Watch Jeremiah Tower: The Last Magnificent

Jeremiah Tower: The Last Magnificent is a documentary film that explores the life of Jeremiah Tower, a culinary icon who helped shape the modern culinary landscape. The film is directed by Lydia Tenaglia and produced by Anthony Bourdain. The movie begins with the story of Tower's early life, growing up in a wealthy family in the United States with parents who were often absent. After attending college, Tower traveled to France, where he fell in love with French cuisine and culture. This experience shaped his career as he began to work in the restaurant industry.

The documentary then explores Tower's rise to fame in the culinary world as the chef at Chez Panisse, a restaurant in Berkeley, California. Here, he revolutionized the American culinary scene by introducing the concept of using seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients. This approach was groundbreaking at the time and helped to usher in a new era of gastronomy in the US.

The movie features interviews with some of the most prominent figures in the culinary world, including Martha Stewart, James Villas, and Mario Batali. These experts provide insight into what made Tower such an important figure in the industry.

The film also discusses Tower's departure from Chez Panisse and his subsequent struggle to establish himself as a solo chef. This journey ultimately led him to New York City, where he opened the famous restaurant, Stars. Here, Tower continued to push the boundaries of contemporary cuisine, earning him accolades and recognition from his peers.

However, Tower's success was not without its challenges. The film discusses the issues he faced due to his unorthodox approach to food and his reputation as a difficult person to work with. Despite these challenges, Tower remains a revered figure in the culinary world, and the documentary does an excellent job of exploring the impact that he had on the industry.

One of the most notable aspects of the film is its emphasis on Tower's legacy. The documentary delves into how his approach to food and the restaurant industry still influences chefs today. Many of the people interviewed in the film refer to him as a visionary and a pioneer, and his lasting influence is clear.

Overall, Jeremiah Tower: The Last Magnificent is a compelling look at one of the most important figures in the culinary world. The film is well-researched and features a variety of fascinating interviews with Tower's contemporaries and admirers. Whether you're a foodie or simply interested in the story of a unique and talented individual, this documentary is definitely worth a watch.

Jeremiah Tower: The Last Magnificent is a 2017 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 43 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6 and a MetaScore of 68.