OK, in more than nine years of writing blog posts, I have only recommended two films. (By the way, both went on to win the Oscar for best picture, so you might want to pay attention to today’s choice.)
Our posts about The King’s Speech in 2011, and then the next year The Artist attempted to draw parables to the business of radio. Both were focused on adapting to new technology (radio for The King’s Speech, and “talkie” movies in The Artist). Both were what are known as “small films,” but each had a giant impact.
So today’s post is about another of those Indie films. And I’m pretty sure it will not win the Oscar for Best Picture. But Chef is a film worth seeing because it is about commitment to craft, being true to yourself and your talents, and the pursuit of career reinvention. These are all themes that resonate for many radio professionals, and I couldn’t help but think about our business and the people in it while enjoying this film.
The film’s star is also its writer and director, Jon Favreau, who plays Carl Casper – a well-known chef working for a high-profile L.A. restaurant owned by a guy named Riva (played by Dustin Hoffman). On an evening when a prominent food blogger will be dining at the restaurant, Riva is insistent that Casper cook the traditional menu – or “play the hits” – rather than innovate with more adventurous choices.
Riva: “We’re being reviewed by the most important critic in the city… Now suddenly, you’re going to be an artist. Well, be an artist on your own time. It’s my restaurant.”
Casper: “The kitchen is my domain. That was our deal.”
Riva: “The deal is now changed. Either you stay or you go.”
Casper: “So you’re threatening to fire me now?”
Riva: “No, I’m telling what I’m prepared to do if you don’t cook my menu.”
When was the last time you heard of a PD walking out of a station due to “philosophical differences?” But that’s precisely what happened in this scene, as Casper leaves the restaurant and ends up redefining his career and his relationship with his young son.
This is a classic battle between the corporate, formulaic way versus the independent artist, dying to try new things and innovate. (In defending the traditional menu, Riva even reminds Carl that no one wants to go to a Rolling Stones concert and not hear Mick Jagger sing “Satisfaction.”)
Another theme in this film has to do with the pursuit of quality and the question about whether a slightly charred sandwich should have been served. In this scene, Casper has a heart-to-heart with his adolescent son, Percy, that speaks volumes about passion, perfection, and craft. It applies to any profession from radio programming to bricklaying:
>EMAIL RECIPIENTS: CLICK HERE TO WATCH CHEF MOVIE TRAILER<
And finally, “Chef” is a social media movie in that Casper’s exodus from his traditional restaurant and move to his new business venture is powered by Twitter, Instagram, and Vine – all engineered by young Percy.
Throughout the entire film, Carl’s lack of knowledge about how to interact via social media (and with his family) is juxtaposed with Percy’s native, intuitive understanding of how to connect with others. You witness the power and the humor of social media from the beginning of this movie to its happy ending – as social media provides the fabric and backdrop that moves us from one scene to another.
Jon Favreau calls Chef an “R-rated family film.” That it is, but it is also a story that will hit home for many of you in the radio business, seeking change, redemption, and understanding in a rapidly changing world where our business and personal spheres often collide.
Bon appétit.
Jacobs Media has consistently walked the walk in the digital space, providing insights and guidance through its well-read national Techsurveys.
In 2008, jacapps was launched - a mobile apps company that has designed and built more than 1,300 apps for both the Apple and Android platforms. In 2013, the DASH Conference was created - a mashup of radio and automotive, designed to foster better understanding of the "connected car" and its impact.
Along with providing the creative and intellectual direction for the company, Fred consults many of Jacobs Media's commercial and public radio clients, in addition to media brands looking to thrive in the rapidly changing tech environment.
Fred was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2018.
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