🪶 Story & Synopsis
42 Grams (2017)
Director Jack C. Newell takes viewers on a captivating journey through the riveting world of culinary arts in the documentary “42 Grams.” The film delves deep into the raw and real-life struggles of Chef Jake Bickelhaupt, who dares to follow his heart and take risks in pursuit of his culinary dreams. From the opening scene to the closing credits, Newell masterfully weaves a narrative that keeps audiences engaged, culminating in a surprising and satisfying conclusion.
Set against the backdrop of the competitive foodie culture, “42 Grams” offers an intimate look at the transformation of Chef Bickelhaupt from running an underground restaurant in his home to becoming a celebrated figure in the culinary world in a remarkably short span of time.
The documentary skillfully blends elements of biography, drama, and documentary genres, providing a glimpse into the challenges and triumphs faced by Chef Bickelhaupt on his journey to culinary stardom. The film is a testament to the power of passion, dedication, and relentless pursuit of one’s dreams.
One of the standout features of “42 Grams” is its meticulously crafted music score, which not only enhances the viewing experience but also adds depth and emotion to key moments throughout the film. Newell’s adept use of music, combined with well-timed edits, elevates the storytelling and creates a truly immersive cinematic experience.
For those with an appreciation for food, culture, and the art of storytelling, “42 Grams” is a must-watch. Whether you are a food enthusiast or a fan of culinary narratives like Anthony Bourdain’s “Kitchen Confidential,” this documentary offers a compelling and insightful look into the world of haute cuisine.
With its compelling narrative, engaging storytelling, and a touch of unexpected twists, “42 Grams” is a cinematic gem that leaves a lasting impression on its audience. Jack C. Newell’s masterful direction and Chef Jake Bickelhaupt’s captivating journey make “42 Grams” a film that resonates long after the credits roll.
🧑 Cast & Crew
Jake Bickelhaupt
Movie Casting:
| Actor | Role | Crew | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jake Bickelhaupt | Actor | Director, Producer | N/A |
| Alexa Welsh | Actor | N/A | N/A |
| Jack C. Newell | Writer | Director, Producer | N/A |
| Declan Ryan | Producer | N/A | N/A |
💬 Reviews and feedback
Welcome to the culinary world of “42 Grams” where the Michelin stars shine as bright as the kitchen knives! Imagine a soufflé of ambition, a bisque of determination, and a side dish of hard work. This documentary serves up a delectable feast for the eyes and mind, leaving you craving for more.
Picture this: a culinary prodigy, Jake Bickelhaupt, starts his journey from running an illegal restaurant out of his home to becoming a culinary sensation in Chicago. It’s like watching a chef transform from an amateur cook to a master of the culinary arts in less time than it takes to bake a soufflé.
- Plot: “42 Grams” unveils the raw reality behind the glitz and glamour of Michelin stars. It delves into the sacrifices, struggles, and triumphs of Chef Jake Bickelhaupt as he navigates the cutthroat world of fine dining.
- Themes and Tone: The film beautifully captures the essence of passion, dedication, and sacrifice in pursuing one’s dreams. It balances moments of inspiration with stark realities, creating a narrative that is both uplifting and poignant.
The movie doesn’t just show you the artistry behind creating exquisite dishes; it also serves up a hearty portion of human emotion. You’ll find yourself rooting for Jake and Alexa as they juggle their personal lives with their culinary ambitions.
Acting and Characters: While not your traditional Hollywood blockbuster with actors playing roles, “42 Grams” shines through its authentic portrayal of real-life characters. Jake Bickelhaupt steals the show with his passion for food and unwavering dedication to his craft.
Direction: Jack C. Newell’s direction deserves applause for capturing the essence of Jake’s journey with such intimacy and authenticity. The film immerses you in the chaotic yet captivating world of haute cuisine, making you feel like an invisible guest in Jake’s kitchen.
- Cinematography: Prepare to feast your eyes on sumptuous visuals that showcase food as art. The cinematography beautifully captures every sizzle, sauté, and simmer, transporting you into the heart of gastronomic creativity.
- Production Design: From cramped kitchen spaces to elegant dining rooms, every frame is meticulously crafted to reflect the contrast between chaos and sophistication in Jake’s culinary journey.
Binge-Watching Tip: Keep your favorite snacks handy while watching “42 Grams.” Trust me; you’ll be craving some gourmet delights by the end credits!
