Watch Classic Kitchen Films

Classic Kitchen Films is a documentary film that takes a nostalgic look back at some of the iconic kitchen scenes from classic Hollywood movies. The film, which was released in 2021 and directed by Sarah Jones, explores how food and cooking have been used as storytelling devices throughout the history of cinema. The film opens with a montage of famous kitchen scenes, from the spaghetti-eating scene in Lady and the Tramp to the iconic "You can't handle the truth!" scene in A Few Good Men. Through interviews with film historians and food experts, as well as footage from the movies themselves, Classic Kitchen Films delves into the ways in which food is used to convey emotion, build characters, and create tension in cinema.

The first section of the film focuses on the early days of Hollywood, when cooking and eating were still relatively new concepts on film. Films like Babette's Feast showcased the beauty and complexity of haute cuisine, while films like Gold Diggers of 1933 used food as a way to depict class struggles during the Great Depression. The film also explores how the stereotypes of the time affected on-screen portrayals of food and cooking, from the "Mammy" character in Gone with the Wind to the use of sushi as a symbol of Japanese exoticism in Breakfast at Tiffany's.

The film then moves on to the post-WWII era, when the rise of the suburban kitchen and the TV dinner changed the way Americans thought about food. The colorful, fast-paced musicals of the time, like Singin' in the Rain and An American in Paris, used food and drink as props for elaborate dance numbers, while the gritty realism of films like On the Waterfront showed the harsh realities of working-class life through depictions of cooking and eating.

The third section of the film focuses on the foodie revolution of the 1970s and 80s. Films like Tampopo and Big Night showcased the passion and artistry of cooking, while movies like Fast Times at Ridgemont High and Ferris Bueller's Day Off used food as a way to depict teenage rebellion and camaraderie. The film also explores the rise of food critics and the celebrity chef phenomenon, which changed the way Americans thought about food and the people who prepared it.

Finally, the film concludes with a look at the current state of cinema and how food is still being used as a storytelling device today. As food culture continues to evolve and change, filmmakers are finding new and innovative ways to incorporate cooking and eating into their stories. From the pastel-colored confections of Wes Anderson to the spicy and savory dishes of Eat Drink Man Woman, food remains an integral part of the cinematic experience.

Overall, Classic Kitchen Films is a fascinating look at the intersection of food and film throughout the history of Hollywood. With its expert interviews, insightful analysis, and nostalgic footage, the film is sure to appeal to foodies and cinephiles alike.

Classic Kitchen Films is a 2018 special interest movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 44 minutes.