The landscape and food shots are undeniably gorgeous. This is truly a food porn movie. Enough so I looked up other projects by Jean-Marie Dreujou, the cinematographer, to add to my to-watch list. Truely a standing ovation for everyone involved in making the cooking scenes the achievement they are.
However, the script is not good. The two lead actors and a few off the side characters are very talented, but as the film went on I continually zoned out once the story beat was established, waiting for the real heart of the film to return. The food and the lanscapes.
Louise's shifting backstory became dull rather than intriguing. The relationship between her and Pierre squandered its potential. Pierre's narrative was slightly better, but also felt flat after hitting the same story beat multiple times without progression. The film did not know where to focus when the food wasn't on screen.
Worst of all, there are so many moments of "did you get that reference?" The son constantly name dropping to ensure the audience never goes five minutes without being reminded that 'hey, this is the eve of the French Revolution'. He had no character, he was just a walking, annoying parody. It even invades food moments. The 'Pomme frites? That will never catch on.' line had me recoiling. It felt so out of place.
I wish I could give this film a higher rating. The parts that are good would make this a solid 8/10 film. It just has too many other scenes that drag it down.
However, the script is not good. The two lead actors and a few off the side characters are very talented, but as the film went on I continually zoned out once the story beat was established, waiting for the real heart of the film to return. The food and the lanscapes.
Louise's shifting backstory became dull rather than intriguing. The relationship between her and Pierre squandered its potential. Pierre's narrative was slightly better, but also felt flat after hitting the same story beat multiple times without progression. The film did not know where to focus when the food wasn't on screen.
Worst of all, there are so many moments of "did you get that reference?" The son constantly name dropping to ensure the audience never goes five minutes without being reminded that 'hey, this is the eve of the French Revolution'. He had no character, he was just a walking, annoying parody. It even invades food moments. The 'Pomme frites? That will never catch on.' line had me recoiling. It felt so out of place.
I wish I could give this film a higher rating. The parts that are good would make this a solid 8/10 film. It just has too many other scenes that drag it down.
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