jalilidalili I decided to write this review purely because I've red the one written by lapratho from Tacoma, WA, USA - and I totally disagree about this movie! Sorry to say I've bought it, not sorry that I've seen it, just sorry I can't erase it from my memory.There are a few laughs in this movie as well, although I would never sort this under the category of comedy.There are some very interesting shots with the camera, the storytelling aspect of this movie is at least interesting as it uses the motion picture as a new form of media - but the most basic component of any movie is missing... You will require a lot of will power to sit this one through from beginning 'till end and if you'll decide you need a break from it, the chances are, you'll never return to watching it.It's not a film you'd watch to pass the time, or be amused. It's a film that is trying to present a satirical point of view about certain aspects of life, so if you will be able to penetrate under the pointlessness you'd get from simply watching it, you might even get a few ideas it's trying to convey. But you really have to dig deep and just by watching it, it offers nothing which would make you want to dig deep into it, to get to the point.So a very low mark, as it is (at least in my opinion) an existentialist comedy that might work in the theater of absurd performed live (right after Waiting for Godot), but it doesn't work at all on film.

lapratho 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' behaviors and quirks that are border less, 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 realize that the humor 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 Hollywwod 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.

gerritschroder Really only for Tati fans. A sentimental journey for Hulot, his send-off. The scene in which the mechanic and Hulot mime the moonwalk, playing behind them on tv, sums it all up -- and is the only time one of Tati's explicit mime performances is really good.Re-watchable.

Poul With Traffic coming out I started thinking about one of the earliest films I remember from my childhood. Trafic must have a very significant impression on me as I vividly recall the frustration rendered by it. Sitting there as a child almost jumping out of the chair in plain irritation of the quirks of Tati.