The recent version of Sweeny Todd, done by Tim Burton and Johnny Depp maybe receiving high accolades as a great musical remake. But in 1991 French directors Jean-Pierre Jeunet and Marc Caro teamed up to do a surrealist, quirky, lovely spin on the classic English tale. Set in a post apocalyptic France, a deli owner happens to own the building where his Deli rests and is need of a new maintenance man since his predecessor "vanished" (for those familiar with Sweeny Todd, here is where the stories combine). A former circus clown applies for the job and of course falls in love with the deli owner (not to mention his new boss') daughter. Within this post apocalyptic society, food is so scarce it is used as currency. The people of town are always curious as to how the deli owner can stay in business, since no one can afford the proper ingredients to make a decent meal. Chaos and creation ensue in this laugh out loud black comedy done by these two French innovators. This is the first film from Amelie and Very Long Engagement director Jeunet and sets what is to come of this European visionary. For a first film, Jeunet, debut's his colorful and creative style. Using his mis-en-scene, to not just tell a story, but to paint a canvas. Delicatessen is a pure delight, and since this month is associated with Valentine's, netflix this with your significant other and I promise you will not be disappointed.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Movie of the Month-Delicatessen
The recent version of Sweeny Todd, done by Tim Burton and Johnny Depp maybe receiving high accolades as a great musical remake. But in 1991 French directors Jean-Pierre Jeunet and Marc Caro teamed up to do a surrealist, quirky, lovely spin on the classic English tale. Set in a post apocalyptic France, a deli owner happens to own the building where his Deli rests and is need of a new maintenance man since his predecessor "vanished" (for those familiar with Sweeny Todd, here is where the stories combine). A former circus clown applies for the job and of course falls in love with the deli owner (not to mention his new boss') daughter. Within this post apocalyptic society, food is so scarce it is used as currency. The people of town are always curious as to how the deli owner can stay in business, since no one can afford the proper ingredients to make a decent meal. Chaos and creation ensue in this laugh out loud black comedy done by these two French innovators. This is the first film from Amelie and Very Long Engagement director Jeunet and sets what is to come of this European visionary. For a first film, Jeunet, debut's his colorful and creative style. Using his mis-en-scene, to not just tell a story, but to paint a canvas. Delicatessen is a pure delight, and since this month is associated with Valentine's, netflix this with your significant other and I promise you will not be disappointed.
