A Franco cinematic delicacy

"Delicatessen" is the darkest of dark comedies. It's the kind of dark comedy that could only come from abroad, away from the politics of mainstream Hollywood. Directed by two of the most influential and important modern filmmakers from Europe, the film is a visually stunning rarity that treads the water of comedy, horror and surrealistic science fiction.\n"Delicatessen" tells the story of the inner workings of a run-down apartment building in a post-apocalyptic world in which the acting currency consists of lentils and corn. There is literally an "underground revolution" of mole-type gangs who live in the city sewers, and the building's owner and butcher serves his residents, well, other residents.\nOne day a stranger Louison (played by Jeunet regular Dominique Pinon) comes to the apartment building seeking a job as a maintenance man. His arrival sparks interest in the other residents, many of whom seem to know the future demise of the new guest. In one scene a man is asked what he thinks about the new tenant and he replies with the casual response, "he's pretty skinny."\nWhile the film's main story line revolves around Louison falling in love with the butcher's daughter and the butcher making the tough decision of whether to embrace his daughter's lover or eat him, "Delicatessen's" true charm comes from its character studies. \nFor anyone familiar with the quirky characters from Jeunet's most recent films, "Amelie" and "A Very Long Engagement," you will be astonished of how creative and bizarre the "Delicatessen" world is. There's the lunatic tenant who raises frogs and snails to eat, the woman who thinks she hears voices and tries desperately throughout the film to kill herself in the most elaborate ways and finally there are the mole men, a fleet of underground revolutionaries who aren't the brightest of freedom fighters.\nThe release of "Delicatessen" on DVD is a breath of fresh air for fans of Jeunet since this is the first major US release. The disc features two "behind the scenes" type videos, one that showcases a handful of characters in their rehearsals, the other showing how Jeunet captured some of his memorable shots and created the film's elaborate sets. The most impressive feature, however, is the commentary track by Jeunet who is eccentric to say the least.\n"Delicatessen" might not be for everyone. The film is violent at times and has a wickedly sick sense of humor in the same vein of "Harold and Maude" crossed with "The Evil Dead" films. However, it is also a visual delight. The cinematography is pure Jeunet, the set work is bizarre but fascinating and overall the film is a nice prelude to the brilliant films he's made since then (that is if you don't count the gooey "Alien Resurrection"). For those who don't fear subtitles and enjoyed "Amelie," give "Delicatessen" a try. It's one of those rare delicacies that could only come from abroad.