Anthony Bourdain had a deep love for the simple yet well-crafted things in life. One of his favorite spots to eat in Los Angeles was the beloved In-N-Out Burger. In his 2016 cookbook, “Appetites,” he shared easy recipes like creamy mac and cheese and tuna salad—meals he enjoyed cooking for his daughter. Given this appreciation for food that was both comforting and genuine, it’s no wonder Bourdain loved Pixar’s “Ratatouille,” which he called the best food movie ever.
“Ratatouille” tells the story of Remy, a rat with a talent for cooking. He teams up with Linguini, a kitchen boy, to create culinary masterpieces at a fancy restaurant in Paris. Bourdain praised this film for its ability to portray the passion for food like few others. He expressed this during an interview with “Entertainment Tonight” in 2011, saying, “I really thought it captured a passionate love of food in a way that very few other films have.”
What resonated with Bourdain were the small details—like the faded burns on chefs’ wrists and the personal histories of the characters. He found these elements impressive and remarked, “I think it’s quite simply the best food movie ever made.”
Bourdain’s connection to “Ratatouille” went beyond just admiration. He contributed to the film’s accuracy during its development. Though he called his input “minuscule,” it earned him a “thank you” in the credits, highlighting his influence in making it a believable culinary tale.
The film’s scene where food critic Anton Ego has a life-changing experience while eating ratatouille struck Bourdain deeply. He said it felt “like a punch in the chest,” illustrating how food can evoke powerful memories and emotions. The audience’s heartfelt reactions were what mattered most to him.
Interestingly, “Ratatouille” sparked a friendship between Bourdain and Patton Oswalt, the voice of Remy. Oswalt shared that Bourdain provided fun tips for experiencing Paris, like letting the city’s dining scene unfold naturally. Oswalt humorously noted, however, that Bourdain’s laid-back approach wouldn’t work for everyone. “Going to Paris without reservations works great if you’re Anthony Bourdain; but if you’re me, you need to call ahead.”
This film remains relevant today, as many fans reminisce about Bourdain’s impact and how he celebrated food in its simplest forms. Social media often lights up with tributes to him whenever “Ratatouille” is mentioned, showcasing how deeply he touched food culture and storytelling.
For a deeper exploration of culinary arts in films, check out the detailed reviews and analyses on Rotten Tomatoes, which provide insight into how films like “Ratatouille” influence perceptions of food.
