The Iconic Scene and the Curious Case of the Chinese Food
The dining room is stark, minimalist. Delia Deetz, ever the artist, has stamped her avant-garde sensibility onto every surface. The guests, a collection of New York socialites, are stiff and uncomfortable. And then… chaos. The possessed diners, mouths agape, are compelled to sing along to Harry Belafonte’s “Day-O (The Banana Boat Song),” their movements jerky and unnatural. And in their hands? Chinese food. Not just any Chinese food, but steaming boxes of Lo Mein and other familiar dishes, elevated to a surreal and unsettling prop in one of cinema’s most iconic scenes.
But why Chinese food? In a film brimming with the bizarre and macabre, why did director Tim Burton and his team choose *that* cuisine for this pivotal moment of comedic horror? What significance does this seemingly random culinary choice hold within the larger context of *Beetlejuice*?
This article will delve into the strange and unusual relationship between *Beetlejuice* and Chinese food, exploring potential reasons behind the selection of this particular cuisine. We’ll examine its symbolic significance, explore the history of Chinese food in American culture, and even offer some inspiration for creating your own *Beetlejuice*-themed Chinese food feast, sans any involuntary dance numbers or, hopefully, monstrous shrimp appendages.
The *Beetlejuice* dinner party is more than just a laugh-out-loud moment; it’s a visual representation of the film’s central themes: the clash between the mundane and the extraordinary, the living and the dead, control and utter chaos. The carefully curated world of the Deetz family is shattered as Barbara and Adam Maitland, the newly deceased previous owners of the house, attempt to scare them away. Possessing the dinner guests, they force them into a grotesque parody of polite society, using Chinese food as an unsettling tool.
Think about it: the food isn’t just *there*. It’s integral to the performance. The shrimp, grotesquely transforming into grasping hands, are a visual highlight, a testament to the film’s masterful use of practical effects and dark humor. The steaming noodles, dangling precariously from forks, underscore the loss of control. The whole scene is a masterclass in visual storytelling, with Chinese food playing a surprisingly crucial role.
Unpacking the Meaning: Why Chinese Food Was the Perfect Choice
Several factors likely contributed to the decision to feature Chinese food in this unforgettable scene.
First, consider the concept of contrast and juxtaposition. The Deetz family, with their pretentious attitudes and desire to modernize their antique home, represent a certain kind of cultural aspiration. Chinese food, particularly in its takeout form, often represents convenience and accessibility. The clash between these two worlds creates immediate comedic tension. It’s the highbrow meeting the lowbrow in the most absurd way possible. Imagine the scene with a fancy French meal instead. It simply wouldn’t have the same comedic impact.
Second, we must acknowledge the concept of exoticism and otherness. While Chinese food was, and is, widely available in America, it still carried a certain aura of the “foreign” back in the nineteen eighties. This sense of otherness perfectly aligns with the film’s overarching theme of the disruption of suburban normalcy. Beetlejuice himself is an agent of chaos, and the Chinese food, in this context, becomes a symbol of that disruption, a literal taste of something foreign and unsettling invading the perfectly ordered world of the Deetz family.
Beyond its symbolic value, visual appeal also played a significant role. Chinese food is visually striking. The vibrant colors of the sauces, the textures of the vegetables, and the iconic shapes of the takeout boxes create a visual feast, even as the scene descends into madness. Consider the stark black and white aesthetic that permeates much of the film; the pops of color from the food provide a stark contrast, further highlighting the absurdity of the situation. The bright red of sweet and sour sauce against Delia’s black and white attire is a striking image.
Finally, there were probably also practical considerations. Chinese takeout was ubiquitous and easily obtainable in the eighties. Using easily-identifiable Chinese takeout containers made sense from a cost perspective. Also, the containers were easier to carry around and manage by the actors during the chaotic scene.
