PlayTime (1967) – Filming Locations
Comedy · Directed by Jacques Tati · Starring Jacques Tati, Barbara Dennek
Clumsy Monsieur Hulot finds himself perplexed by the intimidating complexity of a gadget-filled Paris. He attempts to meet with a business contact but soon becomes lost. His roundabout journey parallels that of an American tourist, and as they weave through the inventive urban environment, they intermittently meet, developing an interest in one another. They eventually get together at a chaotic restaurant, along with several other quirky characters.
Where was PlayTime filmed?
- Paris, France, Paris – The majority of the film's modern Paris sequences, including the office building, restaurant, and street scenes. Tati constructed an enormous modernist set called 'Tativille' in the Vincennes area to represent contemporary Paris, a massive production undertaking that cost more than the film's budget itself
- Paris, France, Paris – Opening sequences showing tourists arriving at the airport and the iconic glass-walled terminal building. The real Orly Airport terminal serves as the gateway where American tourists Barbara and her aunt arrive in Paris, establishing the film's theme of modern architectural alienation
- Paris, France, Paris – Modern corporate office tower exteriors and the futuristic urban landscape representing contemporary Paris. The emerging La Défense skyline provided inspiration and reference for Tativille's design, embodying the modernist commercial architecture that is central to the film's satire