Ratatouille’s Brilliant (And Overlooked) Message 

So I realize there’s a few mistakes in this video, and that’s because my editing software exported an old version for reasons unknown. So there’s some clipping in the audio, the border disappears for a few seconds, and there’s a typo in the quote. I figured it was worth just releasing the video as is rather than wait for the copyright block and further delay the video

The concept of being critical has become muddled, critical opinion can mean negative but it also used to mean a discerning judgement. Anyone can not like something due to whimsy, it's called having an opinion. Being a true critic/reviewer should mean you are held to the standard of properly explaining, what you did/didn't like, why you did/didn't like it and how it can be improved if applicable. Social media for the first time in history allows people to review the reviewers and keep them accountable to being constructive, hopefully it will become common.

I think Ego's final actions are critical to his character. By providing a stellar review, he winds up losing his job and his power as the preeminent food critic in Paris. This is because the powers that be believe that Ego is no longer a reliable critic when he praised the restaurant that later got busted for health code violations. But he still invests in the new restaurant, which shows that he's willing to put his money where his mouth is- literally. He's willing to support the kind of food his loves, even if the establishment doesn't see it as worthy. And I think that's a crucial difference between Ego and some social media critics who only insult for clickbate. EGO ACTUALLY BELIEVES EVERYTHING HE WRITES. If he disapproves, his loathing is genuine. If he loves something, he's willing to sacrifice his position, his status, and his income in order to stand up for what he believes in, and that's a point I think needed to be addressed. Ego had his principles, and he may have needed to go on a character arc to lead him back to what he really loved about food, but at the same time, he's one of the few main characters who's totally honest all the time- with him, what you see (and hear, and read) is what you get.

Peter O'Toole, the voice behind Anton Ego, did an amazing job! There's such a presence from the character and his voice!

I'm not a fan of critique culture myself. And online communities will shove critique culture down your throat. I find myself enjoying media less when I view it through eyes that judge, rather than eyes that perceive. Art made for the purpose of being judged is pretentiousness. Art made for the purpose of being felt is true art.

I think it's important to note that it's strongly implied from the flashback that Antoine was heavilly bullied as a kid, and he essentially reacted by becoming a bully. Remy's cooking (and that it came from a Rat) snapped him out of that mindset.

I will say that from what *I* have seen from watching both Kitchen Nightmares and Hell's Kitchen, although Chef Ramsey does get loud when the chefs don't produce food up to his standard he also says what he doesn't like about it; whether it's cold, it's raw, it's soggy, whatever the case may be. And in Kitchen Nightmares at least, he can be seen working with the chefs as well as the owners to improve the quality of what they put out. Aside from that, I do agree that what you said about critics is true.

I think there is a lot of wisdom in this video, and I love the quote from Charlie Chaplin: "Failure is unimportant. It take courage to make a fool of yourself." I've been very hesitent to present much of my writing for critique and frequently find myself second guessing if anything I come up with is even good. The thoughts in this video will help me push past this. Thank you for this content.

Toot the rata.

Just when you thought 4Shame disappeared, he returned! And especially the beginning of my summer break!

As an aspiring movie reviewer who's already made a few reviews on my channel, I definitely try to be constructive and offer ways in which I think the movie I'm reviewing could be improved if need be. I'm definitely guilty of being snarky and smug every now and then, but I think it's dumb to actively want a movie or really anything or anyone to be bad instead of trying to put more good ones out. This video just reminded me of how important it is to get off your high horse like your opinion is Gospel. Thank you 4Shame!

Very true stuff. I believe that the reason people look at Ratatouille so oddly is because of the aspect of a rat teaming up with a person to make food for a beloved restaurant. These thoughts could possibly overshadow what should be paid attention to, especially if you are a critic and are telling your opinions to an audience, and even more especially if you ARE part of that critic's audience. I myself could be blamed for this when it comes to certain movies or shows that I have spoken about to others, and some others could be blamed for calling a movie bad just because of one insignificant aspect. For these reasons, I've actually kinda started to open myself up to stuff I'm not used to. It actually makes me want to want to watch Star Wars: Resistance, despite its child appealing animation, just so I can actually see what it is truly worth.

