THE FOUNDER MOVIE REVIEW

Summary

In this review of *The Founder* (2016), the narrator explores the rise of McDonald's under Ray Croc, portrayed by Michael Keaton. Directed by John Lee Hancock, the film dives into Croc’s ambitious drive to turn a small family restaurant into a global empire. The reviewer reflects on Keaton's stellar performance, his career resurgence, and the ethical complexities within the film, such as Croc’s ruthlessness and the McDonald brothers’ naivety. While the film’s writing falters in its conclusion, it remains a fascinating look at corporate power, ambition, and the cost of success, earning a solid 4 out of 5 Blu-rays.

Takeaways

• 😀 Michael Keaton delivers a standout performance as Ray Croc in *The Founder*, showcasing his impressive range and ability to bring complexity to the character.
• 😀 The film highlights the strategic shift in Ray Croc's business approach, focusing on real estate acquisition as the key to McDonald's success.
• 😀 The McDonald brothers' naivety in business decisions ultimately leads to their downfall, as they fail to recognize the value of their own invention.
• 😀 Ray Croc's insatiable ambition is a central theme of the film, demonstrating how power and success can corrupt even the most humble beginnings.
• 😀 The movie explores the ethical gray areas in business, with Croc exploiting the McDonald brothers’ trust to turn their small operation into a global empire.
• 😀 Michael Keaton's performance in *The Founder* was part of his career resurgence, following his success in films like *Birdman* and *Spotlight*.
• 😀 The transition from a family-run business to a corporate giant is portrayed as both fascinating and frustrating, reflecting the moral complexities involved.
• 😀 Linda Cardellini brings warmth to her role, with her character providing a personal connection to Ray Croc amidst his growing ambition.
• 😀 The film underscores the difference between fame and fortune, questioning whether the price of success is worth the personal cost.
• 😀 The reviewer emphasizes that, while the film is well-made, the script falters towards the end, affecting its potential for broader recognition, including Oscar nominations.
• 😀 The review also touches on the broader theme of the American dream, showcasing how some people sacrifice ethical values for the sake of success and legacy.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the movie 'The Founder'?

The main theme of 'The Founder' revolves around ambition, power, and corporate greed, showcasing the rise of McDonald's as a global empire through Ray Kroc's manipulation and the McDonald brothers' naivety.

Why is Michael Keaton's performance significant in 'The Founder'?

Michael Keaton's performance is significant because he embodies the complex character of Ray Kroc, portraying his transformation from a struggling salesman to a ruthless businessman. Keaton’s nuanced portrayal is the standout element of the film.

What role does the 'Speedy System' play in the story?

The 'Speedy System' is a revolutionary approach to fast food that allows McDonald's to serve meals quickly and efficiently, which ultimately leads to the restaurant's success and Ray Kroc's interest in expanding the brand.

How did Ray Kroc expand McDonald's beyond the original restaurant?

Ray Kroc expanded McDonald's by franchising the restaurant model, but more importantly, he bought the land where the restaurants would be built, which gave him a steady stream of profit through land leasing, making him an even bigger player in the business.

What is the significance of the McDonald brothers' mistake in the story?

The McDonald brothers’ mistake was their lack of business savvy. They trusted Ray Kroc and allowed him to take control of the McDonald's brand, eventually losing ownership of their own restaurant empire despite their original innovative ideas.

Why did the movie not receive the same level of acclaim as 'Birdman' or 'Spotlight'?

Despite Michael Keaton's strong performance, 'The Founder' did not garner the same level of acclaim as 'Birdman' or 'Spotlight' because the script and editing, especially towards the end, were not as strong, and the film did not resonate as widely with audiences or critics.

What does the movie suggest about the relationship between power, money, and morality?

The movie suggests that power and money can corrupt an individual's morals, as seen through Ray Kroc's ruthless behavior. His desire for success at all costs leads him to betray the McDonald brothers, highlighting the darker side of ambition and corporate greed.

How are the McDonald brothers portrayed in the film?

The McDonald brothers are portrayed as idealistic and naive, particularly in their reluctance to expand or adapt to the growing business world. They focus too much on their small, family-operated restaurant and fail to recognize Ray Kroc's ambitions, ultimately leading to their downfall.

What role does Linda Cardellini play in 'The Founder'?

Linda Cardellini plays Joan Smith, Ray Kroc’s eventual wife, who serves as a supportive yet sidelined character. Her role also reflects the traditional gender dynamics of the 1950s, as she remains mostly at home while Ray is driven by ambition.

What lesson does 'The Founder' teach about entrepreneurship?

The film illustrates that entrepreneurship can involve both creativity and ruthlessness. It shows that success often comes at a moral cost, and the willingness to exploit others or manipulate systems can lead to immense wealth and power, even at the expense of ethical behavior.