by Everett Jensen

Created on: July 10, 2009

Ratatouille
directed by Brad Bird, Jan Pinkava
written by Brad Bird, Jan Pinkava, Jim Capobianco
starring Patton Oswalt, Ian Holm, Lou Romano, Brian Dennehy, Peter Sohn, Peter O'Toole, Brad Garrett, Janeane Garafalo, Will Arnett

Human beings have always fancied themselves as being elevated above the rats because of the rat's natural tendency to wallow in its own filth and devour garbage with impunity. Of course this is only a pretense and this film goes a long way to explode this unsavory myth that has plagued the reputation of rats from time memorial. Here we have another gem from Pixar which anthropomorphizes rats and gives them a platform to explain themselves.

Remy (Oswalt) is the rarest of rats in that he has developed a discerning palate that demands new and exciting taste sensations which his fellows shun for the convenience of garbage. He longs to be like Gusteau (Garrett), the most popular and exciting chef in all of Paris who recently died soon after receiving a negative review at the bony hands of Anton Ego (O'Toole) in which he lost one of his five stars.

The film focuses on the dichotomy between convention and the overarching desire to shatter it for want of nothing better to do. Remy comes from a tightly-knit clan and he's been singled out to check all foodstuffs for poison, a job he considers so far beneath him it's hardly worth mentioning. Still, he loves his friends and family and is momentarily heartsick when they all get separated leaving Remy all alone with Gusteau's world famous cookbook Anyone Can Cook which he stole from the old woman whose attic he used to live in.

Remy finds himself outside of Gusteau's restaurant and carrying on imaginary conversations with the great Chef himself. He quickly focuses on the garbage boy, Linguini, (Romano), who nearly ruins a soup that Remy later saves. This leads to Linguini being heralded as a great chef but he's nothing without Remy literally guiding his arms and silently instructing him about the proper steps to take.

The narrative is exceedingly tight and compelling throughout. The characters are expressive, sharply drawn, and necessary to the story. Indeed, there is not a single moment in this film that does not fit and it's this economy that allows the film's story to unfurl naturally.

The film tells a compelling story about opportunity and longing. Remy has always wanted to be a famous chef but too many factors had stood in his way including his being a rat. Naturally, much is made

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>