Caligula is the name of the film 4shame referenced when he mentions the scathing review

Wonderful truly turned the reflection of others upon ourselves

Ratatouille feels like a movie that gets better when you get older, especially when the main theme revoles around criticism.

This is literally how I feel about some RU-vidrs who think they have the only good opinions. It's Aldone. I'm referring to Aldone.

You're one of my new favorite creators that I've discovered recently. Really happy to see you're back.

I like your videos and the insights you give, also I love this movie :) The British version of Gordon Ramsay's shows are much milder. It's the US version that is concepted that way to get enough viewership. Oddly enough, I didn't dislike the song of Rebecca Black, I found it kinda catchy. Regarding the main point you made about critics, that live the easy life by not offering anything constructiv, when I was still in school, I liked watching CinemaSins, because yeah it was funny to see someone talking something down. But after some time it was just sad and watching CinemaWins is way more enjoyable.

This is part of the reason why I like to watch channels such as CinemaWins and GamingWins. Finding the positives in something, even something that might seem bad is hard to do when it is so easy to simply be negative all the time. There have been some films CinemaWins have covered that I ended up watching and actually enjoying. When beforehand I would've just simply written it off as well, junk.

Glad you’re okay bud. And very happy that you are aware, have shared, and with great verbal articulation explained the meaning of that film and how it is relevant in today’s artistic scene. Hope your week is good, tea and hugs.

Bro i read the thumbnail as "THE VILLAIN IS SUS" 💀

it reminds me of a saying my old man used as a salesman when ever some one said something was "too expensive" or "cheap quality" he'd simply asked "compared to what?", its comparison thats key when criticizing anything

I have to say, online criticism of stuff like movies and games back in the 2000s was way worse than it is now. And also the mid 2010s had way more of just bullying random people for being cringey. It's not great nowadays but it used to be downright exhausting before.

Ego's review is one of the greatest monologues ever written.

No the sonic movie recieved hate at first because of his old design looking like a love child between Alvin and the chipmunks and the smurfs, both the infamous live action CGI versions That being said, I've heard a lot more good things about the sonic movie than bad, so it's no wonder it recieved a sequel

13:16 T W I T T E R

I think the problem is that some people when it comes to Critics is that some people just let critics dictate their opinions on things when most of the Critics i watch say it's ok to like stuff they don't personally my favorite type of negative critiques are the ones where the Critic does rip the movie/show/video Game/whatever they don't like a new one but then give the person who made it tips about how they can improve the Movie/show/video Game/whatever they don't like

14:30 so listening to that line, if I told you guys an interview like that that was by the who played Jar Jar Binks was so emotional it brought me to tears would you believe me

The thing that intrigues me about Anton Ego is that he has all the qualities of a villain, yet he's not out to rule the world. He's just out to give really stuffy reviews. I remember another pixar antagonist in monsters 2 again had all the ingredients of a villain, yet again she wasn't out to rule the world, she was just a stuffy dean. and much like ego, the good guys didn't defeat her by destroying her. but by changing her mind, and ended up becoming friends.

I really love the message of this video and the positvity it is trying to bring to the space! Our critiques should be with the goal to build up other creatives when we can or respectful at the least! Keep up the great work!

Yes again missed you and your content glad you are doing better 4shame love my content creators as much as any other artist 👩‍🎨 singer comic book artist writer extra

This reminds me a lot of one of FD Signafier's videos calling out this type of culture. It's something we're all complicit, or many of at least me included, but I'm happy that people like you guys are pushing back

That was well said. I remember being a little harsh which was not my intention to certain writers just because of episodes I didn’t like and I felt they should’ve known better and were arrogantly dismissing constructive criticism. My intention was for them to improve and did try to give them constructive criticism. My Mom and a few on the internet would tell me how to say constructive criticism and I was open minded.

What's funny is that Gordon Ramsey isn't actually like that. American producers tell him to act like a complete jerk because they think that's what Americans want to see. In British TV he's actually constructive and reasonable...which makes sense since unlike Anton, he actually knows how to cook 5* food.