The film doesn’t shy away from showcasing both the highs and lows on Jake’s path to culinary stardom. It’s a rollercoaster ride that leaves you emotionally invested in every dish plated and every hurdle crossed.
If life were a recipe book, “42 Grams” would be that unexpected fusion dish that surprises your taste buds and warms your soul.
Rating: 9/10
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Inspiring and realistic portrayal | Controversial background of chef |
| Intimate and personal storytelling | Alienation from the outside world depicted |
| Fascinating look at the chef’s creative process | Too narrowly focused on the restaurant’s making |
| Sensory extravaganza with focus on food creations | Cost on the couple’s lives not fully explored |
| Well thought-out documentary | |
| High-energy storytelling |
Feedback
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42 Grams (2017) - IMDb
SPONSORED42 Grams is an intimate portrait of how chef Jake Bickelhaupt evolved from running an illegal restaurant out of his home to being a culinary celebrity in less than a year and the toll it tak… Read all42 Grams is an intimate portrait of how chef Jake Bickelhaupt evolved from running an illegal restaurant out of his home to being a culinary celebrity in less than a year and the toll it takes on his personal life.42 Grams is an intimate portrait of how chef Jake Bickelhaupt evolved from running an illegal restaurant out of his home to being a culinary celebrity in less than a year and the toll it takes on his personal life.SPONSOREDJacob Bickelhaupt
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42 Grams | Rotten Tomatoes
42 GramsWhere to Watch42 Grams
Rent 42 Grams on Prime Video, or buy it on Prime Video.
Critics ReviewsAudience ReviewsCast & CrewMore Like ThisPhotos42 GramsMovie Info
- Director
- Jack C. Newell
- Producer
- Jack C. Newell,Declan Ryan
- Screenwriter
- Jack C. Newell
- Genre
- Documentary,Biography,Drama
- Original Language
- English
- Release Date (Streaming)
- Nov 17, 2017
- Runtime
- 1h 22m
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42 Grams streaming: where to watch movie online? - JustWatch
Watch Now
FiltersStreaming in:Something wrong? Let us know!FiltersStreaming in:Something wrong? Let us know!Currently you are able to watch “42 Grams” streaming on The Roku Channel, Tubi TV, Freevee for free with ads or buy it as download on Amazon Video. It is also possible to rent “42 Grams” on Amazon Video onlinePortrait of Jake Bickelhaupt from his underground restaurant, Sous Rising, to his 2 Michelin star winning restaurant, 42 Grams.Documentary, Drama1h 22minUnited StatesJack C. Newell
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42 Grams Movie Review | Common Sense Media
What’s the Story?
In 42 GRAMS, director Jack C. Newell (Open Tables) follows Jake Bickelhaupt, a talented young chef who feels he’s getting nowhere after a decade toiling in the rich Chicago culinary scene. After years of cooking under a great chef at Charlie Trotter’s, one of Chicago’s great restaurants, Jake leaves and quickly realizes food is still his passion. With the support and help of his wife, Alexa Welsh, who works her own full-time job, they start an “underground” restaurant (that is, unlicensed), serving 15 strangers superb cuisine every weekend right in their cramped home. (A Cuisinart sits on the desk.) They call their enterprise Sous Rising (“sous” means “under” in French, as in sous chef, the role he achieved at other restaurants). “Jake needs an outlet for his food creativity,” says his wise and indulgent wife, Alexa. Their success and Jake’s passion inspire them to open an actual restaurant. They rent the space at the ground floor of their apartment building and transform a fast-food chicken joint into an 18-seat shrine to fine dining and a representation of Jake and Alexa’s deepest selves, reflected in a name that riffs on the supposed weight of two souls. Newell captures the research and development phase of the menu creation, recording Jake’s food combination experiments (cultured barley porridge, fried enoki mushroom straw). The work is long, detail-oriented, and physically grueling. Jake says he feels like a “prisoner” of his own restaurant. We watch a nervous opening night in 2014, where Jake barks at his staff in the open kitchen and shakes his head at what he perceives to be the laziness and incompetence of his small staff. Jake’s to-do list reflects high aspirations, including winning coveted Michelin Guide stars. To achieve a star within the first year of a restaurant’s operation is nearly unheard of, yet Jake fully expects, hopes, and yearns to win two, even though at the time, only two restaurants in Chicago had two stars. The camera captures their nail-biting wait to hear if the restaurant has won. Soon after that, the restaurant enjoys another two years of lauded operation. Jake and Alexa — who endured many stresses as they opened the restaurant, including alcoholism, staff turnover, and the loss of three of their four parents — eventually divorce. The restaurant closes a few months later.
