mon oncle

I think the theme behind this film or at least the basic idea is that age old concept of "keeping up with the Joneses." The family in "Mon Oncle" is obsessed with being cutting edge, high status and modern at the expense of their comfort and happiness. The idea that people are materialistic and want to be well perceived by others is nothing new. It has been plaguing the world for some time. The film shows how in contrast, the uncle, who lives in the old part of town and is relatively poor/unemployed is happy in comparison to the rich family that lives in the modern house, most notably Gerard, the boy.

The several instances in the film in which the woman turns on her fountain for important guests further reinforces the idea of materialism and concern about perception by others. The meticulous set design helps to reinforce the idea of old vs. modern and man vs. technology. The color palette is greatly expanded in the old parts of town, notably where the uncle is from, while the interior of the modern house is drab and monochrome. The several instances of malfunctioning technology also tie in with the theme of materialism and sacrifice of happiness for status.

The family ultimately feels that having these things make them better people, but fail to see the harm it is doing their son. They also feel slight disdain for the uncle in his "immature" ways, but they all fail to see that they are the ones who should be taking a lesson from him.