I know it’s nothing special but I moved on and tried to avoid overly critical content and people from around my early teens. It is hard to create and produce, praising those that try is far more valuable for yourself than telling others what to do or what to like. You get to discover yourself and your potential passion(s), maybe even getting to share it with others. At the very least it’s all too easy to take things and people for granted

Feeling joy at somebody elses failure has a german word: Schadenfreude (damage joy). It is the fun if your arch enemy runs into a closed door, for example.

sorry i was late man i watch Ratatouille all the time it is the best pixar movie ever no debate

Awesome stuff, really love the constructive tone!!

wooow, I love this video, I haven't seen Ratatouille in years and I have seen a few commentary videos about it, but only yours actually made me want to rewatch it. I really love the very positive and constructive message that you carry. Thanks

I've made a few song recordings, and I've uploaded them to RU-vid over the years. Never have reached any real goals with them, though.

I fell in love with this movie the moment i saw it and Ego is one of my favorite pixar characters. Thabks for making a video on him 😊

Glad you’re still making videos. You haven’t shown up on my feed in months and it was great to see more videos

Great video!

Good to see you back man. Hope everything is all good. I know your mostly about animated movies and the such but you should atleast watch if not review Mr in-between and black snow. Both Aussie series and they are both brilliant definitely both worth a watch

7:00 You Made The Text Say Huny For More,And Not Hungry For More! 😂

When I learned the dish ratatouille was all vegetables my heart was crushed

Anton Ego is honestly my favorite critic character.

8:40 I very wholeheartedly echo this statement. It's already a deep sentiment but as someone who has experienced a "piece of junk" giving me much joy and wonder and would call the "junk" a "masterpiece"...well I can't help but feel better about my love for it. Edit: I'm also an artist. Not a well-known, professional one, but an artist nonetheless as I love to make visual or written depictions of my beloved characters characters and stories, pre-existing or entirely original. This already makes me feel better not just in regards of enjoying "junk", but to allow that my "junk" art is okay as well, despite what a few people have said. Thank you not just for encouraging me but others to create their passions. (P.S. 4shame I LOVE YOUR FURSONA)

On Gordon Ramsay: I won't be the prophesized commenter that brings up some one spectacularly cuss-flavored instruction he doled out to fix a dish, but instead mention that he himself has *admitted* that he plays up the vitriol for the cameras. In truth, Gordon Ramsay is actually a very polite individual from what I've heard and if he's able to just be "Gordon", not "Gordon Ramsay, Hell's Kitchen-'s chef"

My perspective on criticism: If nothing good to say, say nothing, if say bad also say good or at least explain why say if u like thing, don't say if not constructive Also when something sucks, I feel bad for all parties involved including myself

Thank you.

Yet another reason why this movie is unique.

really enjoyed this video

Excellent Video and great points on Critique Culture in general, but I don't really agree with the Gordon Ramsay comparison, a lot of Gordon's more violent outbursts come from a point of safety or incompetence where trained professionals should have, in these team cooking shows they often are. In the shows where the chefs are not professionally trained or expected to be, like Master Chef Junior, he more often provides meaningful feedback.

Honestly, I struggle with being critical of a work, because if I go down that path, I become miserable.

YOU MADE ME REMEMBER THAT SONG FRIDAY NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Glad to see your doing well.

I liked this video, especially since a lot of the people that I surround myself with are quite hateful, so the idea of good faith criticism is kind of hard to get, but when you hear good criticism and well directed criticism, it is very impactful as an example my mother personally hates the current president of United States although all of the reasons she has given to criticize him are somewhat lacking which is probably why I have a good sense for that criticism because even though I like certain creators who just give the bare minimum required reason to hate a film, you also have to remember how the artist behind the scenes managed to get this far on their own artistic journey anyways, I found this to be a great character study

Funny, I knew the film that was so terrible because a podcast I follow is currently doing a series on Caligula, and opened with that event.