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42 Grams - Metacritic
User Score Available after 4 ratingstbdSummary 42 Grams is an intimate portrait of how chef Jake Bickelhaupt evolved from running an illegal restaurant out of his home to being a culinary celebrity in less than a year and the toll it takes on his personal life.Directed By:Jack C. NewellWritten By:Jack C. NewellJan 25, 2018Writer-director Jack C. Newell’s 42 Grams is a smartly executed, well-photographed and at times almost painfully raw profile.Feb 13, 2018Eye-opening and engrossing, but no more so than your average episode of Ramsay’s old “Kitchen Nightmares” show. Less faked conflict, perhaps, but less revealing as well.
⚠️ Explanation (Spoiler)
In the captivating documentary “42 Grams,” the worlds of cooking and filmmaking collide as we follow the journey of chef Jake Bickelhaupt from hosting intimate dinners in his home to achieving the prestigious Michelin Star rating for his restaurant, 42 Grams. The film delves into the creative process and personal sacrifices of Bickelhaupt and the director, Jack C. Newell, as they collaborate to bring this culinary story to life.
The Story Unfolds: The documentary begins with Bickelhaupt’s venture into the underground dining scene, where he and his then-wife, Alexa, started serving high-end tasting menus out of their home. Inspired by the positive reception and his desire to connect with diners on a deeper level, Bickelhaupt eventually opens his own restaurant, 42 Grams, named after the weight of the human soul. As Newell, the director of the film, had previously experienced Bickelhaupt’s culinary creations, he was drawn to capture the essence of the chef’s unique approach to fine dining.
Behind the Scenes: Newell’s filming style aimed for authenticity, with a small crew capturing the day-to-day operations of Bickelhaupt’s kitchen. The documentary captures the intimate moments of food preparation, interactions with staff, and the emotional journey of striving for culinary excellence. Bickelhaupt noted that Newell seamlessly integrated into the kitchen environment, making the filming process feel like a natural part of their routine.
The Climactic Moments: The film builds up to the pivotal moment when Bickelhaupt receives the call from Michelin, confirming the prestigious two-star rating for 42 Grams. This achievement marks the culmination of his hard work and dedication to his craft. However, the journey is not without its challenges, including the departure of a beloved sous chef, adding emotional depth to the narrative.
Emotional Impact: As the documentary unfolds, viewers witness the highs and lows of Bickelhaupt’s culinary journey, from the stress of the restaurant’s opening night to the bittersweet moments of success and loss. The emotional weight of Bickelhaupt’s passion for cooking and the sacrifices made along the way resonates throughout the film.
Final Note: “42 Grams” not only showcases the artistry of cooking but also highlights the intersection of personal ambition, creativity, and the pursuit of culinary excellence. Through the lens of filmmaking, the documentary immerses viewers in the intense world of haute cuisine, offering a glimpse into the dedication and artistry required to achieve culinary acclaim.
👪 Parents Guide & Age Rating
TV-MA
Age Rating:
42 Grams movie is rated R for strong language including some cursing.
Parental Guide:
Parents should be aware that 42 Grams contains strong language including some cursing. The movie provides an intimate portrait of the journey of chef Jake Bickelhaupt, showcasing his evolution from running an illegal restaurant to becoming a culinary celebrity, and the personal toll it takes on his life. While the film offers insights into the culinary world and the challenges faced by the protagonist, the strong language may not be suitable for younger viewers. Therefore, it is recommended for mature audiences.
📺 Streaming and where to watch
| streaming service | extra information |
|---|---|
| The Roku Channel | Watch ’42 Grams’ for free with ads |
| Tubi TV | Watch ’42 Grams’ for free with ads |
| Freevee | Watch ’42 Grams’ for free with ads |
| Amazon Video | Buy or rent ’42 Grams’ as download on Amazon Video |
❝ Quotes and Cult
You give me a uniform... you give me a, heh, number on my back... and I'll give you the guts.
I don't care if they like me. I didn't come here to make friends. I don't even care if they respect me. I know who I am.
