#the bear 2x08 bolgenese

[thoughtfulchaos773]

The shitty comment was all about Sydney feeling this way about him and was not about Claire. If you read the script, the original one- Sydney tells him you either are, or you aren't- and Sydney in the show we're watching also makes this a simple choice for Carmy, you're either a piece of shit or you're not.

He cares deeply about how Sydney sees him. When she called him a POS in 1x07, he realized that he had made a mistake. Even when Sydney holds him accountable and calls him out on his behavior, he remembers and appreciates that she still regards him as an excellent chef. The panic attack he had just shows how much he values Syd's opinion of him.

[thoughtfulchaos773]

"There's a lot being done subconsciously to push the audience in different emotional directions."

 -Andrew Wehde -Cinematographer, The Bear

The creators of the show are so thoughtful and precise! Since I wrote about colors and lighting in The Bear. I want (from a cinephile perspective) to observe the lighting and camera choices for 2x08 Bolognese and 2x09 Omelette.

After writing my meta, I listened to this podcast that focuses on The Bear's cinematography; I did this to see if I needed to be more analytical instead of a hardcore shipper. I've pondered on the similar blue lighting of Sydney's tattoo reveal and the love scene, and it's worth noting since there's more Syd & Claire scenes where you can compare the lighting and camera choices.

I interpret the two scenes as high-key lighting. The choice of a well-lit scene sets the mood for more openness and optimism. The visuals give the audience direction to focus on the script and what the actors say in the scene. This lighting choice is in romance and comedy genres. Think wedding scenes as the lighting helps the audience pay attention to the romance happening between two characters.

We can catch everything when it comes to high-key lighting, every expression, movement, and every prop in the scene. The golden sunlight gives the audience a sense of peace, romance, and a dream-like state. The two scenes suggest the warmth the main character feels for the other character on screen.

Notice the scenes where Carmy stares at Sydney? It's primarily high-key lighting. The scenes ask the audience to take notice of Carmy's perspective as he takes in Sydney.

Oh, and remember this quote from Molly (Claire):

The well-lit moment for Claire and Carmy-The lighting and camera movement at the beginning of the scene suggest the morning after, In 2x08, we get this far-away shot where we can see the window as Claire enters the kitchen.

But suddenly, we're zoomed in on Carmy and Claire's faces - this closeness feels overwhelming. It tells of the hidden dread in their relationship. The dreadfulness is prominent when Carmy gets lost, staring at Claire as he talks about the test.

This reminds me of @currymanganese reblog on the subject of color:

The pink hues overlaid on Claire's scenes(2x09 omelette) in Carmy's panic attack can also represent him trying to look at her with rose-colored glasses/rosy retrospection, and ultimately failing to do so because of the way she reminds him of his family

The exchange of looks is so interesting. Notice Carmy's worry, and Claire's smile drops for a second. The camera's movements tell the audience that Carmy looks at Claire differently. As an artist, he catches every detail of the person. The focus on Claire, what used to bring him peace, disappeared when his family ruined his inspiration and sense of joy.

Now, the table scene:

The sun is beaming through the large windows and lingers around Syd and Carmy. It's the brightest the audience has seen from this season; as the camera moves closer to Carmy and Syd, the table disappears and It's a smoother transition, and we barely notice that the table disappears from view as we're closer to the characters.

Like the scene with Claire, Carmy gets lost in staring at Sydney, but there's no sense of dread. Instead, there's almost a dazed look in his eyes as he takes her in.

Well-lit scenes focus on the dialogue, and we can compare the discussion 2x08 and 2x09- both are about sharing their worries and fears. The difference is that the light remains on Carmy and Sydney, and Carmy is completely focused on Sydney rather than what's happening in his head. The scene gives the audience this soft direction to only focus on Sydney and Carmy's few moments together. The lighting asks us to view Sydney like Carmy sees her- bright, warm, and peaceful. I consider this a positive outlook on what's to come for Syd and Carmy.

