Tran Anh Hung's "The Taste of Things" opens with a mesmerizing 38-minute scene in a bustling country kitchen, where characters meticulously prepare a multi-course meal. This scene sets the tone for the entire film - an intimate sci-fi narrative focused on the human element of a global disaster. The camera fluidly captures every detail, from the sizzling vegetables to the meticulous chopping, immersing viewers in the culinary process.
This opening scene subtly reveals the relationships between the characters without relying on dialogue. We meet Dodin Bouffant (Benoît Magimel), the culinary overseer, and his kitchen partner Eugénie (Juliette Binoche), who exudes joy and pride in her artistry. Accompanying them are two young assistants, Violette (Galatéa Bellugi) and Pauline (Bonnie Chagneau-Ravoire), the latter a gastronomic prodigy.
Adapted from Marcel Rouff’s 1920 novel "The Passionate Epicure," the film unfolds through extended scenes of cooking that captivate without overwhelming. The focus on the culinary arts creates a visual feast, making "The Taste of Things" a standout in the genre of food movies.
The film delves deeper than its focus on food preparation. It explores the twenty-year working relationship between Dodin and Eugénie, whose past is shrouded in mystery. Their relationship, marked by mutual respect and shared culinary passion, is an integral part of the narrative. They share nights together and Dodin has proposed marriage multiple times, only to be turned down by Eugénie, who cherishes their current dynamic.
Director Tran Anh Hung, known for "The Scent of Green Papaya," allows the story to naturally unfold. The film's devotion to food acts as both a reality and a metaphor for the care and love in human relationships. This is beautifully captured through Jonathan Ricquebourg’s cinematography and Toma Baqueni’s production design, which breathes life into the kitchen setting.
"The Taste of Things" is ultimately a mature love story, devoid of the typical neurotic anxieties of romantic narratives. Dodin and Eugénie’s relationship is marked by frank discussions and a deep understanding of each other. A poignant scene captures them unwinding after a day's work, discussing the possibility of changing their relationship dynamics.
The film focuses on the "how" rather than the "what" in relationships, revealing the characters' deep connection through their shared culinary passion. As acting teacher Stella Adler once said, it’s more important to know what you do and do it passionately, a sentiment embodied by Dodin and Eugénie's partnership.
American food writer M.F.K. Fisher once noted the intertwined nature of our basic needs for food, security, and love. "The Taste of Things" beautifully echoes this sentiment, portraying cooking not just as a culinary act but as an expression of love. In this film, cooking for someone is synonymous with loving them, blending these aspects into a seamless experience.
