Unlike the previous reviewer, I have to say that the French made many great comedies. But just as there are many styles in US cinema, so are there many styles in other countries.
"Trafic" is a wonderful stab at modern life and our infatuation with cars that is more up to date than ever, with traffic jams at an all time high.
In passing, or rather sitting, through the summery vacation road chaos, this Tati movie slaps everything from drivers' behaviours and quirks that are borderless, to general human characteristics, and even matters of national pride.
I disagree with the inability of the French to laugh at themselves - but one needs to realise that the humour involved is very deep and tongue in cheek, but is just about even more stinging because it is not so superficial.
What makes this movie, just like the other Tati movies, so remarkable, is that one does not need to speak or understand French and can still watch it in its original sound track, because the camera does all the work. "Shtick" with brains, a piece of visual art that might hang in a modern art gallery, were it not a movie, self contained, intelligent, funny. It is a neat feature about most Tati films.
I remember being in stitches when I last saw it, and that was after seeing it several times already.
Other great French comedies would be the original versions of
"The Tall Blonde With The Red (Black) Shoe", ie "Le Grand blond avec une chaussure noire"
(note that the original odd shoe was black, not red),
"Birdcage", ie "La Cage Aux Folles", the German title of which was much closer to the actual "A Cage Of Fools" .... oh heck, just look up movies with Pierre Richard, Jean Rochefort, the unknown to Americans (because he would have put Hollywood to such shame to kill their business in comedy) all time unforgettable Louis De Funes, Fernandel, Mireille Darc, Yves Montand, Jean Paul Belmondo (one of his movies is an obvious blueprint for Indiana Jones), .... these are all true actors that are also capable of character studies and can deliver such a punch that it flies right over many people's heads .... maybe the previous reviewer is right ... the French have no comedy ... not of the shallow sitcom style in any case. If you can laugh with your whole heart, head , and soul though, then start digging and you will find much of the best ever made.