Sidebar: Another thing to make note of with cinematography- Andrew Wehde said they make notes of the lighting they want to reappear in episodes- so I'm not too far off in this meta.

Watch more:

The Bear Cinematography

Season 2 panel - this interviews mentions that scenes that's anxiety ridden uses zoom ins* -cue the Carmy Claire scenes.

[thoughtfulchaos773]

Sometimes, I imagine Carmy maniacally drawing their menu all night, thinking of Sydney's ideas, Claire watching the whole time. 😭

[thoughtfulchaos773]

Season 2 and Strange Currencies

A look into Carmy's head and his new inspiration-Syd.

In this theory I'm writing about Carmen's obsessive personality, his actions and needs in Season 2 and his past (Claire) connecting to his future (Syd).

Hopefully this makes sense.

Carmy is one of the most interesting character's I've watched on television. His paranoia, anxiety, his focus. In the midst of chaos, Carmy expects order, his obsession with straight tape, cleaning after his mother as she makes a mess throughout the kitchen. Running behind his brother as he makes a meal for Natalie, Richie, and Carmy.

We know of Carmy's focus and we see this through his relationship with Mikey and his family. He focused so much on his career everything else fell to the wayside.

I believe his focus in high school was Claire.

We get insight in Carmy's fixation of Claire in 2x06 Fishes when Richie mentions drawings throughout high school, much to Carmen's dismay.

2x09 Omelette, In season 2x09 we see Carmy trying to focus on life outside of cooking, trying to find inspiration through Claire what was once his muse in high school. But such inspiration fails.

Keep in mind the lyrics of the song that plays in the background. The Song strange currencies by R.E.M has two different meanings, one of an unrequited love and the singer's drive to fully love his significant other, though they're on different currencies.

We see this strange currency when Carmy focuses on Syd' suddenly, he's focused on Syd while Syd is focused is on a a star and The Bear's success. I say this new focus is a subconscious action on Carmy's part. After 2x06 Fishes, in 2x08 Carmy's drawings is brought up again, but instead of drawing Claire it's the chaos- The thoughtful chaos menu.

Thoughtful Chaos Menu- A considerate and new way to view the chaos in his work life, he no longer has to thrive in chaos and obsession and he longs to do something different, to love and find joy in his actions. Claire is simply soundboard used to show what he desires, a healthy look on his life such a new concept of the cannoli and seven fishes that reminds him of a chaotic childhood.

But such actions are misunderstood by Syd and the Viewer, we believe Claire is taking Carmy's full focus- she did in the past, now it's Syd. Claire represents the need in Carmy to have find joy in intimacy. (2x02 pasta, Carmy focuses on Syd's life as she focuses on her menu). This is a strange currency.

He's not in love with Claire, he can't define what she is to him because his focus lies in Sydney.

He wants to ask about her mom, but per the script she interrupts the question focusing on the dish instead. When he learns later on about Syd;s mother, he feels this is something he should know. How could it be something he should know about when she focused on the menu in Pasta?

Syd is Carmys muse and it's misunderstood that he does not care that much about it anymore. He cares for the restaurant but his drive is different. Carmy is in a different place and Syd has taken ahold of him.

Carmen: You have my full focus.

Syd is Carmen's muse.

[thoughtfulchaos773]

Thank you for asking

There's a possible callback here.

Carmy and Sydney need to consider their person before rushing to move forward.

In season one, Syd is grieving like The Berzattos- she is mourning Sheridan Catering, and after she talks to Carmy about her past, an idea sparks to life, and she's ready to move forward. Sydney was so excited to move forward with Carmy that she stepped on his toes even as he told her to give him a minute; this delay had to do with Carmy processing his own trauma.

As a disclaimer- this isn't a reason to blame Sydney for Carmy's anger in 1x07- this happens when you ignore the grieving process- the rage lingers until it explodes.

