It’s hard to watch “The Man in the Hat” and not think of the great Jacques Tati. The late French mime, actor, and filmmaker conceived some of my very favorite comedies, several of them centering around his bumbling yet good-natured Monsieur Hulot character. Tati’s films were known for their meticulously choreographed visual gags and their distinct lack of dialogue. The comedy element of “The Man in the Hat” isn’t as broad or pronounced as something like “Monsieur Hulot’s Holiday” or “Jour de fete”. But it taps into some of the same things that made those Tati films so special.
The wonderfully expressive Ciarán Hinds plays the titular protagonist in what is essentially a dialogue-free role. But the seasoned Irish actor is more than capable of conveying all the emotions we need through his gentle manner, tender smiles, and melancholy gaze. Other than that it’s a grunt here, a mumble there, and one barely audible “Merci”.
We first meet the man sitting at a cafe in a cozy seaside town with nothing but a newspaper and a framed picture of a woman. Later, as the sun sets over the warmly lit harbor, he still sits at the same table, now munching on dinner. That’s when he observes a puttering Citroën Dyane pull up next to the water. Out of it pours five full-grown men who toss what appears to be a dead body into the sea. Realizing they’ve been seen, the five men approach the cafe which sends the man scurrying. He hops into his dark blue Fiat 500 and so begins this relaxed charm-soaked jaunt across the French countryside.
As the man travels the narrow country backroads of rural France, his hat on his head and the woman’s picture safely sitting next to him in the passenger’s seat, we’re treated to a delectable medley of music, food, and scenery. And just as captivating is the rich and unique assortment of people the man meets on his journey, many turning up again and again as he drives from town to town. Among them, a sad forlorn man in a soggy suit, a curious young couple with a tape measure, the five suspicious men in the Citroën Dyane, and perhaps most notably a beguiling women in a red dress on a bicycle (played by Sasha Hails).
In one sense the movie is a tasty roadtrip comedy, more amusing than laugh-out-loud funny. There’s also a lightly-breaded mystery baked into the story that encourages us to wonder. Who is the woman in the picture? Where is the man going? What does it all mean? And then there are the more life-affirming elements that seem particularly welcomed in these divided times. Armed with a buoyant spirit and a steady observant rhythm throughout, the movie asks us to stop, sit down, and appreciate the simple things that are too often taken for granted.
All of this comes from the creative minds of John-Paul Davidson and Stephen Warbeck who serve as both co-writers and co-directors. Their predominantly wordless odyssey is as beautiful as it is easy-going, with DP Kaname Onoyama’s camera showing just as much affection for the characters as it does the lush rolling hills or the stunning scenic overlooks. And he shoots each little town in a way that somehow accentuates their character and charm. None of it is aggressively picturesque, but it’s a key component that’s grafted into the very fabric of the story.
Just as important is the music. “The Man in the Hat” marks Warbeck’s directorial debut but he’s no stranger to cinema. An accomplished composer, Warbeck won an Oscar for his “Shakespeare in Love” score. Here he uses an eclectic blend of strings, horns, accordion, and piano to create one of his film’s most essential languages. Together with a couple of well placed songs, the entire musical arrangement is a soothing blend of local sound and emotional resonance. It’s simple yet effective and it’s my favorite soundtrack of the year so far.
In case you can’t tell, I loved “The Man in the Hat”. Davidson and Warbeck have made a simple yet savory feast for the senses that feels plucked out of a bygone era of cinema history. The film is a tender and heartfelt reminder to appreciate the little things in life and to hold onto the special moments. It reminds us of how the smallest acts of kindness can effect someone’s life in a profound way. The man’s touching adventure is filled with people from all walks of life who are willing to lend a hand. Perhaps in a day where people cling to their differences and are quick to tear each other apart, these messages are more needed more than we realize. “The Man in the Hat” opens in select theaters and on VOD this Friday (May 14th).
VERDICT – 4.5 STARS
keithandthemovies.com 
Great review, but the text says ‘VERDICT – 4.5 Stars”, while the graph itself only shows 4/5 stars.
Fixed. Thanks.
I can’t wait to see this! I love my Fiat 500 so it has to be done. 😃
I love this movie so much and desperately hope it finds an audience. As for the Fiat 500, it’s such a charming little ride. The only thing is I’m 6’3 so I would need the seats to recline! LOL
I’ve found it on Amazon uk 😀 happy days!
Woo Hoo!!! Great to hear.
Great review, as always, Keith. Definitely want to see this one.
Great to hear. It seems that every year there’s at least one movie that I champion – a film I absolutely love that deserves a bigger audience. I’m 100% behind this one. It’s unconventional in the very best ways. I adore it.
Hello Keith,
My name is Mary Jane and I am working to promote State (Remix), a dark suspense film about a family, a murder, and a political conspiracy. It was written, directed, edited, and produced by first-time filmmaker Alain Nouvel. We were recently featured by Hollywood.com.
I am writing to you because we want to partner with different organizations to help promote the film and reach new audiences. We were especially excited by your “First Glance” posts and your engaging film reviews.
Here is a synopsis of the film:
“An old man, alone and abandoned by his only living relative, haunted by his role in altering the course of American history, prepares to commit suicide. His grandson, a traumatized veteran on the edge, caught between memory and reality, is trying to reach his estranged girlfriend who doesn’t know that he’s back – or gone awol. In one last, desperate attempt he seeks her out, but at this point everything is a trigger.”
We are looking to set something up and maybe have the film reviewed. We can provide a screener link and press packet if you would like. Our instagram is @stateremix and our email is stateremix@gmail.com. If you are interested in working with us, please let me know.
Best,
Mary Jane
Thanks for reaching out. Will contact you soon via email.
Thank you! Looking forward to your email!
Oh this sounds fantastic Keith. Love your enthusiasm for it. This sort of reminds me of this really charming 2014 adventure film, the distinctly titled “The 100 Year Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared.” If you have not seen that one yet I highly recommend, it’s similar with its narrative style as a number of interesting characters become tangled up along this man’s many adventures
I do remember that one! Foreign film but I don’t remember which country. I’m thinking Danish or Swedish.
Man this one hit me just right. I’ve watched it twice just to see if it had the same impact. It certainly did. As I’ve mentioned to others, I really hope this one finds an audience. I adore it.
OK, I think I want to see this as I’ll take anything that is inspired by Jacques Tati.
I loved, loved, loved, loved it. It won’t be for everybody but it sure is for me. Really hope more people will give it a shot.
I’m intrigued that after your glowing review, you gave the film 4.5 stars! Where did it fall down?
For me it’s not so much about where it falls down. It’s more about how seldom I give full 5 Star scores. Probably too seldom to be honest. They main thing is that this is such a good movie and who knows, it may be a score that gets bumped up over time. 👍🏼
It was precious.
It sure was!
Beautifully written, and I’m so glad someone connected this to Tati. It is a homage, make no mistake. And a hell of a way to be introduced to Hinds for those who don’t know him.
Thanks so much. You can see the Tati influence all over this. It’s a big reason I loved it. I’ve seen it twice and can’t wait to see it again.
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