Cinema: Dining Well Is the Best Revenge BABETTE'S FEAST

What does an artist require of life? Quite simple things, really. The time and solitude necessary to temper talent and vision. A little money for supplies. The emotional support of kindly and patient friends. The right historical moment to present his work. And, finally, a sympathetic, critical champion, gently guiding an audience to proper appreciation of the artist's gifts. Simple things, yes. But how hard they are to come by, what luck is required in the quest, and how rarely artists themselves confront their difficulties in an engaging spirit. The whine of self-pity, the bombast of self-aggrandizement, the low moan of...