It has always been something of a mystery to me why Canada, which has absolutely no problem competing with other countries in terms of literature and music, has such a difficult time producing quality movies. I liked Men With Brooms well enough, and that new Paul Gross movie looks like it could be funny. But let's face it - most of them refuse to stay away from some version of the same old tired theme: Canadians are more well-mannered than Americans. Ha. Ha. Ha.
From this perspective, Cooking With Stella is a bit of a relief. The movie tells of a diplomat named Maya who is stationed at the Canadian High Commission in India, her husband, Michael, and their Indian cook/maid, Stella. I suppose the running theme of this movie would be something like: Canadians far too well-mannered for their own good. Sigh...oh well, at least it doesn't contain any confused, arrogant American caricatures.
As a one time top chef and bored house husband, Michael must find something to occupy his attention. When Stella makes him something he likes for lunch, he (of course) gets all excited and pronounces her his "cooking guru." But don't let the initial whimsical scenes of foodie porn fool you (you know, trips to the glorious Indian version of a farmers' market, the chopping of crisp, fresh vegetables, a sizzling fry pan of some tasty-looking coconut milk based sauce...). Oh no, the title term of "cooking" really means something quite different.
It turns out, Stella is an accomplished thief, and has made an entire underground career for herself by taking advantage of the gullible good will of a long line of Canadian employers. By running a "duty free shop" and snagging the odd item from pockets and jewelry boxes, she is able to make a decent living and rise above the poverty suffered by most in her country. In a way, who could blame her? These Canadian fools barely even notice the missing items, yet they represent a fortune to Stella. This brand of satire continues throughout the entire movie, through various plot twists and conflicts, and into an almost-too-ridiculous-to-believe ending.
I feel that this movie COULD have worked, and it kind of comes close. The idea is there, but the delivery not so much. For instance, the relationship between Michael and Maya is completely flat and disjointed. There's one truly pathetic conflict scene where a combination of weak acting and downright horrible dialogue leads to confusion about what exactly is going on (i.e. are they having an argument here? What?)
That's about all I have to say about this movie. It's not the worst thing I've ever seen , but it's not great either. Oh and, if any Canadian film makers out there happen upon this post, could you please, please consider making a movie that is about Canadians, but NOT self-consciously so?
(Actually, I have a feeling the new film Chloe might be thus...I hope to review it here soon...)
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