Scene of the Week, 7 of 52 Fixing the Soup, Ratatouille (2004) – youtu.be/n8FrlmP9Gdk One of, if not my favorite scenes from Brad Bird’s “Ratatouille” isn’t very long – but it exemplifies the joy and passion that cooking can bring. It also does some clever stuff with framing, editing and lighting. - ThreadSky

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andrew.sibulskymusic.com • 85 days ago

Scene of the Week, 7 of 52

Fixing the Soup, Ratatouille (2004) – https://youtu.be/n8FrlmP9Gdk

One of, if not my favorite scenes from Brad Bird’s “Ratatouille” isn’t very long – but it exemplifies the joy and passion that cooking can bring. It also does some clever stuff with framing, editing and lighting.

Comments

andrew.sibulskymusic.com•85 days ago

It doesn’t rely on quick cuts to impart energy, but instead using movement, both within the frame and of the camera itself. The camera is always moving – as Remy the rat starts fixing the soup in earnest, the camera moves are slower and a little more drifty.

andrew.sibulskymusic.com•85 days ago

But as he gets more and more into cooking, the camera moves become bigger, leading to the final shot wherein we spin around the pot of soup almost two full times. This rotation gives us the energy that cutting quickly would normally do.

andrew.sibulskymusic.com•85 days ago

Another thing to notice is the lighting. The scene starts with realistic lighting, as we are in a working kitchen and bright light is a must! But as Remy throws ingredients in, everything beyond the soup station gets cloaked in shadow.

andrew.sibulskymusic.com•85 days ago

It keeps our focus on what Remy is doing and also puts in into a similar mental state as him: focus on the work… and maybe a little bit tunnel visioned.

andrew.sibulskymusic.com•85 days ago

But just as he’s discovered, the surroundings are magically snapped to normal brightness, bringing us back to reality. It's totally what happens when you get into any groove, and cooking is no exception. Great directing by Mr. Bird.

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