BURNT (2015)

Directed By: John Wells 
Written By: Steven Knight 
Story By: Michael Kalesniko 
Cinematography By: Adriano Goldman 
Editor: Nick Moore 


Cast: Bradley Cooper, Sienna Miller, Daniel Bruhl, Omar Sy, Uma Thurman, Alicia Vikander, Matthrew Rhys, Lily James, Henry Goodman 


The film is beautiful to look at but that might be the problem in itself. It seems to strive for something deeper a character study inside an ensemble, but it is beautiful people living extravagently beautiful life's of leisure. While having dream careers and fighting against or for perfection. That it makes the Audience hard to feel sorry for the characters.

One can understand with the Rise of cooking shows and over the years trying to get the book kitchen confidential (the television version of which Bradley cooper starred in and would be more interesting then this as it was more comedic) and other dark comedies about cooking on the big screen this seems more like a compromise a comeback story that doesn't have the necessary drama or suspense to it. It's fun to watch and will keep the audience interested but it won't be something you will remember too long after. Though this feels like a dramatic continuation of the series

Though again it is a tale of redemption but also feels like a film that is more about first world problems but tries to make the audience identify with the human condition that the film tries to display in the struggling yet determined and disciplined main character. Played by Bradley Cooper so that even when things go well there has to be something to present him with hardship and tragedy just around the corner, Just because.

The film has an international cast that seems more there to try and help sell more internationally. As in America it seems tales like this are told more comedically with dramatic undertones. Which the film does try to do but comes off more serious than anything else. That tries to have flair but feels a bit stilted yet breezy.

Of course we are supposed to root for the character whose social graces are hard edged. Which is meant to showcase his genius.

For all it's ingenuity the film comes off as bland. Though with the heavyweight cast of actors as always you expect more than something so adequate yet not flavorful. Unlike the meals and dishes on display. Which seem extravagant, colorful and delicious with great presentation but unfortunately we can't taste though they seem delicious and tasty. Most of this is what this film looks like it makes a nice presentation and there is nothing technically wrong with the film. It just seems for a film about determination and passion it has none and comes off more workman like

Almost a crew on a mission movie as he picks up misfits from his past some he did wrong some he didn't to redeem himself and bring them back to their former glory. It's his army that he gathers and they want to help him complete his personal mission. Though you wonder what will happen after he gets the third star as it is obvious he won’t stop until he does.

He yells like Gordon Ramsey hurling insults and demanding perfection. But it feels like if Louis cosset Jr's character from AN OFFICER AND A GENTLEMAN but a lot more foul mouthed and more dedicated to the public and we get to know his personal history and story. Everyone accepts his abuse and realizes that's just who he is and it's because he cares.

The film adds in ridiculous pieces of his past. Such as an ex-girlfriend who haunts him and him owing certain nefarious types money which seems to only add some little actions to subplots and the notion of him learning to trust even after having burned so many people in the past Bradley Cooper is an actor I was never quite impressed by at first maybe because he has the look and aura of a star. So I never quite believed him as an actor, but over the years he has Gina above and beyond to prove it. Here is one of those performances where it seems more of a not quite draining performance but he does invest the role with plenty of depth.

Sienna Miller plays a supporting role as one of the few characters who doesn't have a history with him, but he desperately wants her to work for him. I barely recognized her in the role. Especially for an actress who started her career as the sexpot supposedly new it girl. Throughout her career she had been a chameleon when it comes to her role never plays by the same character twice and never quite having the same look either.

Daniel Bruhl is a good actor but unfortunately doesn't have much to do here. He has more of a supporting but substantial role. he has been amazing in other films and is an actor who never quite gets the credit he deserves.

The ending seems to provide a happy ending of success more spiritually than physically finding happiness not in what you seek. It what you have learned.

It also seems to teach that if you make something special for only one it give what they want you sell out the others who might come to see you and your work, but if you serve everyone the same not give so much special attention. Which is still the best you can do which is your normal.

That is what they come to expect from you and your natural is influential and impressive and never have to worry about doing better or your best.

Food is like dating it's intimate and all about personal preference and trying to convince people or an audience to like or try something they never knew they wanted or would like.

As for chef's or cooks are like artists who express themselves through their cooking and recipes. If the dishes they make are one of a kind that only a certain number of people are privy too and never even know necessarily the quality they are going by to get.

The best do it naturally without knowing they have a talent as it is just something they always did or a recipe they always followed. At least in my experience that is where the best meals have come from. Usually done with some amount of care

This is a film that David Fincher had wanted to make with Keanu Reeves though their version was supposedly more of a dark comedic version and Derek Ciarfrance was considering directing it before John Wells came in to direct the film and this is one of his better directed films though at times John wells as a director comes off more like Stanley Kramer (GUESS WHO’S COMING TO DINNER) a more political or more social issue director more than necessarily having a vision. He seems to always be more interested in subjects.

Don't get me wrong you will definitely be hungry after watching this film. Just as one does after watching BIG NIGHT, CHEF


Grade: B-