Mon Oncle

Mon Oncle

    Gerard is a little boy living in the wealthy ares of France in the 1950’s. Although his parents adore living as a ‘modern’ family, Gerard unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on your view point) lives in the old-fashioned world. These are polar opposite ways of living, and Gerard just happens to adore his uncles’ style better. For this reason, Gerard’s mother and father are a bit precautious about the time they spend together.
    People who lived the ‘modern’ lifestyle thought very much about themselves. In their eyes, modern living was prosperous, upscale and lavish. It was in style, unlike the sad, dirty, life of uncle Hulot. Houses, cars and building were very simplistic. For example, schools were named “Ecole”, literally meaning “School”. Cars, in general, were all clones. Everything inside the home had to be sanitized; dirty was for the poor. Like the gate in the entrance of the families’ house, everything was electric. Furniture may have pleased the eyes, but it was far from comfortable. On the other hand, old-fashioned living was much more laid-back. Instead of the clicking metal floors, there was carpet and rugs inside the household. But, it wasn’t just things in modern living that were uptight. The people were judgmental and scrutinized everything. They would always compare their own cars, homes and yards with their own neighbors! The old-fashioned people were much more social and comfortable with each other. They were much more accepting towards their friends. Unlike the perfect modern neighborhoods, dogs ran freely around the streets. It was obvious why Gerard loved this world so much better! Any child would reject a stiff and boring world over a fun one.
    In the end of the movie, I think Gerard’s father opened his eyes a little he saw what was happening to his relationship with his son, and he wanted it to end. So, he went out into the world and had some fun for once. Gerard of course was surprised by this abrupt change, but he couldn’t have been more overjoyed with his new (or old?) father.