Open Tables

Open Tables is an independent feature film released in 2015 that explores the entangled landscape of human relationships against the vibrant backdrop of the food culture in Paris and Chicago. Directed and written by Jack C. Newell, this romantic drama-comedy combines flavorful themes of love, friendship, and gastronomy. The film stars an ensemble cast featuring accomplished actors such as Desmin Borges, Bill Arnett, and Bethany Cofer, each skilled at infusing their characters with authenticity and charm.

Open Tables follows both the literal and figurative courses of several relationships through the lens of dining tables and the rich, diverse meals shared upon them. The narrative threads straddle two iconic cities, namely Paris, the global capital of cuisine, and Chicago, known for its fusion food culture and vibrant ethnic variety. Adding a deeper dimension to the title, the phrase "Open Tables" also symbolizes the openness required in relationships to share, express, and reveal one's true self to another.

Bill Arnett plays the lead character, Jason, an earnest man with a passion for gastronomy who is determined to find the perfect woman to share his dining table and life with. His character provides a sincere undertone to the film and his stellar performance imbues his character's journey with warmth and charm.

Desmin Borges, known for his unique comedic timing, portrays Kevin. He brings a welcome infusion of humor to his role as the perennially single friend with never-ending dating advice despite a disastrous love life of his own. Borges' performance is notable for its delivery of humour and reflects the film's lighter side.

Bethany Cofer plays Sarah, a character that challenges stereotypical romantic gestures, seeking instead a romantic partner who values and appreciates the simplicity of sharing a meal together. Her exceptional continuity of the role beautifully emphasizes the fusion of love and food, joining with Arnett to furnish the film with a romantic theme.

Open Tables also interweaves a delightful touch of the documentary style through 'The Meal', a film within a film created by one of the characters. This subplot cleverly parallels the film's themes and encourages deeper introspection and conversation about love and dining from both the characters and viewers. Newell uses 'The Meal' as a storytelling mechanism to visually and contextually demonstrate the film's thematic motifs.

Behind its compelling storyline, Open Tables is an exceptional showcase of culinary cinematography. From cozy cafes in Paris to upscale restaurants in Chicago, the film captures the unique ambiance of each dining environment. With wide shots of exquisite platings, close-ups of simmering dishes, and the sheer joy of shared meals, the film is a visual treat for food lovers. The camera's gaze, in sync with the narrative, often lingers on beautifully presented dishes, reinforcing the film's theme of shared meals as an expression of love, thus appealing to audiences' visual and sensual appetites.

Moreover, the sparkling dialogue adds depth to the film. Open Tables is enriched by the diverse conversations that happen around the dining tables, serving as a platform for the characters to express, explore, and confront their feelings and perceptions regarding love, companionship, expectations, and disappointments.

Beneath the film's light-hearted surface, it also brushes upon the deeper topics of identity, commitment, and the painfully beautiful complexities of human relationships. The characters also grapple with their past relationships and the fear of upcoming ones, illustrating how love is not just about finding the right person, but also overcoming one's internal insecurities and vulnerabilities.

With its focus largely on the characters' growth and evolution, Open Tables is not just another romantic comedy, but a sincere exploration of many aspects of love. Its understated observations make for heartfelt viewing as we witness the characters struggling with their insecurities and mistakes, yet continuing to hope against hope in their quest for love and understanding. It is this resilience and the capacity for continuous transformation that make Open Tables a genuinely relatable and heartwarming film.

In conclusion, Open Tables is a delectable and thoughtful cinematic treat that combines the romance of shared dining with the quest for love. Though the characters' paths are strewn with uncertainties and heartaches, their journey provides a light-hearted, yet moving observation of our shared longing for connection and understanding – served with a side of mouthwatering gastronomy. It's a film that honors the dichotomy between the complexity of human relationships and the simplicity of shared meals, making it an unmissable experience for those who love food and yearn for meaningful relationships.