In terms of screen time, Antonio does not play a major role in I Am Love. In terms of the film's story, however, he's of major importance, his cooking causing the protagonist to have a moment of spiritual awakening that begins the process of her breaking away from the rigid rules of her unsatisfactory life and running away. With Antonio. That must have been one hell of a dish.
French exile Babette creates a meal so rich, so sumptuous, so extraordinary that it manages to break down that the religious austerity of her Danish hosts. More than just a meal, she provides a balm for old wounds and hatreds, and a spiritually uplifting experience. Not bad for a 10,000 franc meal.
You've got to hand it to someone who makes a banquet for his family each and every week. Especially when every banquet brings with it a bombshell or two to shift the dynamics of the family.
Under normal circumstances, a rat near the food could only be a bad thing. In Ratatouille, however, it's the rat who makes the magic happen in the kitchen. Sure, the restaurant gets shut down for health code violations, but in the end everything works out for everyone, including the rat chef.
There's no beating Julia Child, particularly when she's portrayed by Meryl Streep in an absolutely delightful performance.
2 comments:
I was afraid you were going to leave off Remy. Glad you didn't. Great list.
Leaving Remy off the list would have been unthinkable!
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