Throughout season 2, we can see that Carmy is making progress in coping with the death of his brother. He attends Al-Anon meetings, passes on Mikey's hat to Richie, tries to have some fun, almost asks Sydney out, and takes a step back when he meets Claire (though to him he's processed his trauma).

But this illusion of moving forward goes on until 2x08-2x09. When Carmy understands the error- he gets Richie to ask Sydney about Mikey's note, a way to tell Sydney he hears her (he should have told her this to her face but maybe the table scene makes up for this).

The Thank you for asking is considering each other before they take a step forward. Because when they rush to heal without the other, things go wrong. It's like the universe requires they're in sync now rather than too far in the past or too far in the future.

They're switching roles as they process grief. As I write, I realize what they meant by you could do this without me. I couldn't do it without you. Yeah, you could. I wouldn't even want to do it without you.

This is about healing together rather than apart.

[thoughtfulchaos773]

Oh yes! Great point! it seems like everyone witnessed there was a closeness between Syd and Carmy a week into the relationship. You don't call co workers friends unless they're hanging out before and after work, finishing each other sentences, inside jokes... the chemistry of it all.

Syd + Carmy + Labels

This is an interesting introduction. In 1x07 review, Tina introduces Sydney to Louie as "Jeff's friend." Why not? "Say hello to Sydney." I think it's because later on in the episode when Sydney leaves Carmy, we see why he's so anxious and sad over losing her in 1x07 and 1x08. The friend label season 1 establishes there's already a bond growing between Syd and Carmy, and the group sees this bond.

I find it interesting in the friends-to-lovers trope, especially with co-workers, there's always a witness or witnesses to the relationship, defining the growing fondness of the couple before the two can define their own relationship. The whole label thing reminds me of 2x08 Bolengese, Throughout the episode Carmy is trying to define his relationship with Claire with the pressure test coming from Syd, she is, after all, the first to address the label Carmy has for Claire.

But deep down, Carmy can't label what Claire means to him because he's trying to figure out his feelings for Syd. 2x08 gives us clues into this love growing between Syd and Carmy. They don't have a label but the actions speak louder than words. There are a couple of moments with Syd and Carmy finishing each other's sentences (once in front of Tina). You get Syd initiating the "I'm sorry" love language, you get Syd addressing Claire being in between Syd and Carmy's relationship restaurant.

You also get Syd in between Carmy and Claire's love scene. Carmy and Syd have yet to define their relationship because it's more than a friendship. We're already in the slow burn. friends to lovers story which started at the beginning and Now as the season progresses Carmy and Sydney have to address their own relationship with louder romantic undertones in the writing.

Essentially I say all this to say that- Syd and Carmy being endgame is not fan service, it's been established since the beginning. Syd haters need to stop she's not just a co-worker or the same kind of friend as cousin richie, because we would have heard "This is my friend." "You're my best friend" in 2x09 omelet. We're watching a friend-to-lovers story unfold right before our eyes.

[thoughtfulchaos773]

Season 2 & episode titles gives us a glimpse into Syd x Carmy's love story.

A dish is worth a thousand words

This is a theory of mine where season 2 had a focus on a dish name being the title of an episode. Episodes that connect Claire, Carmy, and Syd. But mainly connects Syd and Carmy and shows in an subconscious way, that Syd is always on Carmy's mind.

Pasta 2x2

Sundae 2x03

Bolgenese 2x08

Omelette 2x09

In Pasta 2x02 Syd and Carmy are sharing an intimate moment as Carmy makes pasta and learns more about Syd, such as her father and her past failure with her business. In this scene, I noticed that Carmen is invested in learning more about Syd. Was there significance to the dialogue when he wanted to know more about her father, but she changed the subject back to the menu? In this scene, we also see Carmen catching little glimpses of Syd as he focused between Syd and working the pasta dough, his eyes focused on his true muse.

When Syd makes an error with one ingredient, they learn a new way of communication (a theme of the show) the sign being, a significant gesture that keeps the relationship moving forward and striving for peace and understanding rather than the conflict Carmy is used to.

