This movie is captivating. It’s real and raw, and extremely intriguing. I was hooked after the initial scene of revered Los Angeles Times food critic Jonathan Gold staring at a blank computer screen at his dining room table, struggling to find the right words for his next culinary masterpiece (the written kind). I’m sure part of my fascination was connecting with him as a writer; what he puts on paper must capture his audience and persuade them to try something new. But his audience is well-established at this point, and commentary throughout the movie confirms his celebrity-like status throughout the country. City of Gold will appeal to anyone fascinated by food, but more important, by the life behind it, because that’s what Gold focuses on—the multiple cultures within Los Angeles, the stories behind the chefs and each individual ingredient. To say Gold reviews restaurants is not even scratching the surface. He seeks out authentic spots in unassuming locations (often ‘hidden’); beyond tasting the menu, he notes everything from what’s on TV to the gossip at nearby tables. Gold is a powerful man, one who can literally turn a local dive’s few diners into hundreds, based solely on what he writes. But his ego stays in check: His mission is to teach others about the cultures and people of his beloved hometown. That’s what remains at the heart of it all (and what earned him a Pulitzer). His passion is obvious in every bite and every word.
Should You See It? Yes! Warning: you’ll want to eat something afterward. —K.M.
Viewed at Landmark Plaza Frontenac Theatre
