Delightful French Escapism: “The Man in the Hat”

If you’re hankering for a trip overseas, the Rex movie this weekend might just offer a balm to the current limitations on overseas travel with the charming movie “The Man in the Hat” (PG 96 minutes).  

This whimsical tale offers the viewer the chance to enjoy the imagery of the lush French countryside, the delightful food and music, and take it as an “invitation to travel” – albeit through the cinematic medium. 

A no-name man (Ciaran Hinds) sets off from Marseilles in a small Fiat 500. On the seat beside him is a framed photograph of an unknown woman. Behind him is a 2CV into which is squeezed five bald men. Why are they chasing him? And how can he shake them off? As he travels North through France, he encounters an array of people and experiences. And always, on his tail, are the five bald men. 

Filmed in the areas of Marseilles, Le Vigan and the Camargue, the movie is largely devoid of dialogue, but is dispersed with a broad and eclectic range of music. 

Not intended to be “deep and meaningful”, “The Man in the Hat” provides an hour or so of entrancing and comedic escapism. 

So, settle back and enjoy!

“The Man in the Hat ”(PG  96 mins.) screens: Saturday 3 July 3, 8 p.m.; Sunday, July 4,   2 p.m,; Tuesday, July 6, 8 p.m..