A Feast for the Soul

I just finished viewing Babette’s Feast for the first time in seventeen years and, I have to say, it was everything that I remembered—and more. Though it was released in 1987, I didn’t see it until a few years later when I wandered into the foreign film section of my local video store. I rented it by chance, having not an inkling of the sumptuous feast that my heart was about to attend.

On the most basic level, this is a story of an artist who won’t be beaten. In spite of her austere circumstances, her creative spirit refuses to wane. On another level, the story paints a portrait of servanthood and sacrifice and the difference that one person can make as their life is woven into the fabric of the lives around them. Delving even deeper is a striking image of Provision, Abundance, and Grace that simultaneously humbles and inspires.

There is a difference between eating and feasting. There is a difference between a banquet and a meal. Like an exquisitely set table, Babette’s Feast is an extraordinary profusion of flavors which awaken the soul and whet its appetite for more.




Don't be shy! Share your thoughts/impressions! I've been waiting 17 years to discuss this completely delicious film!

What is it about this story?

The other night I was talking to a friend about Pride and Prejudice. We're both fans and agreed that we favor the Colin Firth/Jennifer Ehle version above all others. I am simply amazed by the number of adaptations that have been done and those are just the ones that I have seen. Perhaps there are others yet to be discovered! What a thought!

There is no question; something about this story takes up residence in the heart and signs a long-term lease. But, what is it exactly? Is it just the happy ending? The period in history? The language carefully spoken with elegance and reserve?

I do admire Elizabeth's wit, intelligence, and courage. And I do admire Jane's beauty, patience and grace. But is that really enough to keep me coming back to the same story after all these years? I just don't think so.

I've been pondering this and, while there are definitely details of the film that I find intriguing and/or endearing, I'm fairly certain I've pinpointed the thing that is so irresistible to me. It is the moment when Mr. Darcy realizes that Elizabeth sees him as he really is. The expression on his face, the inaudible sigh that seems to well up from depths unseen, both are the result of being known...finally known...without further fear of disapproval or misunderstanding.

I think that is what keeps me coming back to this film. I know it's just a story, but it is a story I'd like to believe. Not the details, of course, but the promise. I guess it is with a measure of hope that I imagine this moment of reel life might be found in real life as well.

What could you do with more time?

I was writing an email to a friend and found myself knee-deep in a muddy explanation of my own regret. We were talking about books and that led to my overall frustration. There are just so many books that I haven't read. So many types and pieces of music that I've never listened to (or even heard of). There are so many interesting things to discover and know and experience in this magnificent world we live in. Sometimes I do feel regret that I haven't done a better job of managing and making wise use of my time.

Groundhog Day isn't usually at the top of anyone's list of all-time favorite movies. I'm not sure I'd list it as a favorite either except that my mind comes back to it again and again as a reminder to make good use of my time. There can't be too many people out there who haven't at least heard the synopsis of the story. Bill Murray is stranded in a time warp that keeps looping back to the same day....Groundhog Day. At first, he's confused, then aggravated at the inconvenience of having to repeat the day's events again and again. He moves through several more stages of amusement and depression, but finally resigns himself to his fate. Then, lo and behold, it hits him. He's got all the time in the world...to learn anything he wants! Instead of feeling cursed he sees the experience for what it is...a gift!

I ask myself this all the time...

If I had all the time in the world, what would I really want to do? What would I read? What would I write? What new skill would I like to acquire? Of course, it would be easy to throw up my hands in defeat and claim that things like that only happen in the movies. And it's true that the time warp thing is a lot of silliness, but the idea there...to make good use of my time...surely I can do a better job of that!

What would you do if you had all the time in the world?

And, maybe a better question, what would you really like to do with the time that you have?

What's going on here?

Why am I here? Why am I annexing this little corner of cyberspace?

Good question!

I am hoping that there are people out there who are interested in movies and the stories those movies are built around. I am hoping that there are individuals out there who not only enjoy viewing a great film, but also enjoy talking about it with others. So, in a nut shell, that's what I'm here for. I'm looking for an exchange of thoughts.

Movies (and stories in general) have been an important part of my life since childhood. I find myself referring to movies and books almost daily as I attempt to express my own feelings or when I have ideas that need clarification. I'm pretty sure that there are others out there who can relate to that.

Some people say that movies are an escape from real life. And, for many, I'm sure that is true. But, for me, a good film has the power to bring life into clearer focus. Rather than escaping from reality, I see the audience being invited to examine reality...to view it with proximity and from perspectives that are usually out of reach. By traversing the boundaries of experience or imagination reel life can actually effect real life...and that's something I'd like to explore.