Checking into the madness of Les gaietés du palace

There’s a scene early on involving a luggage mix-up that lasts for, I don’t know, an eternity? It just keeps going. Most movies would cut away, but this one just lets the characters bumble around with their suitcases while the camera barely moves. It’s weirdly hypnotic, even if it isn't 'good' by modern standards.

Jean Tissier is doing a lot of heavy lifting here. You can tell he’s the only one who knows the movie is a bit of a mess, so he just leans into the absurdity. He has this way of looking at the camera that makes you think he’s bored, too.

• The lighting in the hotel hallways is distractingly flat.
• I’m pretty sure I saw the same extra walk by the desk four times.
• The sound mixing is… well, let's just say it's loud.

That one shot where the lead character trips over the rug? It wasn't even a good pratfall. He just kind of... collapsed. It stayed on screen for maybe three seconds too long. I laughed, but mostly because I felt bad for the guy.

If you have an hour to kill and want to watch something that feels like it fell out of a time capsule, this fits the bill. It's not going to change your life, but it might make you smile if you're in the right mood. Just don't expect a masterpiece. It's just a hotel, and the guests are all acting a bit strange. 🛎️