Great Kitchens in Film

Something's Gotta Give [2003]

Directed by Nancy Meyers 

Production Design by Jon Hutman  

Art Direction by John Wamke & Franck Schwarz 

Set Decoration by Beth Rubino  

Cinematography by Michael Ballhaus  

Film Format: 35 mm  

Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 

Columbia Pictures Corporation

In Something’s Gotta Give, the aspirational kitchen is so overwrought it threatens to overwhelm the narrative.  Scenes seem created to serve the exhibitionism of the diva performer but this time it’s a set construction, not a person.  The Williams-Sonoma & Restoration Hardware catalogues are elevated to existential ways-of-being.  

What womanizing curmudgeon (Jack Nicholson), wouldn’t be seduced by the accommodating yards-upon-yards of soapstone counters, acres of glazed white cabinetry with nickel plated "schoolhouse" hardware and enough separate undercabinet lighting scenarios to run a Baz Luhrmann stage-show. 

LIke the heroine - successful author but ambivalent lover (Diane Keaton) - this kitchen is self-deprecating in its style, practical-appearing in its luxuries, and pristine in its maintenance. And also like her emotionally overly-controlled character it is, finally, entirely impossible to believe.

Composite-image with potted ferns on soapstone counters

Composite-image with 60 inch stainless steel Sub-Zero refrigerator freezer

Full wall white subway tile 

A teapot that's apparently never been used to make Harney & Sons Cinnamon Spice tea

Undermount sink with offset drain at island (not to be confused with farmer's sink at window)

 

48 inch Wolf range with 6 burners & integral griddle, and TWO! central soapstone counter islands