ratatouille

Ratatouille

U.S. Release Date: 6/29/07
Running Time: 1:50
Rated: G
Cast: (voices) Patton Oswalt, Ian Holm, Lou Romano, Brian Dennehy, Peter Sohn, Peter O'Toole, Brad Garrett, Janeane Garofalo

Director: Brad Bird
Screenplay: Brad Bird
Music: Michael Giacchino
Studio: Walt Disney Pictures

There is something taboo about placing rats in a kitchen; they’re dirty, and their scampering little bodies are a red flag against a clean, white cooking sanctuary. Nonetheless, writer/director Brad Bird tackles the task of transforming the forbidden rodent law into something sweet, soft, cuddly, and delicious. While Ratatouille falls short of Finding Nemo stature, Bird delivers a beautifully animated food film that gives off a fine aroma and spikes the senses.

Remy (Patton Oswalt) is a rat who is disgusted by garbage. Instead, he prefers combining flavors, creating meals, and appeasing his sophisticated palette. Once Remy’s anti-human Dad (Brian Dennehy) hears of his son’s outstanding sense of smell, he misinterprets Remy’s talent and assigns Remy to the job of poison-checker. Shortly thereafter, Remy gets separated from his colony and finds himself under the restaurant of his deceased culinary idol, Paris’ own, and author of “Anyone Can Cook,” Chef Gusteau (Brad Garrett).

When Remy concocts the perfect soup in Gusteau’s kitchen, he connects with garbage boy Alfredo Linguini (Lou Romano). The rat and human become an unlikely team, crafting fine cuisine together. As it appears to the kitchen staff, Linguini is doing the cooking; however, it is Remy who is really pulling the strings (literally). While Remy looks to please diners, especially food critic Anton “The Grim Eater” Ego (Peter O’Toole), Linguini gets sidetracked by an alluring fellow kitchen hand named Colette (Janaeane Garofalo).

The bond between Linguini and Remy is more than human/pet; it is more of a professional partnership and friendship. As the story progresses, both Linguini and Remy bring their dreams to life. Throughout the process, neither overshadows the other, and the man and animal serve as a tag team of driven protagonists.

Additionally, a protagonist layer relates closely with the Disney classic The Little Mermaid. Much like Ariel, Remy is a non-human who envies humans and their powers of discovery and creation. Remy thinks little of his kind and believes that rats are merely thieves and bottom-feeders without an appreciation for taste. Furthermore, Remy walks upright—not only to subconsciously mimic a human, but also to avoid a constant need to wash his paws before eating.

Ratatouille is great in that the rats’ voices are translated to squeaks observed by humans. However, it’s quite bad in the manner that Remy operates Linguini. Somehow tugging on a few strands of human hair, a rat is able to achieve total domination of a body? Yes, there is a suspension of disbelief involved, but to equal what Linguini says, “That’s strangely involuntary.” In fact, the worst scene in the movie is when Remy manipulates Linguini while he is passed out from drinking the previous night. To boot, Ratatouille is yet another film that depicts entirely French characters speaking English with French accents instead of their native language—albeit it’s a Disney movie. After all, how many American children would catch the subtitles?

From a critic’s standpoint, Ratatouille is especially charming for its inclusion of an experienced food critic who seeks the superb. When the jaded critic realizes that greatness can come from the most unlikely of sources and “anyone can cook,” he pens and narrates a glowingly refined review. It is in this review that Ego, who orders perspective and a 1947 bottle of Blanc, becomes humbled. His recollection of savoring his ratatouille and reverting back to childhood is a testament to the beautiful power of a morsel of food. In turn, Ego goes from scary (in his coffin-shaped room) to jovial.

At the end of the day, Ratatouille is a brilliantly brushed painting. It’s imaginative and enjoyable. It encourages viewers to close their eyes and concentrate only on the taste before shoveling in their food and swallowing. What’s more, it’s a great story for child and adult and a motivator for anyone considering entering the world of gastronomy.