Julia Child turned the kitchen into a platform for change

While many home cooks have a well-loved copy of Mastering the Art of French Cooking in their library, Julia Child is more than just a legendary culinary figure standing behind a stove. Coming to prominence during a time where dutiful women were often seen but not heard, Child used her voice to champion not just the experience of cooking delicious food but also the community experience around the table. In some ways, her second greatest love affair is the one that she shared beyond the food on her plate.

As seen in the newly released documentary, Julia, by Julie Cohen and Betsy West, the film makers who were the force behind RBG, Child had a robust life as flavorful as that iconic beef bourguignon. Although many people are aware of the persona of Child from television and movies, the reality is that woman is far more nuanced than people may realize. Just like the most delicious recipe is a built-on layers of flavors, each aspect of Child’s life made her that beloved icon.

During a recent conversation with Julie Cohen and Betsy West, the directors of Julia documentary, the pair expressed how Child implored change in a way that people embraced. Whether it was her affable character or her way of putting people at ease, she was able to turn a little opening into a wide-open door. Even though the process was not always a straightforward path, the reality is that many women today should be grateful for her determination.

As the directors said, Child “was a groundbreaker.” She encouraged home cooks to think beyond the processed foods and bland dishes that filled the table. Child took charge of her path. With a supportive husband by her side, she pushed away that dutiful wife persona yet never alienated her audience. She was the warm, welcoming host who always had an outstretched hand and a spirited conversation waiting to be enjoyed.

Given the time that Child rose to popularity, many people were hungry for that flavor. As Cohen and West commented, people are craving “adventure and creativity in their lives.” With people growing tired of that bland frozen dinner, Child was presenting them with a flavorful journey if they were ready to take the first bite.

While the documentary feasts on a variety of aspects of Child’s personality, the directors believe “at the core Child was a teacher.” But, people were open and willing to listen to her because Child balanced the entertainment and education.

As the directors shared, Child was “authentic, funny, self-deprecating” and that audience connection was engaging. She was able to push the conversation because her persona was approachable and people wanted to welcome her into their homes. The resulting gradual evolution was a natural progression of what people seemed to be craving.

Even when people might not have known that they were thirst for change, Child led them to that path. According to the directors, Child was an early adaptor of using celebrity to be that voice for a cause.

While today’s world is filled with well-known faces championing a cause, Child appreciated that a little heat for standing up for others was part of the change process. From reproductive rights to the AIDS charities, Child was unafraid to be stand up for a cause even if the political climate was tepid on the subject.

Although many people think of Julia Child as the robust culinary great who has been characterized in humorous ways, the reality is that Julie Cohen and Betsy West have told a story of a woman beyond the kitchen. Just like a memorable meal is etched in the mind and the soul, the Julia Child documentary welcomes the viewer to an experience that implores them to embrace their best life. A perfect dish is nothing without seasoning and the culinary world would be lacking without the impact of Julia Child.

Julia, a Sony Pictures documentary is by award winning filmmakers Julie Cohen and Betsy West.