Short Order (2005)

Before The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, Mr. Bean's Holiday or The Science of Sleep, there was Short Order. While it has just reached our shores a couple of months ago, it is not a new film. It is, however, a film for those who like fantasy and lightness and beauty.

Of course, the great beauty in all the films mentioned is Emma de Caunes, the star of this film; a short order cook who is actually a great chef, but is afraid to step out and let the world judge her. De Caunes is enjoyable in every film I have seen above, and she is most enjoyable here.

Running a close second is her friend in the film, played by Cosma Shiva Hagen, whom I have not seen before, but certainly want to search out.

The rest of the cast, which included John Hurt and Vanessa Redgrave, as well as an enchanting Tatiana Ouliankina in her first film added to this strange fantasy about life and food in a way that can only be appreciated by viewing; mere words do their performances no justice.

There are two themes running throughout: one the quest for the whale al la Moby Dick, and the continual referencing of sex and food. It is quite hilarious to hear those references, and made the film well worth watching.