.