A Taste of History: Chinese Food in American Culture
To truly understand the significance of Chinese food in *Beetlejuice*, it’s important to briefly explore its history in American culture. The story begins with the arrival of Chinese immigrants in the nineteenth century, primarily on the West Coast, drawn by opportunities in mining and railroad construction. These immigrants brought their cuisine with them, establishing Chinatowns in cities across the country.
Early Chinese restaurants catered primarily to the Chinese community. However, as Chinese cuisine became more accessible to non-Chinese Americans, it began to evolve. This evolution led to the creation of dishes like Chop Suey, a dish that’s not traditionally found in China, but became a staple of Americanized Chinese food. Over time, other dishes like General Tso’s Chicken and egg rolls followed suit, further cementing Chinese food’s place in the American culinary landscape.
However, the perception of Chinese food in American culture has been complex and often fraught with stereotypes. Initially viewed as exotic and even unsanitary by some, Chinese food gradually gained acceptance and popularity, becoming a go-to option for takeout and a staple of suburban dining. By the nineteen eighties, it was a familiar sight in most American cities, making it a perfect choice for *Beetlejuice* as a food that was both familiar and just a little bit “other.”
Creating Your Own Beetlejuice Dinner Party (Minus the Ghosts, Hopefully)
Inspired by the film, why not host your own *Beetlejuice*-themed Chinese food dinner party? Here are some ideas to get you started.
Let’s begin with the menu. Obviously, Lo Mein is a must, a nod to the noodles prominently featured in the film. Consider also including:
Dinner Party Menu Ideas
- Spring Rolls: These crispy appetizers are always a crowd-pleaser.
- Fried Rice: A classic and versatile dish that can be customized to suit different tastes.
- Dumplings: Steamed or pan-fried, dumplings are a delicious and interactive option.
- Of course, you absolutely cannot forget the shrimp!
Dinner Party Presentation
As for presentation, ditch the fancy plates and embrace the takeout aesthetic. Serve the food in traditional Chinese takeout boxes. Consider using black and white tablecloths and decorations to evoke the film’s visual style. Scatter a few plastic insects around the table for an added touch of the macabre.
Dinner Party Ambiance
To achieve the desired ambiance, play the *Beetlejuice* soundtrack in the background, paying special attention to “Day-O (The Banana Boat Song).” Encourage your guests to dress up in *Beetlejuice*-inspired costumes. Lydia Deetz’s all-black attire is always a popular choice, or perhaps a striped suit inspired by Beetlejuice himself.
Going Beyond the Plate
Going beyond the plate, the dinner scene embodies the themes of clashing realities. The Deetz family’s efforts for a normal night are overcome by the possessive Maitlands. The dinner guests have to let go of the control that normal society provides and enter into a surreal experience.
Finally, it can be argued that the scene and film touch on mortality and the afterlife. The Chinese food and dance is a means of scaring the Deetz’s away, but there is a degree of morbid humor injected through the whole film. The dinner scene simply pushes the boundaries of what is normal and makes the viewer question normal life.
Recipe Ideas
For recipe ideas, a quick search online will provide you with countless options for classic Chinese dishes. Websites like Allrecipes and Food Network offer a wealth of recipes for all skill levels. Be sure to consider any dietary restrictions or preferences of your guests, offering vegetarian or vegan options as needed.
From Strange Craving to Culinary Inspiration
The *Beetlejuice* dinner scene is more than just a quirky cinematic moment; it’s a testament to the power of visual storytelling and the surprising ways in which food can be used to convey meaning. The choice of Chinese food, while seemingly random, is actually quite deliberate, reflecting the film’s themes of disruption, otherness, and the clash between the mundane and the extraordinary.
So, the next time you’re craving Chinese food, remember *Beetlejuice*. And perhaps, consider hosting your own themed dinner party, embracing the film’s bizarre charm and culinary creativity. It’s a fun way to celebrate a beloved movie and explore the strange and unusual relationship between the living, the dead, and a steaming box of Lo Mein. What do you have to lose? Go on, say his name three times… and order some takeout. Be sure to take pictures of your Beetlejuice dinner party!