I don't think it matters what I believe, only what I do.
You want a player who doesn't have the guts to fight back?
You think God likes baseball, Herb?
We had a victory of fascism in Germany. It's time, time we had a victory over racism at home.
🤖42 Grams Reddit Talks
42 Grams: The Rise and Fall of Chef Jake Bickelhaupt
Documentary Overview:
“42 Grams” follows the tumultuous journey of Jake Bickelhaupt, a talented and troubled chef who opened an illegal restaurant out of his home before achieving culinary stardom.
Chef Jake Bickelhaupt:
- Praised for his exceptional culinary skills and unwavering passion for food.
- Known for his volatile temper and erratic behavior, particularly when intoxicated.
- Faced legal troubles, including a guilty plea for simple battery.
Discussion Points:
Culinary Talent and Personal Struggles:
- Bickelhaupt’s exceptional culinary abilities are undeniable, but his personal struggles often overshadowed his talent.
- The documentary explores the challenges of balancing a demanding career with mental health and addiction issues.
Fine Dining Culture:
- The film provides a glimpse into the intense and often unforgiving world of fine dining.
- Bickelhaupt’s experiences highlight the pressures and sacrifices required to succeed in this competitive environment.
Ethics and Accountability:
- Bickelhaupt’s guilty plea for simple battery raises questions about the responsibilities of chefs and the consequences of their actions.
- Some Redditors argue that his behavior should have disqualified him from working in the industry, while others express sympathy for his struggles.
Beets Preparation:
- A specific scene in the documentary mentions that beets take 20+ hours to prepare.
- Redditors speculate on the reasons for this lengthy preparation, suggesting that it enhances the flavor or texture.
Serving Size Confusion:
- A discussion arises regarding the confusing serving size information provided in the film.
- Redditors debate the correct way to calculate serving sizes based on the given measurements.
Overall Reception:
- The documentary has received mixed reviews from Redditors.
- Some find it a compelling and insightful portrait of a troubled artist, while others criticize its portrayal of Bickelhaupt’s behavior.
- The film has sparked discussions about the complexities of culinary culture, the struggles of mental health, and the importance of accountability.
Top discussions
- https://www.reddit.com/r/KitchenConfidential/comments/7x0cnb/42_grams/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/KitchenConfidential/comments/zwy4my/thoughts_on_chef_jacob_bickelhaupt_dude_has_some/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/KitchenConfidential/comments/7vaj8b/42_grams_netflix_in_a_new_documentary_filmmaker/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/Chefit/comments/8otkxz/beets_in_42_grams_documentary/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/NetflixBestOf/comments/7vjlky/us_42_grams_2017_after_launching_a_successful/
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Why did 42 Grams close?
42 Grams closed in 2018 after Bickelhaupt pleaded guilty following domestic abuse charges filed by Welsh.
What is the movie “42 Grams” about?
“42 Grams” is an intimate portrait of how chef Jake Bickelhaupt evolved from running an illegal restaurant out of his home to being a culinary celebrity in less than a year.
What is the moral of the movie “42 Grams”?
The movie “42 Grams” emphasizes the importance of having an out and not working yourself to death without a clear direction.
Is “42 Grams” based on a true story?
Yes, “42 Grams” is a true, real-life storytelling documentary that follows Jake Bickelhaupt’s journey to culinary stardom.
What makes “42 Grams” documentary unique?
“42 Grams” stands out for its intimate and personal storytelling, deviating from typical food documentaries by showcasing the grit, hard work, and determination required to achieve culinary success.
🔀 Recommended Movie and TV Show
- Jiro Dreams of Sushi: A documentary about 85-year-old Jiro Ono, considered by many to be the world’s greatest sushi chef.
- Chef’s Table: A Netflix original documentary series that profiles world-renowned chefs and their culinary creations.
- Burnt: A drama film following the story of a talented but troubled chef striving for redemption.
- Ratatouille: An animated film about a rat named Remy who dreams of becoming a renowned French chef.
- The Hundred-Foot Journey: A film about an Indian family opening a restaurant in France, sparking a culinary rivalry.
- Julie & Julia: A movie intertwining the lives of chef Julia Child and a young New Yorker as she aspires to cook all of Child’s recipes.
- The Chef Show: A cooking show on Netflix where filmmaker Jon Favreau and chef Roy Choi explore different culinary delights.
