Pierre Étaix: French Comedy Master

Director/actor Pierre Etaix is a treasure the cinematic world has rediscovered and embraced with relish. His work can be placed on the spectrum of classic physical comedy with that of Jacques Tati and Jerry Lewis, but it also stands alone in its good- natured delicacy. These films, influenced by Etaix’s experiences as a circus acrobat and clown and by the silent film comedies he adored, are elegantly deadpan, but as an on-screen presence, Etaix radiates warmth.  – Janus Films

“A master of screen comedy! He is every bit as worthy of praise and study as [Jacques] Tati, yet he is all but unknown today.” – Leonard Maltin

Learn more about Etaix and read an interview with the filmmaker here.