The Founder

The nostalgia of progress during a simpler time resonates on the screen as Ray Kroc builds the fast food empire of McDonald's from scratch. A little persistence, innovation, salesmanship, and cutthroat business acumen are on display in all their 1950's American Midwest glory. The innovative changes to the quick and cheap dining experience were inevitable, but it was Kroc who ultimately blazed the trail for the Burger Kings, Dairy Queens, Jacks in the boxes, and Carl's Juniors of the world. Perhaps even Subway and Taco Bell owe Kroc a show of gratitude as the "Speedy" system was ultimately the reason for the vast improvements to the process.

I'm getting ahead of myself. In 1954, traveling salesman Kroc (Michael Keaton) was struggling to find the next big thing, and milkshake machines weren't cutting it. As luck would have it, he came across Dick and Mac McDonald (Nick Offerman and John Carroll Lynch), owners and operators of McDonald's, which prided itself in streamlined efficiency. Kroc became fascinated and knew he had to have a piece of the business. The difference between the two parties being the scope of vision. Kroc saw the franchise potential, and when the McDonald's monster began to grow, the brothers were left in the dust. It's really a portrayal of capitalism at its best and worst. Empires can be built with vision and grit, but there is always collateral damage, whether intentional or not.

What I liked about the film was the no-nonsense approach to the man. He was flawed, but driven. Like so many successful pioneers of industry, his ambition consumed him and destroyed relationships and caused him to make decisions that a moral or ethical man might see as just plain wrong. But Keaton played the character well. Nothing exceptional, and if I'm being honest, a little more subdued than I was hoping for, but a good performance nonetheless. Offerman and Carroll Lynch were fantastic as the brothers, and played off each other with a natural ease that is harder than it looks.

Let's be real though, the real star of the film is the "Golden Arches" itself. McDonald's is clearly the titan of the fast food industry with its billions and billions of burgers sold. In fact, its profitability and global presence is astounding, and likely part of most Americans' childhood experience. the evolution of the familiar brand and its franchise model is the draw, and director John Lee Hancock (The Blind Side, Saving Mr. Banks) knows it. The film is full of some great dialogue and interplay, and although predictable and without action, it is inspiring and beautifully done.

Maybe I'm biased (okay, I know I am), but films of this nature are typically my favorite. Not necessarily biopics, but dramatic human interest stories. Ray Kroc is an American icon. His life and his demeanor show a certain historical impact, and how it translates to the screen is the artistry in the form of moving pictures. The actors and the crew come together to paint what is essentially a very moving and magical experience. I feel like every well done drama adds a certain piece of contemplation or vision to the viewer, and just might influence their lives even if just a little bit.

The Founder isn't a strong enough entry to win major awards, but it deserves to be mentioned in the company of the best films of the year. It is a wonderful and tragic story, and just might fly under the radar and snag a few nominations this week. Time will tell. 8/10.