Delicatessen is a French cult film by Jean-Pierre Jeunet and Marc Caro; it explores the taboos of cannibalism and even includes bizarre characters such as underground vegetarian terrorists. The film falls into the category of black satire, a genre in which films deal with darker issues and themes, such as death, and treat these themes in a satirical or comedic manner. The film’s main character is a circus attraction that becomes the manager of a dilapidated building full of residents; other characters include a butcher, a man that recycles bicycle patches to extend the life of a condom, a woman with tin cans attached to her feet, prostitutes, and gangsters. Perhaps the film’s popularity amongst its fan base is based on the film’s uncomfortable themes, its unique characters, or twisted plot; but nevertheless these fans must also appreciate the unique and brilliant film-making involved. For instance,
In the words of Allan Havis,
“Delicatessen indulges in very close-ups and wide-angle shots rendering attractive and hideous faces into topographic maps. Jeunet and Caro’s inventive camera work highlights odd angles, ludicrous tracking shots, aggressive editing, and live actor animation.”
The film’s specific compilation of shot types helps in enhancing the overall tone of the film, one that is character based and is meant to overwhelm audiences with uncomfortable closeness to characters that they might find the most difficulty empathizing with. The use of out of the ordinary tracking shots also helps in providing viewers with unique vantage points that are meant to enhance the specific film experience the directors are trying to emulate; in the case of this film, an up-close experience with a “depressed and despoiled” society.
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