A Tasteful Treat at Library Theater
Posted By: Liz Goodrich
Date Posted: 6/12/2005
Deschutes Public Library pleased to announce July’s Library Theater movie screening on Tuesday, July 19 at 7:00 p.m. in the Library Admin Conference Room at 507 NW Wall in Bend. This program is free and open to the public.
July’s screening celebrates the sensuality and power of finely prepared food. Based on the short story by Isak Dinesen, the film tells the tale of the mysterious Babette and the change she helps create in a small village when she convinces it’s citizens to try something other than boiled codfish and ale bread. Critics have interpreted the film as an elaborate allegory of Christianity, with characters that resemble biblical personalities, serving as redeemers, saviors and liberators within the small community.
Martine and Philippa are two sisters who live in a remote village during the late 19th century. The daughters of the founder of puritanical Lutheran sect, the two continue to maintain the sect after their father’s death. Over the years, the faithful dwindle and petty disputes divide the congregation.
Babette, a cook from the Parisian Cafe Anglais and refugee from the French political turmoil of 1871, comes to live with the sisters. She serves them faithfully and they come to depend on her. After winning the lottery, Babette offers to make a banquet for the sisters and the congregation. Reluctant at first, the sisters accept her offer. The banquet is magnificent and the hesitant guests soon are overcome with passions for the meal and each other.
The story, made into film in 1987, was directed by Gabriel Axel and won an Oscar in 1987 for Best Foreign Film. For more information about this or other library programs, please call 312-1032.
Page Last Modified Wednesday, March 8, 2023