In honour of the Oscars this Sunday, I bring you not one but two Knitting Movie Moments this week! And boy, is this film rife with them!
Enough Said has everything you’d want in a good rom-com. It’s funny, sweet, smart and features an irresistible couple in the form of Julia Louis-Dreyfus (aka. Elaine from Seinfeld) and James Gandolfini, who plays so opposite to type you’ll have a hard time believing he once had a man decapitated as Tony Soprano.
Okay! Let’s talk storyline. Julia Louis-Dreyfus is a single mom and James Gandolfini is a shy, overweight single dad. They meet at a party, hit it off, and start dating. At this same party, Julia Louis-Dreyfus meets a bohemian real-life poet played by Catherine Keener.
Catherine Keener has style and elegance and a beautiful house that’s the stuff of Pinterest wet dreams. She is a bona fide cool girl and Julia Louis-Dreyfus is awed by her. They become friends. But here the plot thickens! Julia Louise-Dreyfus discovers that Catherine Keener and James Gandolfini were once married. They are each other’s exes, but neither of them know that Julia knows. Complication ensues.
Where Does Knitting Appear?
This canary yellow garter stitch blanket makes two appearances. First in this hilarious scene where Julia Louis-Dreyfus waits for her daughter and her daughter’s friend (played by Tavi Gevinson of Style Rookie!) to try on clothes at a trendy store…
https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1itvvs_enough-said-funny_travel
Then in a pretty heartbreaking scene after she screws up badly with James Gandolfini. We also learn the story behind the blankie and Tavi Gevinson asks a question that’s right out of a knitting PSA. Tavi: “Is that hard?” Julia: “Not at all, you want to learn?”
https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1itvyr_enough-said-blanket_lifestyle
The Knitting, What Does it Mean?
Let’s start analysing! This is kind of a tough one, so interpret with me!
Store scene: I think knitting is used as a comic prop to emphasise how middle-aged and “mommish” Julia Louis-Dreyfus is. Her daughter, Tavi Gevinson, and Tavi’s mom are looking pretty awesome and Julia’s in her granola hiking sandals knitting and feeling scandalised. She’s the stereotype of the Old Granny Knitter!
Sad Couch Scene: I don’t know about this one. Is it meant to show that Julia Louis-Dreyfus isn’t a follow-through kind of person? Is it meant to add cosiness to the scene? Is it meant to show how much Julia Louis-Dreyfus loves her daughter? All of the above?
The Big Question: Does Julia Louis-Dreyfus finish the blanket? Only I would consider this a spoiler. You’ll just have to watch the movie to find out!
Lastly, look at this headboard. If that’s not stockinette stitch then I’m a monkey’s uncle!
Did you watch Enough Said? If so, let me know whether you liked it! And let’s talk about the Meaning of Knitting in this film.
Lynne Tilley says
I loved loved loved this movie. Love him (so sad he’s gone), love her. The whole movie was so real, and just one of those that stick in your head. Not forgettable at all. It’s a keeper. I’m not a knitter, but I love that she was knitting.
Davina says
Hey Lynne! I love this movie too. I got choked up while watching it, especially that airpot scene when Julia Louis-Dreyfus’s daughter goes off to college and then whenever James Gandolfini smiles shyly. He’s so missed.
dan says
hello there.
Davina says
Hello!
Beverly says
Uncanny! Right now in my DVD player I have this movie – “Enough Said”. We are half way through it and stopped for a break. I came to my computer and found your blog through the “How About Orange” email. I noticed Julia Louis-Dreyfus knitting in the scene at the store. It made her seem like a down to earth, approachable person.
About 2 months ago we watched the Frances HA! movie and really liked it. I forgot about the knitting scene in there until I saw your highlight.
I greatly enjoyed watching your videos about learning to knit. This is a skill I have often longed for but never tried. You make it seem do-able. Thanks!
My husband is a history/religion buff and I will be showing him the Madonna pix with the knitting scenes. Very unexpected. He’ll love it.
Davina says
Hi Beverly! That *is* uncanny. I guess we have the same tastes in movies! I agree that a person who’s knitting just seems so much more down to earth!
I think knitting in public is a bit like walking a dog in public. It sounds weird, but hear me out! People tend to walk over to you and ask, “What are you knitting?” in the same way they coo at your dog and ask, “What’s his name?” Somehow the knitting and the dog make you seem approachable. Babies also have the same effect.
Anyway, I’m so pleased you like the site! Knitting is totally doable. It seems intimidating at first, but once you get going, you won’t believe you once thought it was hard!
Tracy says
Just a note, a friend worked on this movie an said Julia Louis Dreyfus is a lovely person.
Davina says
That’s awesome to hear! She seems like she’d be sweet and down to earth.
K1P2 says
I want to make that blanket. I’m not the beat knitter, but I want tp make that blanket. Any help with supplies, directions?
K1P2 says
I want to make this blanket. Any help with materials and directions. Not the best knitter.
Davina says
Interesting illustration! I hope this isn’t a metaphor for yourself drowning along with the statue of liberty as you wait for a pattern suggestion for the blanket!
From what I can see, the blanket just looks like a giant garter stitch square. I think you can probably cast on the number of stitches that look reasonable for the width of the blanket and then knit, knit, knit until it reaches a length you’re happy with. Hope this helps. Don’t drown!