By the end of Pasta, we see Claire and Carmy bump into each other and Claire in a flirting tone asks Carmy if he's making a sundae- the following episode's name.

In Sundae 2x03 Syd and Carmy part ways--the episode previously shows Carmy meeting Claire and she mentions a Sundae, and we See Syd later on in the episode, eating a Sundae alone.

Another part of the Sundae episode is Syd questioning if she could trust Camy. By the ending Carmy and Syd have a misunderstanding but make up with their new way of communication.

Bolognese 2x08, the meat sauce that intertwines with pasta. Claire intertwining with Syd and Carmy's story. . Later on this episode, we watch Carmy making his girlfriend pasta and Blogonese with a love montage with Sydney in the middle. I see this as Carmy always having Syd on his mind even if he seems distracted as the show progresses, we know that carmy was right in some way, syd had his full focus but not the restaurant. Rather Sydney herself is a part of his life even while he had girlfriend.

Another mention of Bolognese is a reference to Sydney's dish, the ragu bolgenese without the pasta that contributed to the demise of her career.

So Maybe Carmy was subconsciously thinking of Syd when he made the dish for Claire. Celebrating as Syd once again is alone.

Also the lyrics during this montage from Syd to Carmy.

And though I try to forget it

You will make me call your name

As I shout into the blue summer sky

Last but not least, the table scene in 2x09 Omelette. Syd makes an exhausted Natalie a Omelette, in many moments of this show we witness Syd becoming part of the family. We get two moments where Syd and Carmy connect. The under the table scene. Syd tells Carmy about the Omelette like two lovers having pillow talk. Carmy then looks at her and tells her, "You love taking care of people."

Carmy gives Sydney the jacket, showing Syd has been on his mind since 2x02 in a more than friends way (again could be subconscious gestures for now)

The writers are playing in our faces. All roads lead to Syd and Carmy. A partnership. This is not platonic, this story is a significant part of the show.

[november-rising]

I'm so blown away by such well-thought analysis of the "little things" that contributes to this show's nuance. It's easy for me to get caught up in the story; however, lighting, color palettes, song choices...are subtle, gentle cues that steer the story.

Gosh! I wish my life hadn't turn to a mess. I want so badly to get back to my observations. Thank goodness for folks like you feeding my The Bear meta hunger/void.

"There's a lot being done subconsciously to push the audience in different emotional directions."

 -Andrew Wehde -Cinematographer, The Bear

The creators of the show are so thoughtful and precise! Since I wrote about colors and lighting in The Bear. I want (from a cinephile perspective) to observe the lighting and camera choices for 2x08 Bolognese and 2x09 Omelette.

After writing my meta, I listened to this podcast that focuses on The Bear's cinematography; I did this to see if I needed to be more analytical instead of a hardcore shipper. I've pondered on the similar blue lighting of Sydney's tattoo reveal and the love scene, and it's worth noting since there's more Syd & Claire scenes where you can compare the lighting and camera choices.

I interpret the two scenes as high-key lighting. The choice of a well-lit scene sets the mood for more openness and optimism. The visuals give the audience direction to focus on the script and what the actors say in the scene. This lighting choice is in romance and comedy genres. Think wedding scenes as the lighting helps the audience pay attention to the romance happening between two characters.

We can catch everything when it comes to high-key lighting, every expression, movement, and every prop in the scene. The golden sunlight gives the audience a sense of peace, romance, and a dream-like state. The two scenes suggest the warmth the main character feels for the other character on screen.

Notice the scenes where Carmy stares at Sydney? It's primarily high-key lighting. The scenes ask the audience to take notice of Carmy's perspective as he takes in Sydney.

Oh, and remember this quote from Molly (Claire):

The well-lit moment for Claire and Carmy-The lighting and camera movement at the beginning of the scene suggest the morning after, In 2x08, we get this far-away shot where we can see the window as Claire enters the kitchen.

