With the revival of Twin Peaks and its love of a “damn fine cup of coffee,” we got to thinking: how — and why – is coffee depicted in television, radio and cinema?
After all, who can forget Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly standing in front of Tiffany’s holding a donut and a cup of coffee in the classic Breakfast at Tiffany’s? Or the coffee ordering scene in L.A. Story? (Be careful: like a highly caffeinated person, the scene moves fast.) Or the “Jimmy’s coffee” scene in Pulp Fiction? (NSFW or young children).
So just what is it about coffee and Hollywood? Let’s discuss.
Some people have called it part of the “creative process.
Critics for years have mused — as this writer does – that coffee and cigarettes are used “by artists and literates during their creative rituals….as means to enhance their creative process…[and] as ever-present customs.” Coffee, in other words, is used as a “gateway to the creative mood.”
It would be only natural, therefore, that writers for television and cinema would want to include coffee in important scenes within a script.
Is it even possible to make a movie without at least one scene with coffee?
Apparently not: “you really aren’t allowed to make a movie without [it].”
Hollywood’s love of coffee extends to coffee shops.
Many, many, many classic scenes have been filmed in coffee shops (and bars), even if the protagonists don’t drink coffee (or liquor). There’s just something intimate – where secrets or emotions are revealed – about a coffee shop or bar.
Coffee in the movies often is about more than just coffee.
It’s what can make characters seem relatable to an audience, even if these “just like us” characters turn out to be vicious killers.
Filming coffee scenes does have its challenges, however.
One enterprising writer/researcher found that in televisions shows, most directors decide it’s less risky (fewer spills or burns) if characters holding or carrying coffee cups actually are holding empty cups in scenes with coffee.
Coffee helps move romance along.
Chances are, you’re slapping your forehead right now and saying “Yes, of course!” because when you think of great romance scenes you probably remember couples sharing coffee (Atonement), spilling coffee (Notting Hill), or helping the male love interest kiss the girl of his dreams (Reality Bites). The point is, coffee helps romance grow.
You probably can’t ask your favorite movie theater to pour a cup of Ubean Coffee. (Although you never know: one of our independent distributors may have asked his/her local movie theater to stock up.) But you can enjoy it with friends at home afterwards. Find the independent distributor nearest you today.