I know I've been pointing out that the food film or the concept is now a bonafide genre and fully incorporated into film and media, but even I'm surprised at how much momentum it seems to have lately. I've just seen a trailer for another food film with Helen Mirren, (The Hundred Foot Journey) about an Indian restaurant in France, and an even more surprising first, a food sitcom (don't remember the name).
Jon also sent me a link to another food film in the work with Jean Reno (remember The Professional? or Femme Nikita --the film not the series?) as the chef, called (of course) Le Chef, though apparently it debuted in France two years ago. Perhaps the success of Chef made them think Le Chef could find a similar audience.
Jon also sent me a link to another food film in the work with Jean Reno (remember The Professional? or Femme Nikita --the film not the series?) as the chef, called (of course) Le Chef, though apparently it debuted in France two years ago. Perhaps the success of Chef made them think Le Chef could find a similar audience.
I have been surprised at the increasing influence in film/television! I'm not sure is NBC Hannibal has been mentioned before, but fine foods is definitely a core part of the show, considering every episode is named after a course (season 1 was French, season 2 was Japanese). I haven't kept up with the fandom, but was amazed when I saw that the night of the season 2 finale people were posting pictures of their large, rather fancy meals that they had cooked just for the occasion. Eating along with the show had become a tradition for a lot of people. While probably strange to many, the food is very quirky yet interactive element.
ReplyDeleteIf you are speaking of sit-coms. You could put "Three's Company" in there. It did not revolve around food. But John Ritter's character "Jack" did go through cooking school and open a restaurant. Or Anthony Bourdian's "No Resevations" and his current "Parts Unknown". I am not sure if it fits into the genre. I have enjoyed Bourdain's program for years.
ReplyDeleteThe influence has shown up for years, it is just that cable has allowed the food to have its own channels and be apart of everyday occurs in television and film.
I haven't checked out Hannibal yet, and didn't realize it worked the whole Hannibal the Cannibal thing into a culinary theme. Probably be interesting to connect with Delicatessen.
ReplyDeleteAs for the sitcom, the one I mentioned doesn't simply feature food apparently, but makes it a central part of the plots (not sure how). Apparently, it's called Young & Hungry. Bourdain's shows and the like are something entirely different, a sort of food tourism, which is fun, but not the same thing as a regular sitcom.
Does anyone remember the sitcom "2 Guys a Girl and a Pizza Place"? I remember it doing alright at first but never really getting too big. Was the world not "foodie" enough yet for a food centered sitcom, or am I remembering the show as better than it actually was?
ReplyDeleteI am surprised that it has not happened sooner! Such a pleasure in life - Food! It really has caused me to consider how food has played a part in many films/shows. We have so many to pick from now. My personal favorite - Diners, Drive-In's, and Dives.
ReplyDeleteYa, it really is surprising the sucess of these shows. i know my wife hardly ever watches TV but she watches two of those basic five cooking shows whenever she is not working. Ive also noticed since she started wtahcing them her meals have gotten better to which i find funny.
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