THE FOUNDER – Review

Here’s a most unusual entry in a genre that’s now becoming a cinema staple: the origin story. Now that term may be most associated with comic books, and many of the superhero blockbusters are just that, the story of how he, she, or they came to get their powers, whip up a costume, and so on (the recent DOCTOR STRANGE is an excellent example). Ah, but this is a true tale, almost an autobiography. There have been many “bio-origins”, from YOUNG MR. LINCOLN to SOUTHSIDE WITH YOU (hmm.. both about future presidents). Yes, there’s the individual’s journey, but this flick is also about a product. THE SOCIAL NETWORK concerned Mark Zuckerberg and the creation of that website, and STEVE JOBS was as much about the man as it was about the personal computer. This new movie focuses on Ray Kroc and chronicles the evolution of the fast food restaurant industry, mainly the world domination of the home of the “golden arches”, McDonald’s. And though Ray proclaimed his legacy in speech and plastered it on his business card, this film debunks his claim as THE FOUNDER.

 
It begins with a close-up of Ray Kroc (Michael Keaton) in full “hard sell” mode. He’s trying to convince the owner of a “drive-in” eatery, that he needs to buy a multi-spindle (six to be exact) milk shake mixer. But the owner doesn’t “bite”, so this beaten-down “Willy Loman” of diner supplies lugs the heavy mixer back to its place in the trunk of his old sedan. It’s 1954, and this tired 52 year-old hustler can’t even get the food he order from the teenage “carhop” (not chicken, the pork plate!). Luckily he’s got his flask filled. The night at a “fleabag” motel, he lulls himself to sleep with a bottle of “rotgut” and a motivational record. He’s back on the road the next day. After another “bust”, he pumps quarters into a pay phone and checks in with his office in Chicago. He’s told that a place in California wants six (!) mixers. This must be a mistake. Ray then calls the eatery, and the client tells him he could actually use eight mixers! Jumping back into his auto, Ray makes the cross-country trek to San Bernardino and pulls into the parking lot of the McDonald’s hamburger stand. It’s not a drive-in, instead people line up (and there’s a long one) to a window and order food. Once Ray gets to the window, he’s stunned that his food is given to him seconds after ordering, all hot and correct! No plates and silverware, either. As Ray savors his burger and fries, a man sweeping the lot says hello. He’s one of the co-owners, ‘Mac’ Mcdonald (John Carroll Lynch). Ray introduces himself and Mac offers him a behind the scenes (or grill) tour. Watching over the operation inside is the co-owner, Mac’s brother Dick (Nick Offerman). The boys tell Ray their story and explain their fast food theory. Heading back to his home in the Chicago suburbs, Ray excitedly tells his wife Ethel (Laura Dern) about the place, who believes it’s another one of her hubby’s “pipe dreams”. But Ray in unfazed, he thinks the lil’ burger stand should expand and franchise. But Dick is wary, after having a bad time with opening other places in California and New Mexico. They can’t enforce quality control. But Ray is a most ardent, and persistent suitor and convinces the guys that he is the one that’ll make sure their high standards are met. Contracts are signed and soon Ray is breaking ground on a new location in Des Plaines, Illinois. But it’s a stormy marriage between him and the brothers, Dick is too cautious while Ray is too aggressive. Ray expands the empire at a feverish pitch while Dick fumes out west. And Ray wants more money and power. Tensions mount as this “battle of the wills” intensifies. Who will control the growing empire, the principled McDonald brothers or Ray, the “super-salesman”?

The title role is a showcase for the talents of the always interesting Mr. Keaton. It’s an engaging roller coaster of a life “arc’ as he shows us the weary beaten-down by life Kroc at the story’s opening, the happy twinkle in his eyes as he wraps up the “pitch’, only to have his spirits crushed and casually swept aside. Keaton then gives us a revitalized Kroc, as if the sight of the Hamburger place shoots out a lightning bolt, piercing his corroded psyche. His “seduction” of the brothers recalls Keaton’s breakthrough movie role 35 years ago as the fast-talking “idea man” in NIGHT SHIFT. After he grabs the gold ring, Keaton then amps up his natural charisma, as he opens the door on another side of Kroc, becoming a fast food Elmer Gantry, converting the congregations to the cult of the quick burger, making those golden arches into a revival tent. We’re almost cheering on Ray, until Keaton opens the door on the dark side of his nature. He goes from determined underdog to cold-eyed shark, consuming more, getting more, and looking forward while ex-partners and loved ones are swept aside in his wake. This is another feather in Keaton’s cap, a real triumph in his career’s “second act” that was jump-started with BIRDMAN.

 
The ex-MR. MOM is terrific, but he’s far from alone on screen. He’s got quite a wonderful supporting team, especially the two “lambs” gobbled up by the “wolf”. Lynch is the more outgoing and gregarious of the brothers, an easy-going, trusting soul always hoping to see the best in folks. By the story’s last act we see the terrible price his optimism has cost him when the stress erodes his health. Offerman’s Dick McDonald is the more somber and stoic of the two. A “sandwich savant”, he’s consumed with perfecting his craft, achieving a purity in the art and science of food service. He’s also the more cynical of the two, begrudgingly agreeing to Ray’s plans because of his affection and respect for his sibling. Offerman sets aside his usual gruff characters to show a man of integrity left heartbroken by forces beyond his control. Dern delivers a devastating take on the neglected wife, a woman who tries to support her mate, but realizes, too late, that they have drifted apart. B.J. Novak is smooth and sinister as the mastermind who joins forces with Kroc and provides a way for them to chip away at that constricting contract (“…like hearts, they’re made to be broken”). And Linda Cardellini sparkles as Ray’s biggest obsession after burgers (and kudos to Patrick Wilson as her soon-to-be cuckholed hubby).

 
Director John Lee Hancock seems to have a pretty good grip on these “inspired by a true story” films. Much as with his previous SAVING MR. BANKS, he’s pulled the curtain back on a subject we think we know well, giving us a title character as complex as “Uncle” Walt and Miss Travers. And the script from Robert Siegel really pulls no punches (I’m really shocked that the still-powerful company allowed such an unflattering look at one of its icons). It’s interesting that the final battle of the story begins with powdered milk shake mixes (“there’s no milk in ’em!”). The vintage autos and fashions are spot-on as is the retro pop soundtrack. Unfortunately the film has a real pacing problem. Perhaps a trim of the many montages and angry long-distance phone calls would have quickened the pace as it seems a good twenty minutes too long. However this doesn’t dampen the compelling work of Mr. Keaton and for his many fans, THE FOUNDER will prove to be quite a nourishing banquet.

3.5 Out of 5