By Chlotrudis Independent Film Society
Rating: 5 cats
Director: David Sigal
Country: united_states
Year: 2011
Running time: 87
IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1378667/
Bruce says: “Cities have a way of defining themselves, adding up pieces the wholes of which greatly surpass the sums of their parts. FLORENT: QUEEN OF THE MEAT MARKET presents a case in point. Florent was not just another restaurant; it was a cultural beacon, a meeting place, a refuge for Downtown New Yorkers. Much like the very entertaining documentary I LIKE KILLING FLIES featuring Kenny Shopsin of Shopsin’s restaurant, this film examines the man behind a restaurant that became
a New York institution; however the owners of the two restaurants could not be more different. Kenny Shopsin is a curmudgeon; Florent is charming, ebullient and focused on a picture much extending way beyond his explicit domain.
“Born in rural France, Florent Morellet moved to New York because he never was a fan of Paris. When he opened Florent in the midst of the meatpacking district in 1985 many people thought the restaurant would be a typical New York flash-in-the-pan, gone within months. Florent himself says he had no real plan other than to serve good French food in an American diner type atmosphere, in a place that was affordable…..for him and for his customers. What happened thereafter – a restaurant that morphed into an artist colony – just evolved. The foremost secret of Florent’s success was hiring really good people and treating them well. Many of his employees were artists themselves, people who needed steady jobs to support their passions. Soon performance artists were appearing on counter tops and tables; a Daily Specials Board included tips on what art events to go to as well as political commentary.
“Dozens of talking heads reminisce about Florent, the restaurant and the man. Florent himself captures the lion’s share of screen time. More than a restaurateur, Florent sees himself as an activist. In 1987 his mother and friends begged him not to
disclose the fact that he had become HIV Positive; he ignored them and opted for becoming an AIDS poster boy. He helped
organize a pro-choice march on Washington in 1992 and the gay march on Washington in 1993. In 2000 he hosted the first meeting to save the Gansevoort Market as, one by one the meatpacking companies were moving to other boroughs. The entire meatpacking district is now landmarked.
“Florent’s less serious self promoted an annual Bastille Day street party where he appeared in drag. Picture Marie Antoinette
packing a water pistol filled with Veuve Cliquot. Florent was also the Grand Marshall of the 37th gay Pride Parade. His larger-than –life persona has had its downsides – Florent has struggled with drugs, sex addition and being a workaholic. In addition to a thorough portrait of a man, the film provides an abundance of archival footage, capturing the unique mood of the restaurant and the spirit of New York during the 23 years the restaurant’s doors were open. 5 cats”