Evening Classes

Synopsis

Evening Classes (Cours du soir) is a 1967 French comedy film directed by and starring the legendary Jacques Tati. Set against the backdrop of a Parisian adult education class, the film humorously captures the interactions and peculiarities of a diverse group of students from various walks of life who attend evening lessons to improve their knowledge. With Tati's signature style of visual comedy and subtle social commentary, the film gently explores themes of learning, communication, and human connection, all conveyed without heavy dialogue but through precise physical humor and charm. Evening Classes stands as a testament to Tati's ability to find humor in everyday situations, offering audiences a whimsical glimpse into the world of adult education.

Cast

• 

  Jacques Tati

  Monsieur Hulot

Reviews

Evening Classes has generally been received with moderate appreciation, reflecting a niche appeal consistent with Jacques Tati’s unique comedic style. On IMDb, the film holds a rating of 6.3/10 from users who praise its gentle humor and Tati’s distinctive visual storytelling, although some viewers find it less impactful compared to his earlier masterpieces such as "Playtime" or "Mon Oncle." Critics often highlight Tati’s subtle charm and the film's quaint pacing, with expressions like "a tender, quietly amusing look at adult learners" (AllMovie). However, the film is sometimes criticized for its uneven pacing and a less dynamic narrative structure, which can leave some modern audiences wanting more engagement. It does not have a score on Rotten Tomatoes or Metacritic, largely due to its limited international release and niche appeal. Overall, Evening Classes is viewed as a delightful but modest entry in Tati’s filmography, appreciated primarily by fans of classic French cinema and lovers of visual comedy without heavy dialogue.

See also

Interstellar

Pulp Fiction

Inside Out

Fast & Furious 6