Culinary Verite
During my short stint at film school in the mid-90's I was constantly asked the question:"What's your favorite movie?".
I'd always answer that picking one was impossible, but perhaps I could narrow it down to ten (and even that might be a stretch). Well now that my professional life has taken a decidedly less cinematic turn, the question du jour is now the equally tough: "What's your favorite food?". Which, as I think about it, might even be more difficult to answer (although I'd pay to see the
10-course, winner-takes-all bout: Rustic Italian vs. Royal Thai). So in an effort to answer these questions, simultaneously, I am now going to list my favorite "food films", in no particular order.
Eat Drink Man Woman (1994) The opening scene of this Ang Lee masterwork is one of the most visually stunning filmed food sequences in history. And if you feel like Mexican, rent "Tortilla Soup" a lesser remake with a Latino flare.
Babette's Feast (1987) A Danish film based on the short story by Isak Dineson. If this film doesn't make you want to throw a beautiful dinner party, nothing will. This film was the inspiration for 'Chocolat', just without the metaphysical mumbojumbo.
Celebration (1998) Another Danish film, this one by Thomas Vinterberg, but with a black comedic streak. A great film to watch at family gatherings, provided there are no major skeletons in the closet.
Tampopo (1995) The Japonese noodle film with a great performance from a young Ken Watanabe.
Heavy (1995) This small, indie made by James Mangold is more a story of unrequited love than a foodie film. However, the scenes at the Culinary Institute of America are interesting.
Mostly Martha (2000) German chefs falling in love while on the line. Believable and entertaining, with great scenes in the kitchen.
Big Night (1996) There isn't a "top food films" list that doesn't include this one. I added it simply for the "two starches" scene.
And a few films that aren't really food related, but have really powerfuly scenes involving food or cooking: Goodfellas (garlic), Munich (French cooking, offal), The Cook The Thief His Wife and Her Lover (cannibalism).
During my short stint at film school in the mid-90's I was constantly asked the question:"What's your favorite movie?".
I'd always answer that picking one was impossible, but perhaps I could narrow it down to ten (and even that might be a stretch). Well now that my professional life has taken a decidedly less cinematic turn, the question du jour is now the equally tough: "What's your favorite food?". Which, as I think about it, might even be more difficult to answer (although I'd pay to see the
10-course, winner-takes-all bout: Rustic Italian vs. Royal Thai). So in an effort to answer these questions, simultaneously, I am now going to list my favorite "food films", in no particular order.
Eat Drink Man Woman (1994) The opening scene of this Ang Lee masterwork is one of the most visually stunning filmed food sequences in history. And if you feel like Mexican, rent "Tortilla Soup" a lesser remake with a Latino flare.
Babette's Feast (1987) A Danish film based on the short story by Isak Dineson. If this film doesn't make you want to throw a beautiful dinner party, nothing will. This film was the inspiration for 'Chocolat', just without the metaphysical mumbojumbo.
Celebration (1998) Another Danish film, this one by Thomas Vinterberg, but with a black comedic streak. A great film to watch at family gatherings, provided there are no major skeletons in the closet.
Tampopo (1995) The Japonese noodle film with a great performance from a young Ken Watanabe.
Heavy (1995) This small, indie made by James Mangold is more a story of unrequited love than a foodie film. However, the scenes at the Culinary Institute of America are interesting.
Mostly Martha (2000) German chefs falling in love while on the line. Believable and entertaining, with great scenes in the kitchen.
Big Night (1996) There isn't a "top food films" list that doesn't include this one. I added it simply for the "two starches" scene.
And a few films that aren't really food related, but have really powerfuly scenes involving food or cooking: Goodfellas (garlic), Munich (French cooking, offal), The Cook The Thief His Wife and Her Lover (cannibalism).
posted by KTW at 11:41 AM
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