Directed by Chiara Malta and Sébastien Laudenbach, “Chicken for Linda!” (Linda veut du poulet!) made its mark at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival in the ACID Cannes parallel section. This French-Italian animated comedy has garnered attention and acclaim, receiving a nomination for Best Feature at the prestigious 2023 Annecy International Animated Film Festival.
On the surface, “Chicken for Linda!” appears to have a straightforward plot, but it quickly transcends expectations by adopting the form and imagery of an experimental film. The characters, portrayed as little more than color blobs, particularly noticeable in long shots, and the animation style that leans towards minimalism, lend the film a distinct artistic quality. The creative use of color to convey character traits and the simplicity of the anime-inspired lines give the film a pop art comic strip aesthetic.
As the creators have emphasized, the film is firmly rooted in the present day, set in an ordinary housing project on the day of a general strike. “Chicken for Linda!” tells the story of a runaway chicken determined to evade becoming a meal for a stereotypical French mother and daughter. In this seemingly mundane backdrop, the film crafts a whimsical narrative without relying on fantasy worlds or grand missions to save the world.
The animated feature evokes the spirit of Jacques Tati’s films, reminiscent of a crazy slapstick comedy where the plot takes a backseat to the series of absurd events. The narrative unfolds through a bizarre sequence of occurrences, imbuing the film with a sense of spontaneity and freshness. The characters’ contradicting actions become a source of humor, shaping the events in delightfully unexpected ways.
Chiara Malta and Sébastien Laudenbach not only co-directed but also penned the screenplay for “Linda veut du poulet!” Catherine Aladenise’s skilled editing enhances the film’s pacing and comedic timing, while Clément Ducol’s original score adds a delightful touch to the overall experience. The film is a result of collaboration among Dolce Vita Films, Marc Irmer, MIYU Productions, Emmanuel-Alain Raynal, Pierre Baussaron, Palosanto Films, and Flaminio Zadra.
“Chicken for Linda!” is a captivating animated comedy that pushes the boundaries of traditional storytelling. Its experimental visual style, reminiscent of pop art, and its blend of whimsy and absurdity create a unique and enjoyable cinematic experience. With Malta and Laudenbach at the helm, this animated gem showcases their creative prowess and promises to leave audiences smiling long after the credits roll.
