The Taste of Things: A Gorgeous Celebration of the Art of Cooking and Love
IFC Films
The Taste of Things, starring Juliette Binoche (Eugenie) and her real life ex, Benoit Magimel (Dodin Bouffant), is a story of a celebrity chef and his cook, that have worked together and been lovers for 20 years. Directed by Ahn Hung Tran, the story is set in 1889 France in Dodin’s beautiful manor home, where both he and Eugenie spend nearly every moment creating culinary art in his rustic kitchen.
the perfect mix
When the film opens we see a breathtaking montage of Eugenie, Dodin and their helpers creating a feast for the dinner party that Dodin is hosting for his closest friends. It delves into the hard work, knowledge and craft that professional chefs endure to manifest the most exquisite sensorial, palate pleasing experience.
It is clear that Eugenie and Dodin are masters of the kitchen and amazing teachers to Violette (Galatea Bellugi), the housemaid and her young niece Pauline (Bonnie Chagneau-Ravoire), who may very well be a natural savant in the kitchen . Director Anh Hung Tran and crew, create an effortless looking scene that flows back and forth and doesn’t miss a beat.
As the film continues, we learn that Eugenie and Dodin’s relationship is deeper than it appears. Dodin has spent many years asking Eugenie to marry him, but she denies him every time saying that she retains more independence and decision making by staying single. which, in that time, definitely holds true.
When Dodin gets the invitation of a lifetime to dine and then cook for a Prince, everyone is over the moon. Unfortunately Eugenie hides an illness that is causing her pain and may interfere with their work and their relationship.
When Eugenie refuses his hand in marriage yet again, he decides to create a meal especially for her, using all of the right ingredients to impress her, in the hopes that she will finally accept him.
IFC Films
in all honesty…
The Taste of Things, even though lighter on story, is an exquisite film celebrating art, love and cooking.
It was fascinating watching the creation of all their dishes especially while using less culinary technology than we have today. Everything was done with equal parts perfectionism and love. It was a time when our quick cooking gadgets weren’t available and the beauty in taking one’s time to make everything from scratch.
Dodin has his own garden in his back yard and everyone uses only the freshest ingredients, sourced locally and from far away. The richness of this tradition is far lost on society today where the mentality is “faster is better”. No chain restaurants today come anywhere near the wholeness and the sublime natural ingredients done in days past.
Juliette Binoche is beautiful as always, and such a perfect addition to this film.
Her Eugenie is earnestly devoted to craft and is earnestly independent from the rules of the patriarchy and being “owned” by a husband. Though you can see that she loves Dodin, she does it through the perspective of clarity, knowing exactly who she is and what she wants to do.
Dodin is naturally drawn to her because of her self respect and how different she is than most women. Eugenie does what she can to remain useful and also keep the mood light surrounding her unfortunate mystery illness. Binoche herself has never married and I find that remarkably admirable.
IFC Films
The sets and production design are impeccable and the flow of the moving shots sets you under a spell of sorts as it takes you dancing across the screen. The rustic kitchen was absolutely stunning and I enjoyed every second of being in it.
Couple that with breathtaking countryside cinematography from Jonathan Ricquebourg and you’ve got a recipe for a moving symphony.
I do wish that there was more to the story regarding Dodin and Eugenie’s relationship. As it is, we only get to see some rather topical events that happen between them, but it is impossible not to love the film and its characters.
It’s a refreshingly delightful replacement to all of the loud CGI debacles out there now and I highly recommend it to those who want to watch true artistry in motion.