Cinema
Delicatessen
Synopsis
In a ravaged France where food is scarce and grain serves as currency, a dilapidated building stands above a butcher's shop. Clapet, the butcher, who owns the premises, places advertisements for a handyman, and his successive employees have an unfortunate tendency to disappear. Louison, a former circus clown out of work, applies and moves in. He becomes close to Julie, the butcher's daughter, while the tenants watch the newcomer.
Context
It is the first feature film by Jeunet and the illustrator Marc Caro, who co-direct it and imagined its universe together. The photography is by Darius Khondji. The story takes place almost entirely in a single building, with its tenants, its butcher's shop and its basements. Released on 17 April 1991, the film has been restored in 4K under Jeunet's supervision, from the original negative.
Who it is for
One hour forty minutes; a black comedy on a macabre subject, with a very elaborate visual world.
Prizes and reception
Four César awards in 1992, including the one for best first work; Severin Films released it in 4K in 2025.