Ratatouille (2007, Pixar)
Film • By Robert K. Foster
I went and saw the new Pixar/Disney animated film Ratatouille on its opening day in a very nice THX enhanced sound theater. I wanted to see the film because all of the advanced footage I’d seen seemed to have a high quality of artistic vision. It seemed likely that I would be disappointed by the film itself but I wanted to see it for the aforementioned reason.
It turns out that I was not disappointed. This film can be easily compared to such classic Disney films as Lady and the Tramp, which was the first to come to mind due to its also having Paris as a major theme and backdrop. Ratatouille is very rich visually, has a lot of reflections on the value of life, and in a bizarre way makes a commentary on the nature of prejudice. There is also a lot of visual symbolism that is sometimes subtle, sometimes not so subtle. I don’t want to give anything away but if you see the film look for the scene in Anton Ego’s Study where the point of view is from the ceiling looking down on the room from above. Ask yourself what the shape of the room reminds you of.
One unexpected aspect of the film was that it really had something to say about “cooking”, not just “making dinner” but actually cooking in a creative way. The importance of the way in which good cooking can evoke fond memories, far off places, and even people you have not seen in some time is a major theme of the film. It actually made me want to go home and try my hand at some gourmet cooking.
If you get a chance to see the film it is much worth the cost of a ticket for both adults and children alike.
Here are a few links to online resources about the film:
Official Disney Site: Ratatouille
Apple Movie Trailers: Ratatouille
Internet Movie Database: Ratatouille
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Posted by Robert K. Foster on 06/30 at 05:54 PM
Film
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