On The Bear, Ramy Youssef Found Stillness in Copenhagen
In the third season of The Bear, a show already celebrated for its raw portrayal of life in a chaotic kitchen, Ramy Youssef took the helm as a director for an episode that stands out for its serene, contemplative nature. Set in Copenhagen, this episode is a departure from the high-octane, pressure-cooker environment that fans have come to expect from the series. Instead, it offers a moment of respite, a pause to reflect amid the ongoing whirlwind of the characters’ lives.
Youssef, known for his work on Ramy, brought a unique perspective to the episode, blending his signature introspective style with the show’s established tone. In a recent interview with Vanity Fair, Youssef discussed how he approached this episode, aiming to capture the quiet beauty of Copenhagen while staying true to the essence of The Bear.
“Honeydew” COURTESY OF FX.
“I wanted to create a space where the characters, and by extension, the audience, could breathe,” Youssef explained. “The city of Copenhagen, with its calm and orderly environment, provided the perfect backdrop for this. It’s a place that contrasts sharply with the usual setting of The Bear, which is all about chaos and intensity.”
Boyce on the houseboat. “He gets to go back home with this new piece of himself,” says Youssef of Marcus' journey.
The episode focuses on a solo journey taken by one of the central characters, offering a rare glimpse into their inner world. Youssef’s direction emphasizes the stillness of the city, using long takes and minimal dialogue to convey the character’s introspection. “It’s about finding peace in the midst of chaos,” Youssef said. “And sometimes, that peace is found in the most unexpected places.”
Boyce in a kitchen in Copenhagen. “I think the episode is constantly playing with this tension of like, ‘wait, is this lonely and about to get scary or is this quiet and about to be freeing?’” says Youssef. “And it only is quiet and freeing for him.”
Youssef also spoke about the challenges of directing an episode that deviates from the show’s usual pace. “There was a concern about whether this episode would feel out of place, but I think it serves as a necessary counterbalance,” he noted. “Every now and then, you need to step back and look at the bigger picture, and that’s what this episode is about.”
Preparing Poulette's famous sandwich.
Fans and critics alike have enthusiastically praised the episode for its stunningly beautiful cinematography and thoughtfully meticulous pacing. It truly stands as an impressive testament to Youssef’s remarkable versatility as a director and his exceptional ability to seamlessly blend his distinct artistic vision with the diverse needs of the show, thereby creating an engaging and immersive viewing experience for audiences everywhere.
Youssef calls Courtney Storer (pictured here with Poulette's Martin Ho) “a genius on set. She is so good with how the food is being presented and made.”
As The Bear continues to explore the lives of its characters with unflinching honesty, this episode serves as a reminder of the importance of stillness, even in the most tumultuous times. Youssef’s work on the show has left a lasting impact, adding a new dimension to a series already rich with depth and complexity.
Sources: Vanity Fair Interview with Ramy Youssef / The Bear Season 3 Episode
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