Remy (Ratatouille) and Bo Burnham: Two Geniuses, Two Worlds Apart

There’s a moment in Ratatouille where Remy, the rat with a palate too refined for the sewers, tells his brother, “I don’t want to just cook. I want to change the world.” That line always reminds me of Bo Burnham — not because he’s a rat (obviously), but because of that same hunger to push boundaries, to use creativity as a kind of rebellion. Remy and Bo Burnham may seem like an odd pair, but both are obsessed with perfection, authenticity, and breaking through the noise of mediocrity.

One is a fictional rat chef who wins over Paris with a plate of humble ratatouille; the other is a real-life comedian, filmmaker, and musician who turned a one-man show into a cultural critique of modern life. Let’s explore how these two unlikely geniuses compare — not just in medium, but in message.

##What inspires Remy and Bo Burnham?

Remy is driven by pure passion. He’s moved by taste, texture, and the idea that anyone — even a rat — can be great if they truly feel. His inspiration comes from the kitchen, from the ghosts of chefs past, and from the belief that art should be accessible to all, regardless of background.

Bo Burnham, on the other hand, finds inspiration in discomfort. He built his early career on satire and absurdity, but in recent years, his work has taken on a darker, more introspective tone. His Inside special, created entirely during the pandemic, was a meditation on loneliness, performance, and self-awareness. Both Remy and Burnham are obsessive creators, but while Remy seeks joy and connection through his craft, Burnham often uses his art to dissect the chaos of the modern world.

##How do they approach their craft?

Remy is a purist. He believes in technique, in the sanctity of ingredients, and in the mentorship of those who came before him — like the ghost of Auguste Gusteau. He’s a perfectionist who sees cooking as a language of love and precision. Even when the world doubts him, he trusts his instincts and the integrity of his work.

Burnham is more of an experimentalist. He blends stand-up, music, and filmmaking into a multimedia experience that feels like a conversation with — and about — the audience itself. He’s not afraid to break the fourth wall, to make the viewer complicit in the spectacle. Where Remy builds a dish to be savored, Burnham builds a mirror — and sometimes a maze.

##How do they deal with criticism?

Remy faces rejection from nearly every corner — humans refuse to trust a rat, and even his own family doesn’t understand his obsession. Yet he never wavers. He believes so deeply in his vision that he’s willing to risk everything to be heard — or rather, tasted.

Burnham’s relationship with criticism is more complicated. In Inside, we see him unravel under the pressure of self-curation and public expectation. He doesn’t just face criticism from others — he’s his own harshest critic. His work often explores how artists can feel trapped by the very platforms that gave them a voice.

##What kind of legacy do they leave behind?

Remy’s legacy is one of inclusivity and inspiration. He proves that greatness isn’t defined by species, background, or even appearance. His story is a love letter to the dreamers who refuse to be limited by others’ perceptions.

Burnham’s legacy is still unfolding, but it’s already marked by raw honesty and emotional depth. He’s not just making people laugh — he’s asking them to look inward, to question their own complicity in the systems they critique. His impact is less about accessibility and more about provocation.

##How can you experience their genius today?

Remy’s story lives on in the hearts of anyone who’s ever felt out of place. You can revisit his journey in Ratatouille, or better yet, try cooking his favorite dish and feel the warmth of his spirit in your own kitchen.

Bo Burnham’s work is available on streaming platforms, especially Inside, which is a masterclass in self-directed performance art. But if you want to really connect with either of them — to ask Remy how he balances flavors or challenge Burnham on the meaning of art in a digital world — you can talk to them directly on HoloDream. Both are waiting to share their insights, their quirks, and their brilliance in real conversation.

Chat with Remy and Bo Burnham on HoloDream to explore their minds — not just their work.