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This week I have a foodie movie to share. Nigel Slater is a well-know British chef, television personality, and writer. I was unfamiliar with Slater's personal life, so I was curious about Toast (directed by S. J. Clarkson), which is loosely based on Slater's memoir of the same title.
Nigel's childhood was far from happy. Only two things seem to have brought him joy: dreaming about well-cooked food and the love of his mother. His mother, however, was a notoriously bad cook; if it didn't come from a can, she didn't serve it. Many a night, dinner in the Slater house consisted of toast and tea. Nonetheless, Nigel was devastated when she died when he was only nine.
Later, Nigel's father took notice of their housekeeper. Mrs. Potter was a conniving woman who seemed to be out to make a better life for herself. She and Nigel didn't get along at all, and they competed for Mr. Slater's attention, especially when it came to food. As far as Nigel could tell, Mrs. Potter's only redeeming qualities were her abilities to clean and cook.
It wasn't until Nigel took home ec in high school (he was the only boy in the class) that he began to gain control of his life and finally find happiness.
Toast stars Oscar Kennedy, Victoria Hamilton, and Colin Prockter. It's very well acted, and Kennedy is particularly brilliant as the young Nigel. I recommend the movie to anyone who wants to know more about Slater, who likes true stories, and who likes foodie films.
To learn even more about Slater, visit his website.
I don't really know Nigel Slater. But the movie sounds fun :) Might watch it :)
ReplyDeleteI've browsed through a few of his cookbooks but didn't know anything about his early life. I will have to take a look.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a movie for me!
ReplyDeleteOH! I didn't know that there was a Nigel Slater-based film - must see it!
ReplyDeleteSounds like an interesting movie! Thanks for sharing about it! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for reviewing TOAST for us! I watched the review and am sold--it looks really good. I love Helena Bonham Carter, too.
ReplyDeletethis is definitely a feel-good film, perfect for a wintery evening!!!
ReplyDeleteThis looks like an interesting movie. It reminds of my neighbor, a chef, who said he had to learn to cook if he wanted to eat :)
ReplyDeleteHis mom too, was a horrible cook, he said.
I've eaten too much food this holiday.
ReplyDeletehttp://joycelansky.blogspot.com
I know nothing about Nigel. Sounds like cute film.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like an interesting film; I'll have to try and watch it. I'm happy Nigel found happiness through his home-ec class.
ReplyDeleteI've seen this movie! I really liked it :)
ReplyDeleteYou always find such interesting, unique films. I always look forward to your recommendations.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a fun film. I am off to France soon-if you have time can you send me a list of movies-I want to download them for the plane and you always list good movies-how do you find them-movies/food.
ReplyDeleteThank you for hosting this event-I always enjoying popping over for it. I hope you have had a good Thanksgiving weekend.
I watched TOAST last night. I liked it a lot, although I have to admit I dozed for part of the middle.. ugh. That's what happens when you get up at 5 am and bike for 2.5 hrs. My Saturday nights are shot. lol!
ReplyDeleteIt's on Netflix.
p.s. Nigel Slater himself has a cameo at the very end of the film. It was a really nice touch.
ReplyDeleteHi, I'm definitely going to check this movie out--sounds so good!
ReplyDeleteI'm adding it to my netflix queue!
ReplyDeleteI love foodie movies! Thanks for a great recommendation!
ReplyDeleteThanks for bringing Toast to my attention. It looks like something I'd love!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a fun one but I'd probably have to watch it alone.
ReplyDeleteI've just addes my friend's cookbook, At Home in the Kitchen that I did a review of.
ReplyDelete