The Founder (2017)

The Founder (2017)

2017 PG-13 115 Minutes

Drama | History

The true story of how Ray Kroc, a salesman from Illinois, met Mac and Dick McDonald, who were running a burger operation in 1950s Southern California. Kroc was impressed by the brothers’ speedy s...

Overall Rating

7 / 10
Verdict: Good

User Review

  • The Founder showcases how greed lurks behind ambition. I'm sure we've all eaten at a McDonald's before, the biggest fast food franchise on the globe. It wouldn't surprise me if we get a branch on the moon in the next few years. But do you really know the story behind the "Golden Arches"? Businessman Ray Kroc was selling milkshake makers, when suddenly he is required to sell eight of them to a restaurant called McDonalds. Bewildered by the concept of a speedy food ordering system, Ray partners up with the original founders in an attempt to create a franchise. Forget about McDonalds, put aside the milkshakes, burgers and French fries, what we are presented with is a character study. An individual who is so blinded by ambition and perfection that he enables greed to take control of his mind. Businessmen typically have a mindset of just wanting to make money, and unfortunately Ray Kroc succumbs to the idealism of desiring success. He starts out with the best of intentions, but the rapid growth of the corporation moulds him into a sleazy unlikeable character. The contrast between him and the original founders was profound, where in the end you sympathise with them for what Ray did. Essentially stealing their business. Yet, would you have done the same? After all business is dog eat dog. Whether all of this is true or not, it's an interesting arc for the main character to take which does add much needed depth to a tired biopic formula. This is Michael Keaton's film, it's all about him. Luckily, he is a dependable actor and he continues his rejuvenated career with another captivating performance. He just gets better. Laura Dern added a subtle amount of emotion as Kroc's wife although I do wish she had more screen time. Her character could've been used far more to enhance the conflict of interest between the couple in their personal lives. Direction was good all round, loved the direct address at the start and end. Appreciated the continuity in regards to the McDonalds advertisements and merchandising. A highly interesting biopic!