Une Journée Jacques Tati
A day long celebration of the comic genius of Jacques Tati on Saturday October 17th with special guest Rowan Atkinson
Rowan Atkinson on the legacy of Jacques Tati
We are thrilled to welcome comedy legend Rowan Atkinson to this year’s festival for an exclusive, live on-stage appearance.
Renowned worldwide for his legendary visual and physical comedy in Mr. Bean and Blackadder, Atkinson has long cited Jacques Tati as one of his greatest cinematic inspirations. Following our evening screening, Atkinson will take to the stage alongside film historian and broadcaster Dr Matthew Sweet for a conversation on Tati’s enduring influence, the art of non-verbal humour, and the delicate craft of physical comedy.
Who is Jacques Tati?
Jacques Tati (1907-1982) was a visionary of French cinema – a master of visual comedy who turned the quirks of modern life into pure cinematic poetry. Best known for his iconic, trench-coat-wearing alter ego, Monsieur Hulot, Tati captured the humour, charm, and absurdities of a rapidly changing world without relying on heavy dialogue. Instead, he crafted meticulously detailed, sound-rich universes where every squeaky chair, footsteps on pavement, and polite misunderstanding becomes part of a joyful symphony. Warm, whimsical, and endlessly inventive, Tati’s films invite us to slow down, look closer, and find laughter in the quiet choreography of everyday life.
Saturday October 17th
Join us for the full day or dip in for individual sessions!
11am - In the Footsteps of Jacques Tati
Lecture by Prof Matthew Beaumont (UCL)
Join us over coffee for an informal introductory lecture exploring the films of Jacques Tati through the famously eccentric style of walking he devised for M. Hulot. Comparing M. Hulot’s gait to that of Charlie Chaplin and Groucho Marx, Prof Matthew Beaumont (University College London) explains that, like theirs, this distinctive comportment comprises what the anthropologist Marcel Mauss called a ‘social idiosyncrasy’, not simply a personal one. It is an artful commentary on contemporary society. Designed to be engaging for film enthusiasts and newcomers alike, it’s the perfect way to kick off our festival day with a fresh look at the art of physical comedy.
This event is free with tickets to either of our films but pleasse book your spot
2pm - Matinée Screening: Playtime (1967)
Experience the architectural grandeur of "Tativille" on the big screen as Monsieur Hulot wanders through a hyper-modernized Paris.
Pre-Screening Dinner Menu
Step out and enjoy a bite to eat in Swanage before our evening main event.
The Salt Pig Too has kindly laid on a French themed menu in celebration, book online or in person 01929 423616 - 7A Station Road, Swanage. BH19 1AB
7pm - Main Feature: Mr. Hulot’s Holiday (1953)
The classic seaside comedy that introduced Monsieur Hulot to the world as he inadvertently disrupts a quiet beach resort.
Following the Film - Live Stage Event: Rowan Atkinson & Matthew Sweet
Rowan Atkinson joins film historian Dr Matthew Sweet live on stage to discuss Tati’s legacy and physical comedy craft.
Dr. Matthew Sweet is an English author, broadcaster, and cultural historian who frequently presents programs on BBC Radio and writes extensively on film and cultural history.
Please book your place to see the preceding film then stay for our on stage discussion.