Big Eden (2001)

Eat, Drink, Man, Man

By Jeffrey M. Anderson

Buy Big Eden on DVD

When his grandfather has a heart attack, a budding New York artist (Arye Gross) returns to his small hometown. Once there, he rediscovers an old high school flame (Tim DeKay), but at the same time a reclusive, mysterious Indian, Pike (Eric Schweig) -- who cooks delicious-looking meals for him and his grandfather -- also opens his eyes. Writer/director Thomas Bezucha avoids any disease-of-the-week heaviness and turns this gay romance into something entirely delightful. He lovingly crafts each and every supporting character and gives them their own souls, so that each encounter leaves you with a cozy feeling. Homophobia is nowhere to be found, which is unlikely in such a small town, but it adds to the film's warmth. Bezucha has also crafted one of the best recent food movies, with a special attention to food preparation and presentation. Big Eden will make you hungry, but it will also make your heart happy. Oscar-winner Louise Fletcher co-stars.

DVD Details: Wolfe Video presents Big Eden on a special double-disc set with all kinds of interviews, deleted scenes, and most importantly, recipes.

Starring: Arye Gross, Corinne Bohrer, George Coe, O'Neal Compton, Veanne Cox, Tim DeKay, Louise Fletcher, Nan Martin, Eric Schweig
Written by: Thomas Bezucha
Directed by: Thomas Bezucha
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for some mature thematic material
Running Time: 117 minutes
Date: May 17, 2005