Thursday, September 13, 2007

The Iceberg (L’Iceberg) DVD

Headline: Surrealistic Belgian Seafaring Comedy Comes to DVD

No one notices when Fiona (Fiona Gordon), the manager of a fast food restaurant in Brussels, accidentally locks herself inside a walk-in refrigerator one night after closing. Not even her husband, Julien (Dominique Abel), or either of their two kids (Ophélie Rousseau and Robin Goupil).
After she’s finally freed the next morning, it becomes readily apparent to this reliable woman that she’s being taken for granted by everyone in her life. Then, while futilely attempting to thaw out, she experiences an epiphany which has her reevaluating her priorities.
Physically, Fiona now craves the cold, and the normally dependable mother and boss impulsively abandons her family and job to search, like a latter-day Captain Ahab, for a fabled, faraway, great white iceberg. In this endeavor, she enlists the assistance of Rene (Philippe Martz), a deaf giant with a tiny sailboat and a big heart.
With more than a hint of romance in the air, the two set out for the Arctic, Fiona’s alerted hubby in hot pursuit. So melts The Iceberg, a charming slapstick comedy from Belgium written and directed by its mime-like co-stars, Fiona Gordon and Dominique Abel. Silent for long stretches, though always visually engaging and endlessly inventive, the oft inane antics onscreen are most reminiscent of the best bits by the rubber-faced Mr. Bean.
However, this production actually does that hapless Brit one better, because not only is it funny, but it simultaneously takes time out to explore a variety of themes including love, loyalty, friendship and one’s relationship with oneself. Best of all, it delivers an uplifting message that maybe there’s no place like home afterall.

Excellent (4 stars)
Unrated
In French with subtitles
Running time: 84 minutesStudio: First Run Features Home Video

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