Ep 8: Food - Ratatouille & Eat Pray Love

In this episode of Parallel Fiction, Heather and Jeff highlight stories about Food in honor of the upcoming American Thanksgiving.  Prior to the first segment, Heather provides contacts for those struggling with eating disorders.  Information listed at the end of these notes.

Jeff offers a short review of this Pixar classic, as we glance into the life of rat, Remy, who loves to cook.  Jeff summarizes the plot & key moments that highlight the joy of cooking, the need to be fearless, and that cooking is an artistic experience. In the film, Remy (the rat) teaches Alfredo Linguini how to become a better cook in classic Disney fashion, but finds himself and his personal meaning along the way. As explained by Jeff, we see Remy teach others to respect cooking and truly appreciate food.

Did you know?  The head chef of Gusteau’s – Skinner- is named after psychologist B.F. Skinner, who was famous for performing studies using rats.

Following Jeff’s review (as decided by a weekly game of rock, paper, scissor), Heather presents the “Eat” passages of Eat, Pray, Love. Heather profiles main character (closely based off of real-life author of the work) named Elizabeth.  Heather offers explains her initial dislike of Elizabeth, and her reasons for taking a sabbatical to Italy to to get back into the simple pleasures of life.  Through the healing spirituality of food and cooking, Heather warms up to Elizabeth, who starts to heal herself from the horrible relationships she left behind in the United States. 

Fun Fact!  Julia Roberts plays main character Elizabeth in the movie, Eat, Pray Love!

Following these reviews, Heather and Jeff give their in depth opinions on the impact and stigma of food in their lives.  As explained, food is something that everybody experiences differently and should be respected when considering other’s feelings, choices, and medical requirements.

Listen in to hear Jeff and Heather’s candid thoughts on the masterpiece scenes of each story, how Ratatouille and Eat, Pray, Love compare, and how Jeff and Heather relate to aspects of each with some interesting facts and opinions surrounding food. Share this episode with anyone who you think would enjoy it and let us know what some of your favorite food dishes are!

Heather’s Rating of Eat, Pray, Love: Half Trash/Half Nice– The main character Elizabeth may be off putting to some, but there’s a great message in the story.

Jeff’s Rating of Ratatouille:  Super Nice – One of the jewel’s of the Pixar catalogue.  

Watch Ratatouille here www.disneyplus.com

Pick up Eat Pray Love here: https://www.amazon.com/Eat-Pray-Love-Everything-Indonesia/dp/0143038419

Find a local food bank to donate to at FeedingAmerica.org

Donations welcome also at MoveForHunger.org

References mentioned include – Whitehouse.gov,  RTS.com

We encourage anyone struggling with their relationship with food to seek help, either through a local therapist, online therapy, or by contacting the National Eating Disorder Association. (800) 931-2237.

About Parallel Fiction:

Parallel Fiction is the perfect supplemental companion to all of the stories you consume. We will be covering movies, television, books, graphic novels, video games, and music whenever it applies. Learn more about things you love, and get to know us a little bit better as we give you a peak into our lives and opinions.

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