A running time of only 58 minutes makes this fragile comedy of non-communication something more than a short subject but something less than a feature, putting the film in an awkward, unprogrammable position befitting its unique (if appropriately ovoid) perspective of social manners. To benefit most from its charming naiveté viewers must first adjust to the tentative rhythms of its protagonist: a simple, illiterate Dutch baker more comfortable balancing Zen-like piles of pebbles than going through the motions of carrying a conversation. Nothing much happens to him during the film, even after his buddies respond on his behalf to a personals ad, and the lonely recipient arrives in town one day with three pieces of luggage and unrealistic romantic expectations. Writer director Daniel Daniel's sense of humor is so quiet it may pass unnoticed, but the exaggerated geometrical compositions and odd, deliberate pacing recall the best (and likewise modest) comedies of Jacques Tati. Take note of the introductory titles, inserted every so often into the story, often for no apparent reason.
