Longings & Babette's Feast
Through all the world there goes one long cry from the heart of the artist: Give me a chance to do my best.
Isak Dinesen *
I first saw the film Babette’s Feast in 1989 and never forgot it. Based on a short story, the film follows Babette, a refugee from Paris’s civil war. She flees to northern Denmark, arriving in a remote village late at night in a driving thunderstorm. In the rain, wind, and mud, Babette searches for a house, the home of two sisters recommended to her by a mutual friend,. When she finds it, Babette knocks. Inside, the startled sisters look up. Was it the thunder?
Exchanging glances, the sisters—Martine and Philippa—open to find the bedraggled stranger on their doorstep, about to collapse. They help Babette to a sofa in their parlor and pour her a cup of tea. As Babette slowly revives, she pulls a letter from her cloak and hands it to Martine.
The sisters recognize a familiar handwriting—their mutual friend, an opera singer they’ve not seen in decades. While Babette recovers on the sofa, the sisters learn she has lost everything in the war, including her husband and son. Her life is in jeopardy and she can no longer return to France. Could the sisters find it in their hearts to hire Babette and save her life? She knows how to cook.
Moved by the letter, the sisters regretfully decline—they have no means to pay her. But when Babette begs them for lodging in return for cooking, they relent.
Plot Twist
In time, Babette’s circumstances improve, and the sisters expect she will return to France. But before they talk, Babette approaches the sisters with a request. May she prepare a special French meal for them and the handful of church members who meet in their home?
The sisters object. They live an austere and disciplined life ruled by their climate, isolation, and spiritual beliefs. Extravagance is not in their nature. Babette presses. In all their years together, she’s never asked for anything. Could they not now grant her request?
Reluctantly, the sisters agree. But when they see the preparations underway, Martine and Philippa regret their decision. After Martine suffers a terrifying nightmare, she gathers the church. She fears she has invited them to “a witch’s sabbath,” where they may be exposed to “dangerous, maybe even evil powers.” She begs their forgiveness.
In response, the gentle church folk swear themselves to silence regarding the feast “for the love of our little sisters.” They vow to partake but not enjoy the extravagance nor speak of it.
Dinner is Served
When the appointed evening arrives, the people gather, lips tight with resolve. Babette is fast at work in the kitchen, a young helper at her elbow. While she choreographs simmering pots, roasting meats, and wine pairings, Erik runs in and out of the dining room, serving each course.
Dining room scenes reveal the effect the feast is having on everyone. Raised eyebrows and murmurs of delight betray everyone’s enjoyment. Despite discouraging frowns, a few request second helpings.
Babette serves to the point of exhaustion, tasting, tweaking, artfully arranging each dish. With a quick nod to her helper, he whisks away dish after dish, and Babette turns to the stove. She rotates pots and pans until the last dish is served.
Sabotaged, the parishioners stoic resolve succumbs to the sensual delights. They relax into the meal, expressions softening. Old jealousies, accusations, and insults morph into confessions, forgiveness, jokes, and forbearance. Babette has served them no witch’s brew but a feast of love and generosity.
Another sip of wine, and one matron casts a demure look at the man next to her. A spark lights his eyes. Will her husband forgive them? Resentments flicker in the candlelight and die. By the time the group passes into the parlor for coffee and champagne, all is forgiven, all is well, all is possible.
The Stars Move Closer
While waiting for her guests to leave, Babette sits with a smile and a small glass of wine. Her bravura performance ends. But its effect continues.
Outside, the happy church folk exit into the starlight. Someone starts a familiar hymn and everyone joins hands. They circle the town well, singing with one voice.
The punchline comes the next day, when the sisters thank Babette and wish her well. Because of her good fortune, they expect she will return to Paris now that the feast is over. But Babette is going nowhere.
I won’t spoil the ending in case you’ve not seen the film. But stay with me as I connect dots to the film and the subject of longings.
* Babette's Feast and Other Anecdotes of Destiny (Vintage; First Edition), 1988.