Villa Arpel is stylistically rather than functionally designed, creating an environment completely indifferent to the comfort, or lack of comfort, of its occupants. In choosing modern architecture to punctuate his satire, Tati once stated, "" ("geometrical lines do not produce likeable people"). From inconveniently-located stepping stones, to difficult-to-sit-on furniture, to a kitchen filled with deafeningly loud appliances, every facet of Villa Arpel emphasizes the impracticality of a dedication to superficial aesthetics and electrical gadgets over the necessities of daily living. Despite the superficial beauty of its modern design, the Arpels' home is entirely impersonal, as are the Arpels themselves. In fact, M. and Mme. Arpel have completely subordinated their individuality to maintain their social position and their shiny new possessions. Tati emphasizes his themes surrounding the Arpel lifestyle (as well as M. Arpel's automatonic workplace, Plastac) with monochromatic shades and cloudy days. By contrast, Monsieur Hulot lives in an old and run-down city district. He is unemployed, and gets around town either on foot or on a VéloSoleX motorized bicycle. Gérard, utterly bored by the sterility and monotony of his life with his parents, fastens himself to his uncle at every opportunity. Hulot, little more than a child himself at times, is completely at home with Gérard, but also completely ineffectual at controlling his horseplay with his school friends, who take delight in tormenting adults with practical jokes. Exasperated at their relative's perceived immaturity, the Arpels soon scheme to saddle him with the twin yokes of family and business responsibilities. Cast Jacques Tati as Monsieur Hulot Jean-Pierre Zola as Monsieur Arpel Adrienne Servantie as Madame Arpel Alain Bécourt as Gérard Arpel Lucien Frégis as Monsieur Pichard Betty Schneider as Betty (landlord's daughter) Jean-François Martial as Walter Dominique Marie as Neighbor Yvonne Arnaud as Georgette (the maid) Adelaide Danieli as Madame Pichard Régis Fontenay as Braces dealer Claude Badolle as Flea market dealer Max Martel as Drunken man Nicolas Bataille as Working man Production The sets for the film, designed by Jacques Lagrange, were built in 1956 at Victorine Studios (now known as Studios Riviera), near Nice, and torn down after filming was complete. English-language version An English version of the film, nine minutes shorter than the original and released as My Uncle, was filmed at the same time as the French-language version. There are slight differences in the staging of the scenes and in the performances. In the English-language release,