In 1947, Tati shot his successful comedy on two cameras, one in colour film and one in black and white as a back-up. When the lab could not process the intended version, the film was released in black and white, and only in 1995 reconstructed from the colour film. Now BFI has released a Dual Format Edition of Jour de fête with the colour version in high definition as well as a 1964 variation.

Set in an idyllic, rural French village the film follows several different minor plot lines all centered around the carnival that has come to town – a love story, an angry restaurant owner, a barber shop. But most importantly, we meet Francois, the ever mumbling postman, ridiculed but loved by all. Francois learns about the efficient US postal system during the fun fair and tries to take their modern practices on, only to realise that maybe it is best not to.

Jacques Tati himself takes on the role of Francois in this slapstick parody, charming the audience with excellent comedic timing and relentlessly creative stunts. Whether Francois is walking into a plank of wood or chasing after his unmanned bike – the gags may be cheap, but they are executed with a trenchant sublty that hits home. Every movement is choreographed without seeming stylised, the most minimalistic jokes are the best: we see a middle-aged woman having her bulky, unflattering dress finished by a seamstress for the camera to swerve to the contrasting sketch of the fashionable, glamorous template the woman’s dress was originally based upon.

An old lady narrates some of the story, commenting on events that are maybe not worth noting, the camera showing us situations perhaps not worth watching. But this sets the scene and invites the audience into this lifestyle where yes, there may not be much of a plot, but where things are simple and uncomplicated.

The story ends the way it begins, with a shot of a little boy chasing the carriage that both brings and takes away the carnival. Although round in itself, the experience does appear to be too lengthy at times – reminding the viewer that this version is in fact extended from the original short film Lécole des facteurs. However, Tati creates in Francois’ character a French version of Mr Bean and with such a rare talent for circus-like stunts on his bike, he deserves all the screen time he can possibly get.

Apart from including special features like the original Lécole des facteurs, the Dual Format Edition also offers the viewer the opportunity to compare the two versions. If one pays attention, one can see that the colour accentuates the performances and setting in more detail; most importantly though, the 1964 black and white release comes with an English voice-over in place of the old lady’s narration – although perhaps more practical, the English language takes the viewer out of the intended atmosphere. The atmosphere of a typically French setting, French characters and generally French humour.  If that appears to be too much French, then this may not be the film for you. If not, then here you go.

 

[Rating:4/5]

[yframe url=’www.youtube.com/watch?v=1pB71JDjqLs’]