By Andrea K. Hammer
After rejecting a couple of movies well beyond the 7-minute failed-to-capture-our interest test, a feel-good standby immediately reversed movie night.
In stark contrast to the first two films, Chef grabbed our interest from the sizzling opening cooking scene and kept us laughing through the fun photos interspersed with the closing credits. Prompting a discussion about why some movies work and others do not, a few of the successful elements that also mark good writing became clear:
- An engaging and understandable opening scene and story introduction
- Absence of a gruesome shocker in the first few minutes
- A clear story line that is relatively easy to follow
- A reasonable number of likable characters who viewers can readily identify and keep straight
- A logical sequence of scenes and story line with a clear beginning, middle and end
Along with Chef, here are a few other food films that meet these criteria and hold appeal as dependable and delectable movies:
Mostly Martha: Like Chef, Mostly Martha is particularly notable because of stunning food cinematography. The cooking close-ups are so strong that viewers can imagine the aromas of the food in preparation. These elements and the outstanding performances are powerful enough to balance the shocking incident in the movie, which is tastefully implied rather than shown in detail.
Burnt: Sharing the quality of delectable food cinematography, Burnt also manages to blend some rough scenes without ruining the taste. As a movie that reveals the growth of characters, a chef’s rise to stardom across the globe adds further spice.
The Hundred Foot Journey: With a delicious romantic element also flavoring this movie, this story manages to create simultaneous conflict between the two central characters. As a film that reveals the intense competition involved in this industry, The Hundred Foot Journey marks the short distance between flaming emotions.
Tortilla Soup: Focusing on a widowed father who tries to hold his family together during meals, this movie captures the expression of love through food. As three adult daughters take steps toward independent lives, identities and preferred preparation of certain dishes, shared food remains the common bond holding the family together.
Chocolat: With some off-putting close-ups and a scene showing the out-of-control desire for chocolate on a mouth devouring every morsel of a meal, Chocolat is equally riveting when focusing on the power of food to form connections. As an eclectic group gathers for an outdoor feast to fulfill the final wish of a severely ill diabetic, this movie shows the healing and potentially harmful aspects of indulging in favorite foods.
Mystic Pizza: Focusing on three young waitresses who serve pizza in a small town, this film takes a down-home approach to food. As their friendships and love interests take twists and turns, their shared effort to please a restaurant reviewer holds the group–including Julia Roberts, Annabeth Gish and Lili Taylor–together.
Can you think of other delicious food films? Post your comments now!