'The Taste of Things' Review: A Subversive Tale of Later Life Love
Review of 'The Taste of Things', a deliciously subversive drama film starring Juliette Binoche.
A Radical and Risk-Taking Film
Tran Anh Hung's 'The Taste of Things' may appear to be just another period drama, but it is actually a radical and risk-taking film. Set in 1880s France, the movie takes place almost entirely in the kitchen and dining room of a country chateau. It has been praised for its exquisite opening sequence, which focuses on the meticulous preparation and consumption of a feast that lasts for over half an hour.
This opening sequence is audacious in its tranquil and uneventful nature, especially considering the pressure for films to immediately grab the audience's attention. Tran's decision to start the film with a quiet and contemplative scene is defiant and almost subversive.
Through this leisurely opening, the audience is able to fully explore the relationship between the two main characters, Dodin and Eugénie. They are depicted as equals, with an effortless intimacy that is felt both in the kitchen and outside it. Their love is revealed in a tender and well-worn manner, defying the expectations of usual cinematic portrayals of romance.
Parallel Sensual Experiences
Tran Anh Hung emphasizes the parallels between the sensual experiences of food and those of the flesh in 'The Taste of Things'. The film's characters express their pleasure and satisfaction through food, with scenes depicting indulgent feasts. These scenes are portrayed with a coital intensity, evoking sounds and actions that are reminiscent of sexual gratification.
While the symbolism in these scenes may lack subtlety, it adds to the overall unconventional nature of the film. Tran aims to create a very sensual and physical cinematic experience, blurring the lines between the pleasures of food and those of love and desire.
The film also explores the enduring love and pleasure between Dodin and Eugénie, who are depicted as an older couple in the autumn of their lives. Their comfortable familiarity and deepened connection over the years is rarely portrayed in cinema, making 'The Taste of Things' a refreshing and satisfying depiction of long-lasting love.
Expressing Love Through Food
In 'The Taste of Things', the love between Dodin and Eugénie is expressed through food rather than words. Dodin's longing for Eugénie is conveyed through the creation of a special dessert designed specifically for her. The film portrays the heartfelt nature of their relationship through the act of cooking and eating together.
The film captures a serene emotional harmony between Dodin and Eugénie, as well as an enduring pleasure in each other's company. It celebrates the simple joys of sharing a meal and the intimacy that can be found in the act of cooking for someone you love.
Overall, 'The Taste of Things' is a visually stunning and emotionally resonant film that challenges traditional narratives of love and romance. It is a feast for the senses, both in its depiction of food and its exploration of deep, long-lasting love.
