Review of Babette's Feast (1987) by Erica B — 01 Jul 2008
A film so subtle, it's easy to miss. Based on a novel by Karen Blixen, who also wrote Out of Africa, this film explores the importance of tradition, customs and religion in modest village communities.
Danish director, Gabriel Axel's choice of unembellished camera angles, muted colours and virtually no score gives a visual motif to the abstinence and restraint practiced by the characters. Most fascinating is the unexpected reaction the villagers have to Babette's feast - it is at this point that we realise just how incomprehensible the idea of indulgence is to them.
It's therefore ironic that the feast, considered decadent and sinful, is what brings unity to the community. In the end, Blixen flips expectations: the outwardly pious villagers show pent-up anger and bitterness towards one another, and only let go of their petty squabbles after feasting on the meal Babette has prepared, which is filled with the very love and gratitude the little community's religion preaches.
This review of Babette's Feast (1987) was written by Erica B on 01 Jul 2008.
Babette's Feast has generally received very positive reviews.
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