Watch Delicatessen

In the post-apocalyptic future, food is rare and valuable. The movie Delicatessen takes place in an old apartment building that houses a deli run by a butcher named Clapet (Jean-Claude Dreyfus). In order to get his hands on meat, Clapet is known for recruiting tenants by advertising for help-wanted. However, what the tenants don't know is that they will soon become the meat for his deli.

The plot is set around Louison, a circus clown who recently moves to the apartment building to start a new life. He becomes involved with the landlord's daughter, Julie, and starts to suspect there's something not quite right with the deli. Together, they begin to investigate and eventually uncover Clapet's sinister operation.

Along the way, we see quirky surrealism and comedy as we are introduced to the eccentric characters in the building. One tenant, for example, is a retired army man who spends his days shooting at imaginary enemies. Another tenant, Aurore, is a woman obsessed with a cult that worships frogs. The cast of characters also includes a man who lives underground and can only communicate through a series of pipes.

Despite the humor, the movie Delicatessen does not lack in tension and suspense. The building is filled with traps and secret passages, and the tenants must navigate Clapet's traps to survive. The movie also does not shy away from darker themes of cannibalism and death.

While the plot may seem unusual and even disturbing, the movie takes on a certain charm due to its impressively detailed sets, costumes, and unique characters. Director Jean-Pierre Jeunet, known for his vision and whimsical storytelling, brings his signature style to the film. The colors are saturated, the lighting is moody, and the mood is surreal. Altogether, it creates a captivating and bizarre world that's a joy to watch.

Delicatessen's score is also notable. It's composed by Carlos D'Alessio, who expertly balances whimsical melodies with more serious tones to reflect the movie's unusual mood shifts. The score becomes especially effective during tense moments, leaving the viewer on the edge of their seat.

The performances in the movie are also top-notch, with Dominique Pinon stealing the show as a happy-go-lucky Louison. He brings a certain charm to the role, with his expressive face and endearing quirks. Marie-Laure Dougnac also does an excellent job as the quietly determined Julie, who tries to navigate Clapet's sinister world. The other actors all deliver great performances, adding to the movie's charming oddity.

In conclusion, Delicatessen is a French movie that defies genre, with elements of horror, comedy, and romance all rolled into one. Its unique vision and the impressive attention to detail in the set design and costumes make it a delightful exhibition of Jeunet's whimsical storytelling. For those looking for something different and quirky, this movie is a must-see.

Delicatessen is a 1991 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 39 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5 and a MetaScore of 66.