MovieChat Forums > Delicatessen (1992) Discussion > Where's the goodness?

Where's the goodness?

posted 20 years ago by syvo
20 replies | jump to latest

OK I started watching this movie, and was thoroughly impressed by the opening sequece (the whole part with the guy trying to escape in the garbage). I thought to myself, "This looks like the greatest thing I've ever seen." But, sure enough, about half way through the movie, I fell asleep. I did not like the humor going on in it, and didnt find myself engrossed by the plot. It was kinda cool, but not worth struggling to stay awake.

I noticed right away who the director was (forget his name), and thought something: Is he overrated? I think so.

Amelie was pretty cool, but it dragged on way too long and came across as kind of self-important. City Of Lost Children was dope, I'll give him that. But I'm just wondering if anyone else isn't experiencing "le petite morte" over his work. I'm certainly not.

life's ill

[–] hollie73 20 years ago

Liked Delicatessen, loved City of Lost Children, was extremely annoyed by Amelie

[–] brohnos 20 years ago

I haven't seen City of Lost Children (it's next on my list), but I
loved Delicatessen, and had no beef with Amelie at all. Ok, so I was pretty drunk when I saw it, but it seemed very good.

"Your guilty conscience may move you to vote Democratic, but deep down you long for a cold-hearted Republican to lower taxes, brutalize criminals, and rule you like a king!"

[–] paulo1b 20 years ago

In my opinion it's necessary to let the atmosphere of he film drag you into the depth of this 'other world'. It is a personal vision of both an imaginary and the real world. Hence it can be difficult to 'understand' some portions of it, you have to try to feel what the director had in mind during the making of the movie.
I personally still have difficulties with certain scenes, which i find quite long or too still ... yet i think i can get it right if i don't try to analyse but rather 'let it go', if i don't try hard to get a grip on some bizarre aspect or some illogical reaction.
Don't get me wrong, i'm not trying to teach something or anything, it's just my view point as such.
As for City of lost children, there's too much *comedy* in it in my opinion. It's half-way between a kid's entertainment and a dark and sad story.
Jeunet also directed Alien 4, but there i don't think it's his best genre, he was much better with Amelie, which probably fits more to a european audience.

[–] sendtownjose 14 years ago

I was annoyed by Amelie and Delicatessen. I don't know what people see in this Jeunet.

Uncle sandler went to the mall!!

[–] TyGB 20 years ago

Thoroughly enjoyed Delicatessen the one time I saw it (I wish it'd be released on DVD in R1, often-times a second viewing can determine just how highly you think of a film), though I agree the beginning sequence sets the bar higher than the rest of the film is able to get to. LOVED both Amelie and City of Lost Children.

3 films isn't a grand filmography in which to judge someone (I don't count Alien, though maybe I should), but I find the man to be immensely talented. A Very Long Engagement seems to be a bit of a departure for him, though I haven't read the book so I'm not entirely sure of the type of film it'll be. I suppose we'll know more after it, as it's supposively the most expensive film production of all-time, I believe.

"And then here you are....and it's a beautiful day." - Marge Gunderson

[–] 20 years ago

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[–] drink_fanta_dude 19 years ago

Between the 2 directors, their duties was such: Jeunet directed the actors, Caro was pretty much the art director (the ideas man, if u will). Most of Delicatessen's inventive stuff would have came from Caro. I'm sure his impression is still felt in Jeunet's solo work...

[–] super_d14 20 years ago

I know people have different opinions and all... but Amelie was... basically perfect. The cinematography was playful and clever, the plot was hopeful and inspiring, and most importantly, the character development goes far beyond most movies, which I feel is one of the most important aspects of any film. It is definitely cute, and if that's not your style, than hey, that's fine.

[–] leo_g86 19 years ago

Everyone has a favorite among Jeunet's films and everyone wants him to go back doing the same style as he did in City of the lost children, Delicatessen or another Amelie depending on which you prefer. I love, absolutely am under the spell of Amelie, Delicatessen is in my top 10 while City of the lost children I didn't like at all 1st seeing it, but now when I have seen it 3 times I must say everytime I appreciate the film more and now I really like this movie. Let Jeunet explore his talent with all kind of stories, don't look to the past, Jeunet seems to be very interested in all kind of movies and don't seem to have any artistic limits, which I think the likes of Lynch, Tarantino and Terry Gilliams have. Jeunet's perfection and great imagination can be used in all kind of films, I think he kind of reminds me of Kubrick even if he isn't at the same level yet ofcourse. He just wants to go out and explore what he can do with his talent and not repeat the same thing over and over again.

Everyone have their opinion, but I think Jeunet is doing great so far and I don't see any limits for what he can do, his only limits lies in his past.

[–] kalahanic 19 years ago

i only seen delicatessen last weeki and I dont think i understood many aspects of it...Who are those troglodites and whats corn for??
Lo9ved some scenes, like the one when they are trying to fix the bed. Funny and very musical
All in all, good athmosphere, good characters and funny in a dark way.
apsolutely loved Amelie - its one of my faves now, and its still good after few watches.
I'll rent that City of Lost Children next

[–] eshu94530 19 years ago

The only answer to your question is WHATS on the film which is where my answer is coming form.
The trogs (etc.) are some kind of rebels or outcasts from the rest of society, who probably don't eat meat and live underground.
Whereas above they use vegetables as currency, they use it as food (also in summary.)

[–] 19 years ago

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[–] leo_g86 19 years ago

I heard that was the original underwater kiss hollywood since then has made into many movies. Is this true?

[–] 19 years ago

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[–] dachshundweaver 18 years ago

I agree, I love this movie but I think it could have been even better with a slightly different plot. I don't know exactly what that would be, but something other than boy-meets-girl, girl's-dad-tries-to-eat-boy.

~^~Help! Babies ate my dingo!~^~

[–] Laurgrl1210 17 years ago

"boy-meets-girl, girl's-dad-tries-to-eat-boy. " teehee AMAZING lol sounds like you combined Meet the Parents with Silence of the Lambs.

[–] tremblaylm 17 years ago

All of Jean-Pierre Jeunet's movies are amazing, but it is true that we sometimes lose interest in the plot, maybe because of all the humor and the efforts on the form (versus content).

[–] StaunchWoman 12 years ago

But, sure enough, about half way through the movie, I fell asleep. It was kinda cool, but not worth struggling to stay awake.

Having to struggle to stay awake is your problem, not the films.

We've met before, haven't we?

[–] ArmyofRabbits 12 years ago

I thought the movie went by really short for me--from beginning to end. I still think Jean-Pierre Jeunet is very underrated, especially by the mainstream crowd.

I guess it's only just taste.