Animated features can sometimes have the most unlikely champions. One can look no further thanRoger Ebert’s reviewofBeavis and Butt-Head Do America, where the venerable film critic stated: “To study (Beavis and Butt-Head) is to learn about a culture of narcissism, alienation, functional illiteracy, instant gratification, and television zombiehood. Those who deplore Beavis and Butt-Head are confusing the messengers with the message."
Ratatouille,an animated feature about a rat pursuing his dreams of becoming a chef, received acclaim from another respected voice in a particular industry. Anthony Bourdain, a celebrity chef who brought worldwide cuisine to a much larger audience, cited it as his favorite film about the food and restaurant industry.Bourdain told Entertainment Weeklyin 2011 thatRatatouillewas “a measure of how deficient Hollywood has been in making an accurate restaurant-food-based film,” because it was so good it put the others to shame.
To Dream the Impossible Dream
Ratatouilleis one of many animated films in which a likable protagonist has a dream, one that they must overcome impossible odds to accomplish. Despite the difficulties, we can’t help but get behind them and their situation, hoping for a fulfilling resolution.Ratatouillefollows Remy (voiced by Patton Oswalt), a rat who dreams of becoming a chef and following in the footsteps of his hero, recently deceased celebrity chef Auguste Gusteau (Brad Garrett). Remy soon finds an unlikely ally in his quest to become a culinary master, Alfredo Linguini (Lou Romano), a garbage boy and aspiring chef, who keeps Remy under his hat and allows the rat to guide his motions in the kitchen.
Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure Is Coming to EPCOT for Disney World’s 50th Anniversary
Disney has announced a new Ratatouille experience at Walt Disney World’s EPCOT this fall.
Longtime fans of Disney’s animated filmsmight notice a striking similarity betweenRatatouilleandBen & Me.Ben & Me, a 1953 animated short based on the novel of the same name by Robert Lawson, follows Amos, a mouse living under the hat of Benjamin Franklin who helps the founding father craft inventions and make important choices regarding American independence.
The similarities that both films share do nothing to diminish the whimsy and appeal thatRatatouillepossesses. We find ourselves rooting forthe unlikely duoof Remy and Linguini, wanting nothing more than to see the rodent achieve his impossible dream against all odds. The incredible animation from Pixar and direction by Brad Bird, coupled with a stellar cast, makesRatatouillea thoroughly enjoyable film, instantly relatable to those who have wanted to follow a dream.
Remarkable Praise from a Culinary Giant
Ratatouillereceived commercial and critical success upon release, and it would be hard to find anyone who found the film unenjoyable. Among those who found the film instantly relatable to those operating in the culinary world, Anthony Bourdain praised its accuracy of life in the restaurant industry. Bourdain would tell Entertainment Weekly:
“They got the food, the reactions to food, and tiny details to food really right — down to the barely noticeable pink burns on one of the character’s forearms.I really thought it captured a passionate love of food in a way that very few other films have.”
To sayBourdain’s words carry weightto them would be an understatement, as the chef devoted considerable time to bringing more awareness to cuisine from across the globe.
Pixar’s animated feature is full of whimsy, with an underdog coming out on top, regardless of having insurmountable odds against them.Bourdain’s comments about realism and accuracy also extend to other aspects of the film. The kitchen in which Remy and Linguini operate is staffed by an eclectic group of individuals with unique personalities.Ratatouilledoesn’t shy away from thedouble standard of gender roles, as seen with Collette (Janeane Garofalo), Linguini’s love interest, who needs to work twice as hard for recognition.
A24’s Anthony Bourdain Biopic Finally Confirms Who Will Play the Iconic Chef
A major A-list actor has also joined the cast.
In addition to the frenetic world of working in a kitchen, there are the pressures of success, whether dealing with a critic whose reputation can make or break an establishment or using brand recognition to bring in additional revenue.Ratatouilleincludes all of these aspects from the culinary world, and does so without sacrificing its whimsical tone or ability to entertain the audience through its charming narrative.
The fact that such a powerful figure in the culinary world would praiseRatatouillesolidifies its reputation as one of the greatest animated films of the modern era. Regardless of one’s taste in cinema, Pixar’s 2007 effort is a delightful dish that anyone can enjoy.
Where Can I Watch ‘Ratatouille’?
Hungry for a whimsical animated feature? You’re in luck.Ratatouilleis currently streaming on Disney+.
