In the sumptuous film The Taste of Things, director Tran Anh Hung invites us into a world where gastronomy transcends mere sustenance. This French masterpiece tantalizes the senses, blending romance, artistry, and delectable cuisine.
The opening scene, a mesmerizing 38-minute culinary ballet, unfolds in a rustic country kitchen. Dodin Bouffant (played by Benoît Magimel), a renowned epicure, orchestrates the meal alongside Eugénie (the luminous Juliette Binoche). Their silent choreography—sautéing, chopping, and simmering—creates an edible symphony. The camera glides, capturing every savory detail, leaving viewers entranced and salivating.
The film is a visual feast that tantalizes the senses, but it’s more than just food porn. It weaves a captivating story of two individuals, Dodin and Eugénie, who have been working tirelessly side by side for two decades. Eugénie, a talented cook and an artist, takes young prodigy Pauline (Bonnie Chagneau-Ravoire) under her wing. Pauline has an exceptional palate that can discern the complex flavors and ingredients of a broth with a single taste. Eugénie carefully cultivates and nurtures Pauline’s gift, and their relationship is one of the most tender and heartwarming aspects of the film.
The Taste of Things draws inspiration from Marcel Rouff’s novel The Passionate Epicure (1920). Beyond the kitchen, it explores love, longing, and the passage of time. As Dodin and Eugénie prepare exquisite meals, their shared nights hint at a deeper connection. The film’s direction and cinematography elevate each morsel, making us yearn for a taste of their world.
Juliette Binoche’s performance is a culinary revelation, and the film’s layers unfold like a perfectly seasoned dish. Whether you’re a food enthusiast or a hopeless romantic, The Taste of Things will leave you savoring its flavors long after the credits roll.
For those seeking a feast for the eyes and the heart, this film is a must-watch. The film opens at the Fargo Theatre on Friday, February 23rd. Bon appétit!
