France (2023)
– Directed by: Anh Hung Tran
– Rating: 12A
– Written By: Anh Hung Tran, Marcel Rou
– Runtime: 135 minutes
Be warned…. the opening sequence lasts thirty-eight minutes!!
The Taste of Things, last year’s French entry for Best International Film at the Oscars is a gastro film but not of the Angry Male Chef variety. It is not stressful or adrenaline-filled, no one swears or screams ‘sorry chef‘. Instead, it is sensuous, languorous, soothing and as rich and deep as a consommé should be.
It stars Benoit Magimel as Dodin and Juliette Binoche as Eugenie. Dodin is a famous gourmet who appears wealthy enough not to have to work, Eugenie has been his cook for over twenty years as well as his lover (M & B were once a couple and have a daughter). The inspiration for the film comes from a book published in 1924, La Vie et La Passion de Dodin Bouffant …Gourmet.
The French/Vietnamese director, Tran Anh Hung (you may recall his other films, The Scent of Green Papaya and Norwegian Wood) admits he hasn’t really adapted the book. In his own words, “it’s more a case of drawing very free inspiration from it. In the book there is some magnificent writing on the art of cooking and food. I’ve told a story which actually precedes the book; it’s a tale of love between Dodin & Eugenie but I also wanted to depict a parallel story where you also focus a lot on the art of cooking.”
If this film is about anything, it’s about pleasure, how to give it and how to receive it; how love can be communicated through the deep passions you might have …and can generously share.
The film will be introduced by Dr Sophie Belot, Senior Lecturer in Film and Screen Media at St Mary’s University.
Non-Member Tickets £5
Around 60 non-member tickets are available to purchase for individual screenings in Season 61. Non-member tickets are £5 (full-time students £3) and can be purchased in advance from The Exchange’s Box Office: online at http://exchangetwickenham.co.uk/events, by telephone 020 8240 2399 or in person. To ensure that you secure a ticket and avoid disappointment, we strongly recommend early pre-booking via The Exchange.
Should any non-member tickets remain available on the night of screenings, they can be purchased from The Exchange’s box office on the ground floor. Purchases are by contactless payments only.
About Richmond Film Society
Richmond Film Society was formed in 1963 and has since screened nearly 900 films. Its objective was, and remains, to bring our local community the very best in World Cinema. The seasons run from September to June and attract an aggregate audience of just under 5,000. Season 61 will comprise 20 films of international repute, including features from Europe, Africa, Central America, East Asia, USA and UK.
Films are shown on alternate Tuesdays at 8:00 pm sharp, with no ads or trailers. On screening nights, the bar opens at 7:00 p.m. and drinks can be brought into the auditorium. Film notes are available online for each screening and audience scores and feedback are collated.
For further information on RFS and the programme of films, please visit http://www.richmondfilmsoc.org.uk
Non-Member Tickets £5
Around 40 non-member tickets are available to purchase for individual screenings in Season 60. Non-member tickets are £5 (full-time students £3) and can be purchased in advance from The Exchange’s Box Office: online at http://exchangetwickenham.co.uk/events, by telephone 020 8240 2399 or in person. To ensure that you secure a ticket and avoid disappointment, we strongly recommend early pre-booking via The Exchange.
Should any non-member tickets remain available on the night of screenings, they can be purchased from The Exchange’s box office on the ground floor. Purchases are by contactless payments only.
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