Movie spotlight
Delicatessen
Guest Meier is every restaurant owner's worst nightmare. He behaves like Croesus when dealing with the staff. With his snobby and abusive conduct, Meier even manages to expel other guests from the restaurant. Meier sharply criticizes his ordered food after just a single bite and demands a completely new meal "on the house." The restaurant's chefs Harald and Tim feel their professional honor is grossly insulted. Together with waiter Peter, they discuss how to put this "problematic guest" in his place, working themselves meanwhile into a rage. Will diplomacy triumph over barbarous brutality or is violence sometimes indeed a solution? And what does an instant photo camera have to do with all this?
Insights
Plot Summary
In a post-apocalyptic France, a former circus clown named Louison takes a job as a handyman in a bizarre apartment building whose landlord, a butcher, is luring tenants to their deaths to feed his residents. Louison falls in love with the butcher's daughter, Julie, who tries to protect him from her father's gruesome plans. The building's eccentric inhabitants, each with their own strange habits, add to the darkly comedic and surreal atmosphere.
Critical Reception
Delicatessen was met with widespread critical acclaim for its unique visual style, dark humor, and imaginative storytelling. Critics praised its originality and the directors' distinctive vision, though some found its quirky nature overwhelming. It became a cult classic, celebrated for its blend of genres and memorable characters.
What Reviewers Say
A visually stunning and darkly humorous dystopian fairy tale.
Praised for its surreal atmosphere and unforgettable characters.
A quirky, original film that blends genres with masterful execution.
Google audience: Audiences widely appreciate Delicatessen for its unique blend of dark comedy and surrealism. Reviewers often highlight the film's imaginative world-building, distinctive visual style, and memorable, eccentric characters as major strengths.
Awards & Accolades
Won 4 César Awards (Best First Work, Best Writing, Best Film Editing, Best Production Design) and nominated for 3 others. Also won the Audience Award at the 1991 Sitges Film Festival.
Fun Fact
The distinctive look of the building was achieved through forced perspective and forced-air fans to simulate wind, creating a surreal and distorted urban landscape.
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