‘A Kitchen Film Without Food Porn’: The Vision Behind Alonso Ruizpalacios’ Abortion Drama with Rooney Mara
The Unlikely Beginnings of a Cinematic Visionary
Ever walked into the thematic chaos of Rainforest Cafe in Piccadilly Circus, where overpriced burgers met animatronic wildlife? You might have encountered a young Alonso Ruizpalacios, the future filmmaker and master of storytelling. In the early 2000s, Ruizpalacios was not yet the celebrated director known for his groundbreaking works like A Cop Movie and the new film La Cocina, in which Rooney Mara plays a determined waitress in a bustling New York restaurant. Back then, he was clad in baggy khaki shorts, greeting patrons with lines like, “Hi, I’m Alonso, your safari guide for today. Watch out for Bamba, our gorilla!”
From the Jungle to the Big Screen
Now, sitting in a London hotel room with a breathtaking view of the Thames, Ruizpalacios reflects on his past, grimacing at the memory of his days at the Rainforest Cafe. “You had to give the whole spiel,” he exclaims, the memories still vivid. Raised in a suburb of Mexico City, with both parents practicing medicine, Ruizpalacios’s artistic path veered toward directing, spurred by his desire to understand the intricacies of performance. “I got into acting because I wanted to be a director… They’re all nuts, right?” he confides, offering a candid insight into the whimsical nature of actors.
His relationship with La Cocina extends back to those formative years at RADA, where he first encountered Arnold Wesker’s 1957 play The Kitchen. It was a play that elegantly portrayed the complexities of restaurant life. However, his personal experience offered a darker narrative. "During my early shifts, I would have nightmares about late orders," he shares, illustrating the relentless pressure of working in a busy kitchen.
A Kaleidoscopic Insight into Workforce Dynamics
La Cocina serves as a vibrant testament to American working life, encapsulating the struggles and triumphs of a day in the life of restaurant staff, many hailing from immigrant backgrounds—primarily from the Dominican Republic, Mexico, and Morocco. The lead character, Pedro, portrayed by Raúl Briones, harbors unrequited love for Mara’s character, Julia, which adds a layer of emotional depth.
The Dilemma of Celebrity and Authenticity
When casting a Hollywood star like Mara, Ruizpalacios acknowledges the potential imbalance it may create within the ensemble. “I wanted a Hollywood star because that’s how Julia appears in Pedro’s mind,” he explains, emphasizing the character’s perspective. Surprisingly, despite their star status, Ruizpalacios made it a point to keep celebrity culture at bay during the filming. “We weren’t a big production; we shot all the interiors in Mexico, keeping Rooney grounded, just like Julia,” he adds with a knowing smile.
Black-and-White: A Timeless Artistic Choice
La Cocina is filmed in dreamy monochrome, reminiscent of Coppola’s Rumble Fish, a decision motivated by the desire to evoke a sense of timelessness. “No mobile phones, no specific period—it’s beyond realism,” he clarifies. Yet, this bold artistic choice was met with skepticism from investors.
“Black-and-white was a big no for everyone we approached,” he recalls, despite the success of Roma by Alfonso Cuarón, which demonstrates that risk can yield reward. Ruizpalacios notes, “The film is a kitchen drama with no food porn and half in Spanish.” Adding to this complexity is a central character contemplating abortion—a storyline that faced pushback from studios. “One studio said, ‘Can we not have the abortion storyline?’ I was like, ‘That’s one of the main parts!’ It’s absurd we’re still debating a woman’s right to choose,” he emphasizes.
The Bigger Picture: Capitalism and the Struggles of Migrants
While inflation of kitchen dramas like The Bear are gaining popularity, Ruizpalacios was already entrenched in pre-production when it emerged. “I still haven’t seen it; I didn’t want it to influence our narrative,” he states resolutely. Despite the aesthetic changes that could have bolstered mass appeal, such as a color palette or a more mainstream lead, the film’s inherent anti-capitalist message shines through. “It illustrates how the capitalist machine leaves no room for dreams,” he says, reflecting on the frantic rush of the lunchtime service.
Facing Adversity in a Hostile Environment
As the political landscape grows increasingly hostile, Ruizpalacios feels the added urgency of releasing La Cocina. "This only heightens its relevance," he believes, keenly aware of the polarizing topics of immigration, abortion, and capitalism. “We completed the film in a climate unwelcoming to critical narratives about the establishment,” he notes.
As he balances projects in both Mexico and the United States, Ruizpalacios signifies a commitment to forging compelling narratives beyond Hollywood’s borders. “There’s a whole life beyond Hollywood,” he states, reflecting on the rich tapestry of stories waiting to be told.
Conclusion: The Pursuit of Authentic Stories
Ruizpalacios audaciously sidesteps the conventional trap of chasing awards like the Oscars, instead focusing on authentic storytelling. “Oscars don’t matter,” he dismisses, leaving audiences to ponder the real significance of cinematic achievements. “Most people can’t recall who won last year. Can you?”
La Cocina is set to hit cinemas on March 28, inviting viewers to step into a world layered with complexity, both personally and socially, through the lens of a talented filmmaker unafraid to challenge the status quo.
For more information about La Cocina, check out the release features on The Guardian.
