In post-apocalyptic France, a butcher owner of an apartment building trades meat for staying alive. A new tenant falls in love with his daughter, causing chaos and danger in their already dystopian world. The film is a surreal black comedy that emphasizes the absurdity of survival in a merciless world.
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Review
Ah, the moving picture! It’s the height of technology and artistry, blended together in a beautiful dance. One such film that has caught the attention of many is the French film “Delicatessen”. Now, I know what you might be thinking, dear reader – a French film? How could that possibly appeal to Americans like us? Well, let me tell you: this film is a true gem. So pull up a chair and let me spin you a tale about this cinematic masterpiece.
First, let me start off by saying that “Delicatessen” is not your typical movie. It’s got elements of black comedy, romance, dystopian fiction – even slapstick humor at times. But it all blends together seamlessly to create an experience like no other. The story follows a butcher named Clapet who lives in an apartment building with his daughter and tenants. Sounds normal enough, right? Well, here’s where things get interesting: Clapet is also the leader of a group of cannibals who chop up unsuspecting residents and sell their meat to customers.
Yes, you read that right – cannibals. But don’t worry, dear reader – this isn’t some gory horror movie. The tone is kept light and humorous throughout most of the film (though there are certainly some darker moments). One example of this humor comes from the fact that Clapet’s latest victim is Louison, an ex-circus performer who is somewhat…clumsy. Seeing him bumble around while trying to escape his captors provides plenty of laughs.
But there’s more to “Delicatessen” than just gags – there are also strong themes about love and humanity. Louison falls for Clapet’s daughter Julie (who is played wonderfully by Marie-Laure Dougnac), despite her father’s disapproval. Their relationship provides a sweet contrast to all the cannibalism going on around them. Meanwhile, the tenants of the apartment building band together to try to take down Clapet and his gang. It’s a testament to the resilience of human nature in the face of adversity.
Of course, a film like this wouldn’t be complete without some standout performances. Dominique Pinon plays Louison with a perfect blend of charm and goofiness, making him instantly likable. And let’s not forget Jean-Claude Dreyfus as Clapet – he manages to make a character who is doing such despicable things oddly endearing. You can’t help but root for him, even though you know what he’s up to.
Now, I know what you’re thinking – “But Mark Twain! This film sounds positively absurd! How could it possibly be any good?” Well, my dear reader, that’s where you’re mistaken. “Delicatessen” didn’t just win critical acclaim – it also found an audience among moviegoers around the world. Its unique blend of genres and quirky characters resonated with viewers in a way that few films ever do.
And let’s not forget about the technical aspects of the film. The score by Carlos d’Alessio perfectly captures the offbeat tone of the story. The cinematography by Darius Khondji makes great use of light and shadow to create a moody atmosphere. And director Jean-Pierre Jeunet (who would go on to direct “Amelie”) manages to balance all the different elements of the film in such a way that it never feels disjointed.
In fact, “Delicatessen” was so well-received that it went on to win several awards. It won Best Screenplay at Cannes in 1991 and was nominated for six César Awards (the French equivalent of the Oscars), ultimately winning for Best Editing and Best Production Design. It’s no wonder that the film has become a cult classic over the years.
So there you have it, dear reader – a film that defies expectations and manages to be both heartwarming and grotesque at the same time. “Delicatessen” is a testament to the power of great filmmaking – it can take even the most outlandish of premises and turn it into something special. I highly recommend giving this one a watch – just make sure you’ve got a strong stomach.
Technical Data
- Runtime : 99
- Release : 1991-04-17
- Genre : Comedy, Science Fiction, Fantasy
- Cast : Dominique Pinon as Louison, Marie-Laure Dougnac as Julie Clapet, Jean-Claude Dreyfus as Clapet, Karin Viard as Mademoiselle Plusse, Ticky Holgado as Marcel Tapioca
- Crew : Darius Khondji as Director of Photography, Claudie Ossard as Producer, Jean-Pierre Jeunet as Screenplay, Jean-Pierre Jeunet as Director, Pierre-Jacques Bénichou as Casting
- Popularity 15.89
- Budget : $4,000,000
- Revenue : $1,794,187
- Company : Victoires Productions, Constellation, Hachette Première
- Summary : In a post-apocalyptic world, the residents of an apartment above the butcher shop receive an occasional delicacy of meat, something that is in low supply. A young man new in town falls in love with the butcher’s daughter, which causes conflicts in her family, who need the young man for other business-related purposes.
- Tagline : A futuristic comic feast.
