'Food (1992)' is a Czech short film comprised of three distinct segments: breakfast, lunch and dinner. The first involves a man entering a room and following a bizarre set of instructions to receive his meal, the second follows a pair of diners who are unable to get their waiter's attention and decide to eat whatever they can get their hands on instead, and the final is about a series of high-society people who are so focused on the extravagant garnishes they've been provided with that they fail to realise exactly what it is they've been served (or, perhaps, they just don't care). Initially, director Jan Svankmajer wanted to create this short back in the 70s, but was unable to do so due to the Communist rule in his country. By the time the 90s rolled around, the Velvet Revolution had occurred and the filmmaker was now free to create what would become a scathing commentary on the very people who prevented it from being made in the first place. The subtext of the picture is very clearly anti-Communist and each segment has a distinct theme targeting different aspects of the political movement. On top of its messaging, the piece is just an engaging and fairly bracing display of unconventional filmmaking. The live-action picture is created primarily using stop-motion techniques, which not only lends it a deliberately uncanny vibe but also allows for a seamless introduction of some absurdist visuals (crafted with plasticine). It's really convincing in its own way. This aesthetic consistency enhances the disturbing effect of some of the gags, as does the disgustingly precise sound design (if you don't like the sound of people eating, this isn't going to be a nice time for you). Some sections are more funny than frightening, even if the short is constantly conceptually unsettling and has a dark tone overall. There's definitely something off about the whole thing and this makes it a really compelling watch; it's the sort of thing you just can't look away from. It's a really well-made film that feels like it has something to say and a distinct way of saying it.
