A culinary masterpiece: Tran Anh Hùng’s The Taste of Things serves up sensory delights and defies stereotypes.
Trần Anh Hùng’s The Taste of Things is a culinary masterpiece that not only graced the 2023 Cannes Film Festival with its presence in Competition but also swept the Best Director Award and has the honor of representing France in the upcoming Oscar race (as La passion de Dodin Bouffant). Opening the 52nd Festival du Nouveau Cinéma in Montréal, this film is a sumptuous feast for the senses.
Set in 1885 France, the story follows Eugénie (Juliette Binoche), who has devoted two decades of her life as the cook for the renowned gastronome Dodin (Benoît Magimel). Their shared love for gastronomy gives birth to dishes so unique and delectable that they attract clientele from all corners of the globe. The film’s strength lies in its ability to draw the audience into the meticulous creation of these lavish meals. Every frame and sound immerse viewers in a sensory and even sensual experience.
While the dialogue may at times come across as somewhat stilted, akin to recitations rather than natural conversations, the film’s vivid culinary preparations more than compensate for any shortcomings in language. The camera, often steadycam-mounted, elegantly dances between characters, ingredients, and pots and pans, narrating not only the tale of crafting exquisite dishes but also the dynamics between characters.
The Taste of Things boasts a relatively simple storyline, but it’s interwoven with the film’s profound passion for cuisine and the scrupulous, meticulous, and gratifying preparation of mouthwatering dishes. This devotion is what keeps the film engaging throughout its over two-hour runtime, even though the plot occasionally follows a predictable path.
Juliette Binoche delivers an outstanding performance as Eugénie, portraying a woman who embodies independence, dedication, sensitivity, and fervor in her role as Dodin’s faithful cook for two decades. Her on-screen chemistry with Dodin mirrors the love that binds them, with their romance deeply intertwined with their culinary creations.
The cinematography is nothing short of impressive, with visuals bathed in a luminous glow that infiltrates the kitchen, enhancing the aromas, vapors, and characters. The film’s cinematography evokes a genuine painterly inspiration, with particular attention to shots reminiscent of impressionist paintings.
Beyond the breathtaking culinary creations, what truly shines in The Taste of Things is the dynamic between Dodin and his cook, Eugénie. Their love story unfolds through the art of cooking, with actions speaking louder than words. Their relationship defies stereotypes, as Dodin, who possesses all the qualities of an inspired and talented chef, could easily have succumbed to the tyranny that often accompanies culinary excellence. However, his love for Eugénie humbles him, and his admiration for her eclipses any regard he might have for foreign dignitaries who come to savor his singular dishes.
In the end, The Taste of Things is an enchanting ode to the art of cuisine, brimming with sensory delights and an endearing love story. Despite minor dialogue-related shortcomings and a somewhat predictable plot, this film is a delightful cinematic banquet that will leave your senses craving for more. Trần Anh Hùng’s creation is a culinary journey that deserves every accolade it receives on its festival career.
