Chez Tricia: A Culinary Adventure at the Berlinale
Imagine the curatorial vision of Berlinale’s new director, Tricia Tuttle, as a whimsical culinary experience at Chez Tricia. This is a restaurant where dishes aren’t silently placed atop pristine white tablecloths; rather, plates are dramatically deposited in front of patrons with a flourish, sometimes even a clatter. In the dining room of the Berlinale, there’s no cinematic comfort food. The cuisine is daring, at times too spicy, occasionally too hot, and now and then, one might even choke. But apathy is nowhere to be found.
The tasting menu features 19 films competing for the prestigious Golden Bear, ranging from the poetic chronicle of a Chinese village to a fable starring Marion Cotillard as a modern-day Snow Queen to the obstacle course of a neurotic single mother. The protagonists are predominantly female, united by an unpredictable energy that propels them through the cinematic landscape – restless, bewildered, defiant, and aggressive.
Sampling the Dishes
"One Second" (China; Zhang Yimou)
A lyrical ode to the power of cinema, set during China’s Cultural Revolution.
"Afire" (France; Claire Denis)
A passionate and tempestuous love triangle set against the backdrop of a volcanic eruption.
"The Line" (Spain; Peter Strickland)
A surreal psychological thriller that delves into the labyrinthine corridors of a fashion magazine.
"Rimini" (Austria; Ulrich Seidl)
A dark comedy that follows a washed-up pop singer as he grapples with his past in a seedy seaside town.
"Rabiye Kurnaz vs. George W. Bush" (Germany; Andreas Dresen)
A powerful true story of a Turkish-German mother’s relentless fight for justice after her son is unjustly imprisoned in Guantanamo Bay.
Culinary Surprises and Challenges
Tuttle’s menu is not for the faint of heart. Some dishes are intentionally provocative, pushing the boundaries of cinematic convention.
"Ingeborg Bachmann – Journey into the Desert" (Austria; Margarethe von Trotta)
A challenging and unconventional biopic that explores the inner turmoil of the renowned Austrian poet.
"Between Revolutions" (Philippines; Lav Diaz)
A sprawling historical epic that chronicles the Philippine struggle for independence from Spain to the present day.
"Kiss the Future" (Germany; Visar Morina)
A deeply personal and unsettling film that confronts the trauma of war and loss.
Navigating the Maze of Flavors
Tuttle’s curatorial approach reflects her belief in the transformative power of cinema. By showcasing films that are bold, diverse, and often unsettling, she invites audiences to challenge their preconceived notions and embrace the full spectrum of human experience.
The Berlinale’s cinematic menu is not intended to be easily digestible. It demands active engagement, contemplation, and a willingness to be challenged. Yet, within the chaos and discomfort, there’s also beauty, insight, and a profound sense of humanity.
A Feast for the Cinematic Soul
Chez Tricia is a cinematic adventure that will leave a lasting impression. It’s a place where one can indulge in the finest culinary creations of the film world, savor the unexpected flavors, and ultimately, question and expand one’s cinematic palate.
As the lights dim and the screen flickers to life, prepare to embark on a gastronomic journey that will ignite the senses, provoke thought, and ultimately nourish the soul.
