In the dystopian, post-apocalyptic world of Delicatessen, survival is a precarious endeavor, and the lines between right and wrong are blurred. This is evident in the film’s use of humor to mask the darkness of its cannibalistic society. Directors Jean-Pierre Jeunet and Marc Caro skillfully blend comedic timing, absurdity, and suspense to create a world that is both frightening and fascinating. The film’s narrative follows Louison, a former clown who moves into a cannibal-filled apartment building, and his quirky cast of neighbors who have resigned themselves to their dire circumstances.
The residents of the building, including the sinister butcher, Clapet, and his daughter Julie, live in a state of uneasy coexistence, with the knowledge that the meat they eat is obtained at a dire cost. Louison’s arrival disrupts this delicate balance, as he brings a sense of morality and kindness to the group’s otherwise absurd existence. Through his actions, Louison challenges the community’s acceptance of cannibalism, and his interactions with Julie help her question the morality of her father’s actions.
Jean-Pierre Jeunet (Image via Getty)
Delicatessen is a film that defies gravity, where the absurd and the dark are juxtaposed to create a sense of unease and curiosity. The film’s use of slapstick humor, visual gags, and quirky characters serves to soften the edges of its portrayal of life in a cannibalistic society, making it a unique and unforgettable viewing experience. As Louison navigates this bizarre world, he becomes entangled in a web of moral dilemmas, forcing him to confront the true nature of his surroundings and the characters that inhabit them.
The film’s exploration of themes such as survival, ethics, and the human condition is both haunting and thought-provoking. Delicatessen is a world where the concept of “normal” has been turned on its head, and the lines between right and wrong are constantly being redrawn. As Louison and his new acquaintances navigate this treacherous terrain, they are forced to confront the harsh realities of their existence and the true cost of survival in a world that is rapidly falling apart.
