Movie Reviews

Burnt - 10/31/15

Should we go get "Burnt?"

Trying to find one's passion in life is difficult for some . It takes them years to find exactly what they like to do. And when a person does find their passion, keeping it and succeeding with it are two separate goals entirely. "Burnt," starring Bradley Cooper, not only focuses on how passion changes throughout life, but also offers a cocktail of other, surprisingly potent, life lessons. However, is this drama able to offer up a course of well served morals alongside delicious meals, or is the film's title more fitting than we realize? Well...

The Plot:

After a three year penance shucking a million oysters for past mistakes, (No, seriously), disgraced chef Adam Jones (Cooper) comes to England to try and attain his 3rd Michelin Star for his new restaurant, which, to quote the movie, "would make him [as famous as] Yoda." But with past mistakes like debt and rivals haunting him, emotional hurdles to overcome and an attitude in the kitchen more akin to Darth Vader, that goal is easier said than done. The movie quickly establishes its plot, and the ups and downs that happen throughout the film, like past flames and a surprising plot of revenge, can make the audience feel as if they're on a roller coaster of emotion. While people may say that the film doesn't focus on the main plot as well as it should, the quick changes are part of the movie's strength.

The Characters:

The true center of the movie, though, is the characters, with a wide spectrum of personalities, some memorable, and some clashing in the kitchen. Through these personalities many of the film's ideals and morals are transmitted to the audience. The lead, Adam Jones, who acknowledges that he is an arrogant bastard, declares that a great chef needs to be arrogant, and constantly changing, because when that arrogance stops, a chef's career fizzles out. The supporting cast in the movie is also fun to watch, but fails to show their relation to Jones. While some have a history with Jones, having worked with or done business with him in the past, they only talk about this and don't show anything. One of his staff was actually recently released from prison, but we don't even know on what charges! When a lot of character details are told instead of shown, the film suddenly becomes less substantial.

Final Verdict:

Other critics might say that all the morals and lessons the films presents make it cliché or a hot mess. I disagree. With all the lessons about family, passion, perfection and not needing to achieve your goals on the very first try being thrown in, much like Jones himself, the film presents a wonderfully constructed meal reminding the audience just how hectic life can be, in good and bad ways. (Be warned, some of you may be hungry for some reason once the credits roll.)

Grade: A-