Cinema has a long tradition of food-based film – and well it should, for the two forms of artistry have much in common. Both are about the careful blending of the perfect ingredients, the connection to the consumer, and the immersion of the senses. But, while catering is its own skill, cinema relies upon life, society and culture to represent its stories – and food provides all manner of opportunities for that.
Preparation, experimentation, presentation, and consumption – all aspects of food have been used by filmmakers to metaphorically represent broader experiences. From Charlie Chaplin’s tasty boot in 1925’s Gold Rush, to Jon Favreau’s El Jefe Cubanos in this month’s Chef – film’s fascination with food has kept us entertained and nourished for decades.
When Chef premiered at the SXSW Film Festival on March 7 2014, it was met with almost universally enthusiastic reviews. Starring Sofia Vergara, John Leguizamo, Scarlett Johansson, Oliver Platt, Bobby Cannavale, Dustin Hoffman, Robert Downey Jr. and Amy Sedaris, the film is written and directed by Jon Favreau – who also fills the lead role of Carl Casper.
To hear a bit more about what went into the director’s return to his indie roots, check out our interview with Favreau below: