2 scenes in Erroll Flynn’s Robin Hood come to mind. The first, the Norman lords and evil Prince John are gathered in Sir Guy’s castle for a feast, lots of food and wine, but no cheer, Robin of Locksley appears with a deer that was poached in the king’s forest and offers it to Prince John in a mocking way that’s obviously a challenge.
Later, the outlaws are gathered in the woods for there own feast, provided by stealing it from Sir Guy and his party. the contrast between his gusto of consumption and Maid Marrien’s dainty restraint, despite her hunger, actually brings his attention to her and further reveals his attraction to her.
I also remember Prince John using a dagger to eat a pomogranate as if he were torturing an enemy, yet doing it with delicate finesse.
I think final scene of A History of Violence is a perfect example of what the OP is looking for:
Viggo’s character returns to his home during dinner. He sits down and there is a long moment where his family feels they they don’t know him anymore. The family welcomes him back by setting him a plate and passing the lasagna (or whatever it was).
My first thoughts were Moonstruck, and The Cook, The Thief, His Wife and Her Lover. Obviously the first is the only one that is suitable for classroom viewing.
The Cook is a fascinating, beautiful, grand and ugly piece of film. Highly recommended for those with strong stomachs. Perhaps as an optional recommendation…the audience I was in was dramatically reduced at 2 points in the movie, most at the button scene.
My Moonstruck thought was definitely Johnny Camorari’s rant about hsi brother in the bakery (“I bake bread, bread, bread, and shovel this dough in and out of this hot stinking hole in the wall…”), and also when they put sugar cubes in the champagne in order to make a toast.
Keeping with “ethinc romantic comedies” how about Crossing Delancey? Many scenes over meals discussing relationships, but perhaps the most direct is the Pickle guy talking about how he soaks his hands to remove the smell.
And who can forget the cinematic masterpiece Point Break in which the stake-out specialists Special Agent Utah (portrayed by Keanu Reeves) and the unheralded Sgt. Pappas (Gary Busey) discuss the dietary importance of not eating doughnuts, and the love of meatball sandwiches which and gives us perhaps the best (confusing) metaphor in movie history “I’m so hungry I could eat the ass end out of a dead rhino, I should have had you get me three of these things!”
Thanks to so many people who gave input. Sorry I’ve been so late getting back to this thread. Some great suggestions given; this is a real help.
I don’t have time to answer everybody, but I will try to respond to a few things.
You silly, silly man. Fargo celebrates their squareness.
Not at all; I wish more people had given the quick analysis you did, especially for the movies I haven’t seen.
It just so happens I use this scene in one of my lectures. The point I make with it was that Jules was using the Kahuna burger as a symbol of power. It would have been easier to shoot the guy and then take his food; instead he eats the guy’s burger and drinks his soda, all the while looking him square in the eyes. It’s a dominance ritual.
Without checking, I don’t think I said it couldn’t be done, just that its not a good choice for the students I have. I’ve had four or five students do it, and the deeper meanings you refer to have never come close to being raised; as I say, my students are not literature majors, and the fruit has to be a bit lower to the ground.
Again, thanks to all for some very good suggestions. Someday you may get a chef able to intelligently discuss the social significance of food, and your efforts will be thus repaid.
