Food and beverages alike infiltrate all forms of popular culture. Instagram food bloggers have taken the past few years by storm (I mean, just think about avocado toast!). Food brings to mind images of artfully crafted creations, one of the many trends that we’ve become obsessed with and felt like we had to have thanks to the media.
Viewing food that is displayed in different ways truly does affect our eating habits more directly than we might think. We all eat food because it’s necessary for every human being on this planet, so its relevance in media allows us as individuals to use it as a social glue by trying new trends or posting enticing meals for others to view. Here are three iconic food scenes from beloved movies that influence our love for food.
1. Ratatouille
Ratatouille is a film about a rat named Remy who becomes a culinary icon, dishing out insanely good meals anonymously. He works hand-in-hand with (or rather, under the hat of) a friendly human who needs as much culinary help as he can get. Many of us were exposed to this film at a young age, yet it still fuels my desire for the food scene. It makes me want to learn more about French cuisine, including dishes like “Remy’s Soup,” a creamy soup full of herbs that I can almost smell for myself. We can’t forget the main dish that is the title of the film, ratatouille, which is a layered meal full of tomato, zucchini, eggplant, and so much more. It creates a beautiful, finished product that’s hard not to drool over.
2. Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory
Another childhood classic, Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory follows a group of children and their parents who luckily win “golden tickets” that grant them a tour of the infamous chocolate factory owned by a candy-maker named Willy Wonka. The entire factory is edible in the film, from tasty wallpaper to toffee-apple trees to the everlasting gobstopper! The characters go into a frenzy at the sight of all of this. I mean, could you blame them? An iconic scene is when a character, Violet, swells into a giant blueberry after eating an invention called the “Three Course Dinner Gum,” which fuels your taste buds with all sorts of amazing flavors. This film demonstrates how much joy can come from experiencing new foods previously unexplored.
3. Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs
Last but surely not least is Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, a film where food falls from the sky. The characters are amazed when they see their next meals raining on their front lawns, from burgers to sushi. This film is also full of “foodimals” such as “Sasquash,” “Shrimpanzee,” and “Ice Cream Snowman.” The film entertains viewers with the sight of such fun food play; they’ll surely think back on it when the subject of food comes up.
Exploring just three pieces of cinema whose plots are shaped around food allows us to understand just how prominent food is in pop culture. We are truly in the golden age of food and drink culture, as it surrounds us in so many different aspects. Pop culture can inspire us to try new dishes from other cultures while reminding us how food can be a fun hobby to explore. Take a minute at the end of your day to think about how often media displays food for your eyes!
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