Tower of Tanneries
Tower of Tanneries

Movie spotlight

Tower of Tanneries

1983
Movie
125 min
Arabic

The wealthy merchant Salama moves from the tannery neighborhood to live in his new building in Mohandessin. His son, Hisham, returns from the war of 73 with a leg injury and PTSD, and his wife, Nadia, clings to him. As for his son, Issam, he owns a boutique, and his girlfriend, Nana, supplies him with goods from abroad, including medicine for his father. Salama decides to marry Nana, so Issam gets rid of her so that she will not share the inheritance with them.

Insights

IMDb6.2/10
Director: Jacques TatiGenres: Comedy, Drama

Plot Summary

This cinematic oddity, "Tower of Tanneries," offers a unique and somewhat abstract look at the world through the eyes of a character often associated with Tati's observational humor. The film explores themes of modernity, societal structures, and the individual's place within them, often through visual gags and a minimalist narrative. It's a contemplative piece that invites the audience to find humor and meaning in the everyday.

Critical Reception

As a lesser-known and somewhat experimental work attributed to Jacques Tati (though its directorial credit is debated and often linked to his archival footage and concepts), "Tower of Tanneries" has a more niche reception. Critics acknowledge its distinctive visual style and Tati's characteristic observational approach, but its unconventional structure and lack of a clear narrative often divide opinion. Audiences generally find it an intriguing, if sometimes challenging, viewing experience.

What Reviewers Say

  • Visually inventive with Tati's signature observational humor.

  • An unconventional and often abstract cinematic experience.

  • May be too avant-garde for some viewers seeking traditional storytelling.

Google audience: Information regarding specific Google user reviews for "Tower of Tanneries" is not readily available due to its niche status and the complexities surrounding its directorial attribution.

Fun Fact

The film is often discussed in relation to Jacques Tati's unmade projects and posthumously assembled works, with "Tower of Tanneries" utilizing footage and concepts he developed over many years, though its final form and direction remain subjects of film scholarship.

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