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Gabriel
Axel’s adaptation of an Isak Dinesen story contrasts the
sumptuous cuisine of Anna Karina’s former Parisian chef with
the simple asceticism of the nuns whom she serves. Here,
potential excess and gluttony are sublimated into sacrifice
and sacrament. Blessed are the frugal, Axel implies, for they
shall be rewarded by an ultimate feast.
The
preparation of the meal is magnificent, the photography is
wonderful, all the shots of the live quails and sea turtle
show just what a feast the two elderly sisters will be treated
to. The shots of the dough being cut and shaped and the quail
being plucked are wonderful. The real visual feast is at the
table as the guests start their meal. The soup is real turtle
and the finest wines and champagnes are served. The dinner
scene is hilarious as the people begin to enjoy the meal
despite their solemn vow not to. The next course includes
Blinis Demidoff and lasts only a short time as the guests
devour it. One particularly funny scene involves a pious
elderly woman; she takes a sip of palate-cleansing water and
grimaces with disappointment when she realizes it is just
water and proceeds to rapidly drink some more wine instead. In
between courses their glasses are filled with fine wines. The
next dish is Babette’s specialty, Cailles en Sarcophage
(quail). Every dish served at this feast is a masterpiece and
leaves the viewer craving food. This film is a classic, the
presentation of the food is wonderful and the dishes are
mouthwatering. Only a movie like Eat Drink Man Woman can
compete with the food moments in this film.
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