Charlie Chaplinis undoubtedly one of the most beloved comedy filmmakers in movie history, but an iconic French director is the closest thing to a Chaplin replacement that cinema fans will likely ever see. Chaplin needs little introduction, and his silent comedy films helped to transform the movie business in the ’20s.
His iconic Little Tramp character is synonymous with the Golden Age of Hollywood, and Chaplin was known for using the art of film to push boundaries both technically and philosophically. Even as the sound era began, Chaplin continued to work in his usual style, and movies likeModern Timesare still crowning achievements that haven’t been topped.
The humor in Charlie Chaplin’s films was equally matched by the heart, and many ofChaplin’s best filmshave a lot to say about the social conditions of his time. Naturally, he spawned a lot of imitators around the globe, but one French filmmaker borrowed Chaplin’s formula but put a unique spin on the silent comedy approach.
Jacques Tati’s Films Are Perfect For Charlie Chaplin Fans
Tati Was A Masterful Physical Comedian On Par With Chaplin
AsCharlie Chaplin’s career was mired in controversy, French actor Jacques Tati was just beginning his journey into feature filmmaking. Tati starred in several comedic short films, but1949’sJour de fête(orThe Big Day) was his debut as a multi-hyphenated artist. In the film, Tati plays a bumbling postman who does everything but deliver his mail.
A few years laterhe would invent his signature character, Mister Hulot, and he would continue to play him in a handful offilms considered comedy masterpieces. Like Chaplin’s work,Tati’s films are frenetic and mostly silent, with Hulot himself rarely making a sound. Also, like Chaplin, the movies are both humorous and heartfelt, making subtle commentary about society.
like Chaplin, the movies are both humorous and heartfelt, making subtle commentary about society.
PerhapsTati’s most famous film is 1967’sPlaytime, in which Hulot is caught in the hustle and bustle of modern-day Paris. The simple premise is anchored by brilliant comedic scenes, and huge set pieces that betray the scale of the city and the scope of Tati’s filmmaking vision. Unlike other Chaplin disciples,Tati’s work built upon his predecessor’s.
How Mr. Hulot Compares To The Tramp
The Tramp & Hulot Are Cut From The Same Cloth
Tati and Chaplin both had their signature characters, and though Tati didn’t play his nearly as many times as Chaplin,Hulot is still an iconic piece of movie history. Each character reflects the background of their respective actors, and their differences in nationality also play a part in how The Tramp and Hulot appear onscreen.
1953
100%
1958
94%
1967
98%
1971
95%
The Tramp is known for his shabby clothes and toothbrush mustache, whileHulot’s trenchcoat, pipe, and hat are equally recognizable. The Tramp is small and unassuming, while Hulot is tall and lanky, which allows for a different style of comedy as he bumbles through scenes. Building on that,The Tramp is graceful, while Hulot’s clumsiness is part of his charm.
2010’sThe Illusionistwas an animated film by Sylvain Chomet, based on an unfinished idea by Jacques Tati.
In the end, both characters serve the same purpose. The Tramp is the personification of the human spirit, whileHulot represents a simpler way of life which is constantly interrupted by modern times. They’re fish-out-of-water characters in their own stories, and thoughCharlie Chaplindid it first, Jacques Tati contributed a lot to the cinematic philosophy of silent comedy.
