Last night, something remarkable happened: My husband and I saw a film that maybe, just maybe, gave us a deeper appreciation of each other. Corny, but true.
Now this may seem like no big deal to you, but I assure you, it is. For nearly two years, my husband has lived with my blogging, often wondering (especially in the beginning) why I would take on such an endeavor and why I would care about it so. To his credit, 90% of the time he has managed to control these thoughts (or at least refrain from vocalizing them), but there have been (and still are) times when he’s rolled his eyes at my attachment to cooking, baking & blogging and the hours I’ve spent browsing cookbooks, cooking magazines and reading other blogs.
Yet for every time I’ve tried his blogger-husband patience with comments like, “Don’t touch that food, I haven’t taken photos yet,” or “I’ll be ready in a minute, just let me finish this post,” or worse yet…the dreaded, “Would you mind stopping by the market on your way home? I need more heavy cream,” my husband has been behind the scenes, cheering me on despite his bewilderment.
Which leads me to question: How do you explain to someone, anyone really, that not only do you cook, but you blog about it and enjoy doing so—in fact love it, if truth be told. It’s quite like trying to explain why you might enjoy digging in your garden, walking a dog, reading a book, crafting, sewing, dancing in your living room when no one is home, or having lunch with a friend. How do you explain why certain things are pleasurable? And what’s to be gained from defining that pleasure? Some things just are.
Enter Julie & Julia, a film which at its core is the story of two women, years apart, discovering their passion in life. For Julia Child, that passion went beyond loving food to immersing herself in cooking. She embodied her craft, perfected it, and through that process became an inspiration and mentor to generations of cooks. For Julie Powell, The Julie/Julia Project was a means for her to focus, experience and commit to something larger than herself. Her process reinvigorated legions of Child devotees and introduced a new generation of cooks to the magic of Julia Child and the art of French cooking. There is no shame in that.
But I digress: The beauty of this film is that it inspires and captivates its audience with boundless charm while providing credence to women pursuing their passion. This is a film that celebrates two, audacious women—brave enough to not only discover, but build careers out of what stirs their souls.
It would be easy enough for me to proclaim my adoration of this film because I am a food blogger, a woman, or even a cook. But surprisingly, I love this film most because Nora Ephron had the grace and sensibility to shed a broader light and expose not only Child’s and Powell’s accomplishments, but their humanity and frailty as well.
Perhaps more importantly, Ephron included a glimpse into the men beside Julia Child & Julie Powell—their husbands—who despite separate careers and interests of their own, supported their wives’ endeavors with love, patience, good humor and encouragement…at least 90% of the time. This inclusion left my husband and I holding hands throughout the movie as if we were teenagers again, rediscovering what makes each one so unique and exciting to the other. We were reminded of why we take risks, make commitments and find joy in supporting each other. In a world full of jobs, kids, bills and schedules, that’s no easy feat.
So thank you, Julia Child, for being fearless and real. And thank you, Julie Powell, for blogging your way through Mastering the Art of French Cooking. And thank you, Nora Ephron, for pulling the marriages of these women into the story and weaving a greater tapestry of love.
Bon Appétit!
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{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
That is a movie that I want to see after it comes out on video. I am lucky though, my husband is actually encouraging about my blogging. He’s excited that I can do something that I enjoy.
Of course I’ve not even hit the month mark so that may change, but I don’t see it changing. I really am grateful for my supportive husband.
This is a great post and one that my husband and I can both understand very well. Thanks for bringing out another aspect of the movie that makes me anticipate seeing it even more.
You summed up my feelings on this movie very well. I saw it with my husband and he said it helped him understand my blogging habit better. He always used to laugh at me for reading cookbooks in bed, something I’ve done since we were married 21 years ago! He’s very supportive though. It was wonderful to see the way the relationships between the wives and their husbands was portrayed in the movie.
Now I know I really do need to see this movie, even if it means driving miles….here in the swamps of North Carolina, movies are far away. thanks for your post, Sandie…and great news that now your hubby can understand!
The essential quality of Paul Child was that he supported Julia in everything, not just in her efforts to become the best cook or the definitive cookbook writer. He was immensely talented and accomplished, yet not the least bit threatened by Julia’s more commercial success later in life. Until he was no longer able, he was her constant companion, encouraging, cajoling, assisting, advising. He was a class act, as was Julia, and that’s what makes the “Julia” story so compelling.
I saw the movie with my non foodie friends who gained a better understanding of what makes us tick. It was an adorable and heartwarming movie..one friend will even take her husband to see it.
I can’t wait to see this movie! This is my first visit to your blog and I will definitley be back.
Great receipes!
You put into words beautifully nearly exactly how I felt when i left the movie. My boyfriend took me to see it for my birthday, and we both loved it (which never happens!). Not knowing much about Julia Child, I was inspired to find out more about her. I especially enjoyed the dynamic between her and her husband. Very good movie and a thoughtful review!
I loved this movie. I think it captured some of the ‘blogging emotions’ beautifully. I know what you mean about the husbands…mine too is incredibly patient and knows not to touch food that hasnt been photographed
I read this post before I saw the movie but now that I have I totally get it! I agree with everything Lydia said – the Childs were classy people and you can tell they were not just husband and wife but best friends.
I’m really looking forward to seeing the movie next week… your description sounds as though it captures not only the love of food and blogging, but the love of the men who supported these women.
excellent review!
i love how you wrote about this entertaining movie.
i think my husband too supports my endeavors at least 90% of the time… we should all be so lucky.