Basically Anton Ego's character development is going from being Roger Ebert to being Mark Kermode.

valuable analysis

6:57 it says hunry instead of hungry sorry

I will also say that one of the best things I've ever enjoyed was Kraft Mac n Cheese with a little extra milk and some of the powder left over to sprinkle on top. I was great b/c I was 5 and was cooking and I was making it with my mom. How is THAt for perspective?

Anton is so under appreciated, so thank you for this 🙏🩷

@4shame are you working on something for Wednesday?

At 20:37, we're encouraged to link our work in the comments. I've got stories on Script Revolution under the name Thomas Norton. I would give a direct link to the website but RU-vid wouldn't let me. About 15 minutes after I provided the link, I returned to this comment section and it was gone.

I read the thumbnail when the villain is sus

I ended up not finishing the Sonic movie because as much as I appreciate it Jim Carrey as Dr robotnik and as much as I appreciate Sony redesigning sonics character from the monstrosity they had at first, it just wasn't Sonic. Maybe that's just me growing up with the old video games and the Sonic x cartoon but that hedgehog wasn't the Sonic that I grew up with

Remember when the irate gamer? He got hated for copying the avgn looking back at it, it was horrible for doing that.

While I'm not against rightly calling out bad art for what it is, there's a point where it's simple sadism, not criticism. I used to be a big fan of The BlockbusterBuster, who would viciously take down bad movies, and most of the time they had it coming. Over time, he seemed get meaner and harsher in his reviews, and at some point it became too much even for me, so I dropped him. I enjoyed what he made at the time, but his negativity went from critical and humorous to just bullying, and I couldn't stomach it any further.

HUNRY

Its been a while since i watched this movie.

12:16 Wait perspective? In the dub in my landguage he asks for moderation

I wish you didn't involve the Sonic movie in your analasys. The sonic movie was a beloved franchice and the original animation was godawful. A lot of that criticism was pure bile, but in between that bile the moviemakers halt the movie and listen to the fans redraw sonic and make a modern masterpiece. I wish it could have done better, and more imporant nicer, but let's face it the criticism saved the movie and I doubt the executives would have halted release date unless the critisism was as ruthless as it was. Involving that movie doesn't help your point. The rest of your analasys is spot on and great, and holds important points on the importance of being kind to creative souls. I think what Ratatouille did to it's villain is EXACTLY how you make a redemption arc for a villain and your point of the cruelty he used to hold is so important. We humans are not good at trying out or giving a shot to new things.

this started as a Ratatouille video.

Would you like to review Snow Queen (1957)?

nice

Can you do the good dinosaur

Rabecca black didnt write Friday. Ark Music Factory wrote it as well as tins of terrible songs written for kids to sing because their rich parents paid for it.

I largely agree with your points, but there HAS been a LOT of pushback against this stuff, which is why CinemaWINS exists, and many high profile critics have more success if their criticisms are more constructive. Even the Caustic Critics of old, where they're still around at all, TEND TO make more lighthearted content.

Hi X3

You Ratad your last touille

15:28 hey, what's wrong with Wild Wild west?

I LOVE WILD WILD WEST COME AT ME!!

If you're going to offer critique of your audience or the worl in general at least be honest with it, the hate for the Sonic movie was primarily with the original human-teeth model for Sonic which you don't show at all when talking about the movie after that was fixed people rallied around a stuio that listened to feedback an saw the movie in droves.

Isn’t the cook’s name linguini

but we all do that 🤣😆🤣😆just messing around

Rebecca Black is still making music?

Is this message really overlooked? It is the main message of the movie!

I'm sorry, but did he reference Electricdragon?

The only real villains are Linguini's family, like his dad dying over a bad review or his mom hiding his dad's identity. Nobody else is villain. The old woman doesn't want a colony of rat in her house, the Skinner is trying to keep restraunt afloat and not letting a nobody that cooks for shit, And Ego is British, a fate worse than death. And besides that it's his job to give reviews and blaming him for Gustea's death is dumb.

I despise cancel culture and permanent crtiticism over a flop made years ago.

This is gonna sound funny but the review he reads says the movie is a travesy when the correct word would be tragedy. A common mix up of words but coming from a critic just seems laughable