How Not to Rob a Department Store
How Not to Rob a Department Store

How Not to Rob a Department Store

1965Movie95 minFrench

To repay a debt, Marcel must commit a robbery in a large department store. Unfortunately his booty is intercepted by a gang of thugs.

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Insights

IMDb7.1/10
Director: Jacques TatiGenres: Comedy, Crime

Plot Summary

This comedic heist film follows a group of eccentric characters who plan to rob a Parisian department store. Their elaborate scheme quickly unravels due to their own incompetence and a series of increasingly absurd mishaps. The film showcases Tati's signature visual gags and minimalist dialogue, focusing on the characters' interactions with their environment and each other.

Critical Reception

While not as widely acclaimed as some of Tati's earlier works, "How Not to Rob a Department Store" is still appreciated for its unique brand of physical comedy and observational humor. Critics often praise Tati's meticulous direction and his ability to create humor from the mundane, though some found the plot to be less cohesive than his previous films.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for Jacques Tati's inventive visual comedy and meticulous set design.
  • Noted for its charmingly chaotic depiction of an inept heist.
  • Some find the plot less focused compared to Tati's earlier masterpieces.

Google audience: Audience reviews are generally positive, highlighting the film's quirky humor and Tati's distinctive comedic style. Many appreciate the visual gags and the nostalgic Parisian setting.

Fun Fact

Jacques Tati famously disliked direct dialogue in his films, preferring to let the visual and situational comedy speak for itself. In "How Not to Rob a Department Store," much of the humor arises from the characters' actions and their interactions with the detailed, sprawling department store setting.

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