by Tabatha Golat –
Much like an amazing meal, a good film requires the proper ingredients to satisfy the palate. The recipe for a standout film depends on taste – some like sweet and fluffy, while others prefer the heat of an action film. I enjoy a variety of genres, but this month’s film recommendation, Julie & Julia, hits the spot if you’re looking for something comforting as we ease into fall.
Julie & Julia is a 2009 biographical culinary comedy/drama that blends the true-life stories of chef Julia Child (Meryl Streep) and writer Julie Powell (Amy Adams) as they cook their way through 524 recipes. Written and directed by Nora Ephron, the film is a beautiful homage to Julia Child’s work, whose passion for cooking is meticulously translated on screen, creating a feast for the eyes. The film may just inspire you to try some new recipes of your own.
Julie & Julia opens with a glimpse into the life of famed American chef Julia Child in the 1950s after she and her diplomat husband move to Paris. Julia enrolls in Le Cordon Bleu, a French cooking school, where she is met with skepticism as the only female chef. Her enthusiasm and determination to learn the art of French cooking eventually land her a book deal and acclaim as a talented chef. Flash forward to 2002, where that very book (Mastering The Art of French Cooking) is discovered by Julie Powell, an unfulfilled writer desperate to find reprieve from her depressing day job. Julie decides to cook every recipe from the book over the course of one year while documenting her experience on a blog. This means she must try 524 recipes, a feat that garners the attention of a New York Times food writer who features Julie’s blog in an article. The feature propels Julie’s writing career forward, and she gains attention from literary agents.
While the film blends timelines and showcases both women’s stories, the real highlight is the food. Both women come to appreciate the art of cooking and the beauty of food through their experimentation in the kitchen, and Ephron does a beautiful job of sharing that joy with the audience. A poached egg has never looked so good! My only advice when viewing this film (available on Netflix) would be to eat a good meal beforehand or your stomach will be grumbling!
For more films that showcase the art of good food, check out my recommendations below:
1) Jiro Dreams of Sushi, Apple TV
2) Sideways, Prime
3) Eat Pray Love, Netflix
4) The Lunch Box, Prime
5) Big Night, Apple TV