But suddenly, we're zoomed in on Carmy and Claire's faces - this closeness feels overwhelming. It tells of the hidden dread in their relationship. The dreadfulness is prominent when Carmy gets lost, staring at Claire as he talks about the test.

This reminds me of @currymanganese reblog on the subject of color:

The pink hues overlaid on Claire's scenes(2x09 omelette) in Carmy's panic attack can also represent him trying to look at her with rose-colored glasses/rosy retrospection, and ultimately failing to do so because of the way she reminds him of his family

The exchange of looks is so interesting. Notice Carmy's worry, and Claire's smile drops for a second. The camera's movements tell the audience that Carmy looks at Claire differently. As an artist, he catches every detail of the person. The focus on Claire, what used to bring him peace, disappeared when his family ruined his inspiration and sense of joy.

Now, the table scene:

The sun is beaming through the large windows and lingers around Syd and Carmy. It's the brightest the audience has seen from this season; as the camera moves closer to Carmy and Syd, the table disappears and It's a smoother transition, and we barely notice that the table disappears from view as we're closer to the characters.

Like the scene with Claire, Carmy gets lost in staring at Sydney, but there's no sense of dread. Instead, there's almost a dazed look in his eyes as he takes her in.

Well-lit scenes focus on the dialogue, and we can compare the discussion 2x08 and 2x09- both are about sharing their worries and fears. The difference is that the light remains on Carmy and Sydney, and Carmy is completely focused on Sydney rather than what's happening in his head. The scene gives the audience this soft direction to only focus on Sydney and Carmy's few moments together. The lighting asks us to view Sydney like Carmy sees her- bright, warm, and peaceful. I consider this a positive outlook on what's to come for Syd and Carmy.

Sidebar: Another thing to make note of with cinematography- Andrew Wehde said they make notes of the lighting they want to reappear in episodes- so I'm not too far off in this meta.

Watch more:

The Bear Cinematography

Season 2 panel - this interviews mentions that scenes that's anxiety ridden uses zoom ins* -cue the Carmy Claire scenes.

[yannaryartside]

I wonder if there is significance in the source of the light, the size of the windows, and the position around the characters.

In Claire's scene, the window is behind Carmy and is so small that Claire's face cannot be lightened by it because Carmy (and his trauma) are blocking the light. But in the table scene, the window is big (the window of the restaurant they are building together nonetheless, instead of the window of Carmy's fortress of solitude). The window is so big that lightens the whole space, but more importantly, the light touches Sydney's face, despite coming also from behind Carmy, his trauma (for the reasons implied in the panic attack) is unable to block her light.

Also, Claire is facing the light, the role she wants to be in Carmy's life: the light. But Sydney is in parallel to the light, almost without noticing how her face must look to Carmy (I NEED HIS POV to come in future flashbacks), She doesn't understand that she is the light of his life.

"There's a lot being done subconsciously to push the audience in different emotional directions."

 -Andrew Wehde -Cinematographer, The Bear

The creators of the show are so thoughtful and precise! Since I wrote about colors and lighting in The Bear. I want (from a cinephile perspective) to observe the lighting and camera choices for 2x08 Bolognese and 2x09 Omelette.

After writing my meta, I listened to this podcast that focuses on The Bear's cinematography; I did this to see if I needed to be more analytical instead of a hardcore shipper. I've pondered on the similar blue lighting of Sydney's tattoo reveal and the love scene; it's worth noting since there's another set of Syd & Claire scenes where you can compare the lighting and camera choices.

I interpret the two scenes as high-key lighting. The choice of a well-lit scene sets the mood for more openness and optimism. High-key lighting focuses on the script and what the actors say in the scene. This lighting choice is in romance, comedy genres, and weddings as it can focus on the romantic feelings between two characters. We can catch everything when it comes to high-key lighting, every expression, movement, and every prop in the scene. The lighting and sunlight give the audience a sense of peace, romance, and a dream-like state. The two scenes suggest the warmth the main character feels for the other character on screen.

