Ratatouille (film)

Ratatouille (film)
source
Name	Ratatouille
Director	Brad Bird
Producer	Brad Lewis
Writer	Brad Bird
Music	Michael Giacchino
Studio	Pixar Animation Studios
Distributor	Walt Disney Pictures
Released	June 29, 2007
Runtime	111 minutes
Country	United States
Language	English
Budget	$150 million
Gross	$623.7 million

Ratatouille (film) is a 2007 American computer-animated comedy-drama produced by Pixar Animation Studios and released by Walt Disney Pictures. Directed and written by Brad Bird, the film follows a food-loving rodent who aspires to become a chef in a famous Parisian restaurant, intersecting with a young kitchen worker and a feared restaurant critic. The film blends themes drawn from Paris, haute cuisine, and creative ambition, combining animation technology, culinary references, and character-driven storytelling.

Plot

In contemporary Paris, Remy, a brown rat with an extraordinary sense of taste and smell, idolizes the legacy of chefs such as Auguste Gusteau and dreams of culinary excellence beyond the usual rodent scavenging. After being separated from his family, Remy encounters Linguini, a clumsy garbage boy employed at Gusteau's eponymous restaurant, recently diminished after a scathing review by critic Anton Ego. Remy discovers that he can influence Linguini's movements to control cooking by pulling his hair, enabling the duo to produce dishes that revive the restaurant's reputation. Their partnership draws the attention of chef Skinner, the restaurant staff, food critic Ebert-esque antagonists, and restaurateurs such as the ambitious food entrepreneur Ego-esque figures, leading to a collision of ambition, authenticity, and acceptance. Remy's secret is eventually exposed, prompting conflict with inspectors from Parisian authorities and gastronomes, climaxing in a public reckoning where taste, memory, and the essence of culinary art are judged by critics and peers.

Cast and characters

The film features an ensemble voice cast including Patton Oswalt as Remy; Lou Romano as Alfredo Linguini; Ian Holm as the gruff Anton Ego stand-in; Brian Dennehy as Django, Remy's father; Peter Sohn as Emile; Brad Garrett as Chef Gusteau; Janeane Garofalo as Colette Tatou; and Will Arnett as Chef Skinner. Supporting voices include Tony Fadel, Paulatinio-type stage performers, and veteran actors who bring to life restaurant staff, patrons, and media figures tied to Parisian culinary institutions such as classical bistros and modern kitchens. Several cast members have histories with studios such as Pixar Animation Studios, Disney, and directors with ties to Lucasfilm and DreamWorks Animation.

Production

Development began after Bird left The Iron Giant and joined Pixar, where he collaborated with producers and story teams experienced in computer animation technology pioneered by companies like Industrial Light & Magic and colleagues associated with John Lasseter. Inspiration derived from French cuisine history, the writings of chefs such as Auguste Gusteau, and the cultural milieu of Parisian restaurants linked to institutions like Le Guide Michelin. Screenwriting and storyboarding involved animation veterans who had worked on films associated with Walt Disney Pictures and the broader industry. The production used state-of-the-art rendering techniques, integrating detailed food animation, crowds, and lighting systems influenced by research from universities and software frameworks used across studios, while composer Michael Giacchino provided a score that referenced French musical traditions and motifs similar to those in works associated with Georges Delerue and cinematic French influences. Voice recording sessions included improvisation and collaboration among performers from theatrical and film backgrounds, some with ties to Saturday Night Live, The Second City, and dramatic institutions like Royal Academy of Dramatic Art.

Release and box office

Distributed by Walt Disney Pictures, the film premiered at festivals and held a wide theatrical release in 2007, competing at the box office with summer releases from studios such as Universal Pictures and Warner Bros. Pictures. It grossed approximately $623.7 million worldwide against a production budget near $150 million, performing strongly in North American and international markets including France, Japan, and United Kingdom. Theatrical roll-out included promotional partnerships with culinary publications and screenings at film festivals that often feature animated works from Cannes Film Festival-adjacent programs and family film series.

Critical reception

Critics praised the film for its animation quality, character development, and inventive premise, comparing it favorably to earlier Pixar titles such as Toy Story, Finding Nemo, and The Incredibles. Reviews from major outlets lauded Brad Bird's direction, Michael Giacchino's score, and the film's depiction of gastronomy and Parisian culture, leading to positive coverage in publications associated with New York Times, Los Angeles Times, and prominent critics who cover animated cinema. Some commentary focused on earlier debates in film criticism regarding anthropomorphism, culinary representation, and the portrayal of critics akin to Anton Ego.

Awards and nominations

The film received accolades across major awards bodies, notably winning the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature at the Oscars and earning nominations in categories recognizing music, animation, and screenplay. It also obtained honors from organizations such as the Annie Awards, the Golden Globes nominations in animation categories, and recognition from critics' associations tied to institutions like National Board of Review and regional film societies.

Legacy and cultural impact

Ratatouille influenced popular perceptions of gastronomy, encouraging collaborations between film and culinary communities, and inspiring themed events at institutions such as culinary schools, themed restaurants, and attractions associated with Disney Parks and Resorts. The film's portrayal of cooking and critics affected discussions in culinary journalism, gastronomy education, and popular media, linking to the broader cultural cachet of Parisian cuisine and institutions like Le Guide Michelin. It remains referenced in studies of animated storytelling, computer graphics curricula at universities, and retrospectives exploring Pixar Animation Studios' role in mainstreaming family-oriented auteur cinema.

Category:2007 films Category:Pixar films Category:Animated films