Playtime (1967)

 You really have to admire Playtime but also wonder what in the world Tati was thinking. How did he ever think this self-indulgent 2 hours almost silent movie could be a hit?  There are plenty of smiles and chuckles to be had, and much cleverness, but  no belly laughs.  And he shot entirely in medium-long and long shots; no closeups, no reaction shots, no over the shoulder.  I can't imagine Joe Sixpack sitting in a theater and enjoying it much.

Forturnately I was able to see it on DVD and was able to take breaks and come back.  And it does improve on a 2nd viewing. You not only pick up on jokes missed the first time, you understand there's a story in all these seemingly unconnected scenes.  Summary I like the movie and plan to see it again, but I still wish that Tati had tried to be funnier and less clever and subtle.  Rating ***