Any film that opens with a song and dance number is just fine by me. So, even though that particular Wednesday my ears were blocked, my head was pounding, and I couldn't find the paracetamol, Short Order lifted my spirits no end. Written and directed by Irishman Antony Byrne, Short Order is a visual treat. All colour and movement and puddles with whales coming out of them, this film is the ultimate escape even if only for a hundred minutes.

So, the basic story is about Fifi Koko, a young and talented chef (with skin, hair, and eyes that depressed me slightly... well, a lot if I'm honest!) who doesn't know if she's coming or going. Now, this may sound like any young woman who is maybe at that point in her life where she has to get up off her arse and start making some decisions (not referring to myself of course!), but the thing is that Fifi's food is so good it's... well, it's orgasm inducing. I think we can all agree that this is a pretty hefty talent to have, and I don't blame her for wanting to take the time to think about it. Played by Emma de Caunes, we meet Fifi as she is about to start the nightshift in a small food stall on a cobblestone street - surely not the best outlet for her skill, but it affords her the time to process how she's feeling. This process includes a discussion with the mad Paulo (the chef next door), a candlelit dinner plus a brief but romantic dance with a stranger, relentless job offers from Felix, and big mad girly chats with Catherine the delivery girl.

Short Order compares sex and food quite a bit, but it's not the normal food you would think of. It's pizza, hot-dogs, and omelettes. I'm going to take a leap of faith here and assume you readers can figure out the hot-dogs and omelettes yourselves, but believe me when I say you'll never look at a pizza the same way again! I love food. End. Of. Story. I'd try anything at least once, and I have no qualms about putting anything between two slices of bread (boarding school mentality). And while a good Chinese take away from Parnell St. often makes me very happy, I've never been, how should I put this... completely satisfied! What if all food had this effect on us? What if all you had to do was hop into Spar, grab a roll and BOOM - you're in heaven! My God, how different our society and South William Street would be! That's one of the best things about this film - it's a thinker. It's not just a barrage of images and information, it makes you want to discuss it, and I say fair play to Mr. Byrne for achieving this.

This film also deals with the notion that people occasionally need to be denied some things or havoc would ensue. In Fifi's case it's her refusal to unleash her talent on the world. Well done her, because the place would go mad! Catherine is desperate to know everything and understand everything, but she learns that maybe going with the flow is a much better plan. And Felix is denied Fifi, but if she agreed straightaway they wouldn't have the firm friendship they display in the film.

Short Order is shot beautifully. The colours are emphasised and the characters seem to jump right out the screen. But check out the scene where Fifi is cooking the prawns: the camera is focused on her face and on her movements and barely on the food. Beautifully shot and excellently executed, this shot lasts an entire song (sung by de Caunes herself) but it feels like an instant. So, that's it. Great film, quirky story, and it's a headscratcher. When I left the Savoy I decided to have noodles... they were alright.

Rated 16 (see IFCO website for details)
Short Order is released on 3rd March 2006.
Short Order – Official website