Big Night (1996)
First, a warning. If your idea of good Italian food is the Olive Garden, YOU ARE NOT ALLOWED TO WATCH THIS MOVE! EVER! I will put a beat-down on your ass that will have you crying for your mommy. Seriously. Olive Garden, what are you thinking?
This is a lovely film. Subtlety nuanced. Meaningful. Beautiful. And there’s food too! Who could ask for more?
Tony Shalub plays Primo, a fussy but amazing chef. His talents are sadly unappreciated in the little town he and his brother, Secondo, (Stanley Tucci) have chosen to place their restaurant. Business is bad. And it looks as though they may soon have to be closing.
In this town is another restaurant run by Pascal (Ian Holm). Who Secondo believes to be a friend. His place is popular and crowded. The food isn’t authentic. But the people don’t care. Pascal is an extremely rich man due to the popularity of his place.
Secondo decides the best thing to keep the restaurant afloat is to garner a loan from Pascal. But he refuses to loan the money. Instead he counters with an offer of bringing his good friend, Louis Prima, to their place, along with the press. Secondo is overjoyed. He’s convinced that when Prima comes to the restaurant both he and Primo will become famous. This will keep their restaurant running and change their fortunes.
They decide upon a feast fit for a king. Everything authentic. Everything delicious. Several courses. Many wines. Watching Primo cook is like a beautiful love letter. You just want to read it again and again and again. Shalub shines as a chef in this movie.
There’s a love story in this movie too. But it’s not nearly as important as the end of the movie. The brothers love for each other is tested. But it survives. I don’t want to give anything away, if you haven’t seen it. And if you haven’t seen it, please do.
But I will give away the menu:
Zuppa; Seafood Risotto; Timpano (which is AMAZING); Roasted chicken and ducks with garlic and herbs, Whole roast Salmon; Artichokes; Asparagus; Sautéed baby onions & grapes. And a whole roast pig. This is from memory. But it’s mouthwatering. And if good food makes you randy, this is total hardcore porn.
And here's a little Louis Prima for your listening pleasure:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sB9M-904FL4
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2 comments:
I love this movie. I've tried to turn on everyone I know to see it. Underrated and wonderful. The scene at the end, where they're just making breakfast together in silence... I wish more films were made like this.
One of my all-time favorites. Silence is underated. There are a few people that should get the concept.
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