Plot: What’s it about?
Monsieur Hulot (Jacques Tati) has become a designer for an automobile company and has been charged to deliver the latest model to a car show in Amsterdam. In addition to himself and his driver, Hulot is joined by Maria (Maria Kimberly), an American tasked to handle the public relations side of the new model debut. What should be a routine trek on the highways turns into one mishap after another. The transport truck gets a flat tire, then runs out of gas, then it seems to break down, so on and so forth, all while Hulot, Maria, and the driver try to iron out all the issues. Can Hulot manage to deliver the car as ordered and even if so, will everyone involved be able to maintain their sanity?
This is the final cinematic adventure of Jacques Tati’s beloved Monsieur Hulot, but would the character go out in grand fashion, or out with a whimper? Trafic is the least of the Hulot films, but that shouldn’t be taken as an insult, as it is still a good movie. But when compared to M. Hulot’s Holiday or Playtime, it simply doesn’t measure up. But Trafic is still better than most and for fans of Tati’s immortal Hulot, even a minor work like this is much appreciated. As with Playtime, Hulot is not the singular star, but there is still ample screen time involved. There is a shift in character for Hulot also, as he is more competent this time around, which is bound to divide fans to an extent. Even with the film’s lesser points, Trafic is still a fun movie and if you’re a fan of Hulot pictures, then you’ll want to give this release a look.
Video: How does it look?
Trafic is presented in full frame, as intended. As per usual, Criterion’s digital restoration efforts have produced a remarkable visual presentation. I saw minimal wear signs and debris, which will please fans for sure, as the film’s visuals are allowed to shine here. A little grain is evident at times and some light edge enhancement is present, but not enough of either to lessen the experience. The black & white image is very impressive, thanks to accurate black levels and strong detail presence, very impressive work indeed.
Audio: How does it sound?
The original French soundtrack has been preserved here and while there isn’t much dialogue, the audio is still impressive. The movie is loaded with sound effects, often used for comedic impact or atmosphere, so this soundtrack needed to be solid. The audio comes through in perfect form here, aside from some minor source issues that never hinder the experience. All of the sounds of the road come across in fine form, from traffic to crowds to silence. In short, a more than sufficient soundtrack that never falters. This release also includes optional English subtitles.
Supplements: What are the extras?
The first disc houses a cast interview from Le journal du cinema, a television show episode with Jacques Tati, and the film’s theatrical trailer. The second disc has only one supplement, but it is a substantial one, in the two part documentary In the Footsteps of M. Hulot. This runs over one hundred minutes and explores the work of Tati in depth, from his features to his short films to his personal appearances. As made by his own daughter, this is simply a wonderful look at the man who directed some fantastic movies and left a legacy for all of cinema to experience.
