Review of Big Night (1996) by Ryan M — 21 Sep 2011

Next to visually striking violent films, it's foodie movies that make my jaw drop. "Big Night" is such a foodie movie. I really wish it opened with a food prep sequence (just like in "Eat Drink Man Woman"), but instead you're greeted by Marc Anthony, who is so silent, awkward and skinny throughout the movie. And yes, he acted so badly.

Anyway, the foodie scene is saved for the big night. So look forward to that. The main characters prepare this odd-looking Italian dish called Timpano. The dinner guests loved it, rolling their eyes to the heavens in satisfaction. I would really love to try that dish. The rest of the menu is just so mouth-watering.

Now, hats off to the actors. Brilliant acting, especially Stanley Tucci (Julie & Julia; Devil Wears Prada) who is interesting to see with rich, full Italian mane, and Ian Holm, who was so loud. Now I have to admit, I feel so naive for not detecting Ian's true intentions. How could I miss that?!? I seriously thought he was just this happy-go-lucky guy who cared truly about his (drumroll) competition. *knocks head on wall* Well, Ian summed it up for me in his stoic response in the confrontation scene: "I am a businessman. I am anything I need to be at anytime." Well, after cursing myself for falling into Ian's trick, I realized, probably, I still have much faith in humankind. Although it was quite obvious early on that night that the special guest was not coming.

This movie will be memorable for me, not just for the food, but for it's very quotable quotes. My favorite will have to be:"Bite your teeth into the ass of life and drag it to you!" I simply laughed out so loud. That was hilarious. The delivery was exaggerated, but it couldn't have been done any other way. And "To eat good food is to be close to God." - putting spiritual context aside, this scene for me summed up how it feels like to be a food lover.