Notice the scenes where Carmy stares at Sydney? It's primarily high-key lighting. The scenes ask the audience to take notice of Carmy's perspective as he takes in Sydney.

Oh, and remember this quote from Molly (Claire):

The well-lit moment for Claire and Carmy-The lighting and camera movement at the beginning of the scene suggest the morning after, In 2x08, we get this far-away shot where we can see the window as Claire enters the kitchen.

.But suddenly, we're zoomed in on Carmy and Claire's faces- this closeness feels overwhelming. It tells the hidden dread in their relationship. The dreadfulness is prominent when Carmy gets lost, staring at Claire as he talks about the test.

This reminds me of @currymanganese reblog on the subject of color:

The pink hues overlaid on Claire's scenes(2x09 omelette) in Carmy's panic attack can also represent him trying to look at her with rose-colored glasses/rosy retrospection, and ultimately failing to do so because of the way she reminds him of his family

The exchange of looks is so interesting. Notice Carmy's worry, and Claire's smile drops for a second. The camera's movements tell the audience that Carmy looks at Claire differently. As an artist, he catches every detail of the person. The focus on Claire, what used to bring him peace, disappeared when his family ruined his inspiration and sense of joy.

Now, the table scene:

The sunlight is more prominent through the windows and lingers around Syd and Carmy. It's the brightest the audience has seen from this season; as the camera moves closer to Carmy and Syd, the table disappears from view and focuses on the characters. It's a smoother transition, and we barely notice that the table disappears from view as we're closer to the characters.

Like the scene with Claire, Carmy gets lost in staring at Sydney, but there's no sense of dread. Instead, there's almost a dazed look in his eyes as he takes her in.

Well-lit scenes focus on the dialogue, and we can compare the discussion 2x08 and 2x09- both are about sharing their worries and fears. The difference is that the light remains on Carmy and Sydney, and Carmy is completely focused on Sydney rather than what's happening in his head. The scene gives the audience this soft direction to only focus on Sydney and Carmy's few moments together. The lighting asks us to view Sydney like Carmy sees her- bright, warm, and peaceful. I consider this a positive outlook on what's to come for Syd and Carmy.

Sidebar: Another thing to make note of with cinematography- Andrew Wehde said they make notes of the lighting they want to reappear in episodes- so I'm not too far off in this meta.

Watch more:

The Bear Cinematography

[comfortfood-sydcarm]

Beautiful Chef!

Perhaps near the end of season 3 Syd and Carm can heal and work together!

Thank you for asking

There's a possible callback here.

Carmy and Sydney need to consider their person before rushing to move forward.

In season one, Syd is grieving like The Berzattos- she is mourning Sheridan Catering, and after she talks to Carmy about her past, an idea sparks to life, and she's ready to move forward. Sydney was so excited to move forward with Carmy that she stepped on his toes even as he told her to give him a minute; this delay had to do with Carmy processing his own trauma.

As a disclaimer- this isn't a reason to blame Sydney for Carmy's anger in 1x07- this happens when you ignore the grieving process- the rage lingers until it explodes.

Throughout season 2, we can see that Carmy is making progress in coping with the death of his brother. He attends Al-Anon meetings, passes on Mikey's hat to Richie, tries to have some fun, almost asks Sydney out, and takes a step back when he meets Claire (though to him he's processed his trauma).

But this illusion of moving forward goes on until 2x08-2x09. When Carmy understands the error- he gets Richie to ask Sydney about Mikey's note, a way to tell Sydney he hears her (he should have told her this to her face but maybe the table scene makes up for this).

The Thank you for asking is considering each other before they take a step forward. Because when they rush to heal without the other, things go wrong. It's like the universe requires they're in sync now rather than too far in the past or too far in the future.

They're switching roles as they process grief. As I write, I realize what they meant by you could do this without me. I couldn't do it without you. Yeah, you could. I wouldn't even want to do it without you.

This is about healing together rather than apart.