Watch Jour de Fete

Jour de Fete, translated as "The Big Day," is a French comedy film directed by Jacques Tati and released in 1949. The film revolves around a postman named Francois, played by Tati himself. Francois is enthusiastic about his job but often struggles to keep up with his duties due to his habit of stopping to admire the scenery or chat with the townspeople.

The film takes place in a rural French village that is preparing for a festival. Francois is tasked with delivering mail to the villagers and promoting the festival by riding his bicycle through the town with a sign attached to it. Along the way, he encounters various obstacles that ultimately lead to a mishap during the festival.

Jour de Fete is known for its use of physical comedy and slapstick humor. Tati's comedic timing and expressionless face add to the overall humor of the film. The film also features several memorable scenes, including one in which Francois demonstrates his unique method of delivering mail, which involves him riding his bicycle at high speeds and throwing letters into mailboxes from a distance.

Despite being filmed in black and white, Jour de Fete is visually stunning. The film was shot on location in the small town of Sainte-Sévère-sur-Indre, and the picturesque village serves as the perfect backdrop to the story. The film's cinematography and use of long takes also add to its overall charm.

Jour de Fete was released in both a French and English version. The English version features voiceover narration by Tati himself, which some critics feel detracts from the film's overall humor. However, the film was still well-received by audiences and critics alike, and it remains one of Tati's most beloved works.

Overall, Jour de Fete is a charming and lighthearted comedy that showcases Tati's unique brand of humor. The film's stunning visuals and physical comedy make it a must-see for fans of classic cinema.

Jour de Fete is a 1949 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 10 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2.