The Founder tells the true story of how McDonald's evolved from a local brothers' burger joint to the sprawling fast food conglomerate we're familiar with today. Don't be mistaken and let the title of the film mislead you into believing that you will be watching the story of how McDonald's was founded (It's touched upon but not the plot you'll be following). Unlike most true stories adapted to film, this tale is neither inspirational, uplifting, or in any way impactful on history but provides insight into the meteoric rise of the Golden-Arches.
The Founder is directed by John Lee Hancock, whom you may recognize as the director of The Blind Side and Saving Mr. Banks. Hancock's direction is laid back and ironically streamlined like fast food places today. The set's are well constructed to evoke '50s aesthetic and that's fine and dandy but the cinematography's uninspired, the editing's dull, and there's simply nothing of interest outside some elements found in Robert Siegel's script and the fantastic ensemble.
Robert Siegel does a fine job skimming through McDonald's ascension but doesn't leave a lot of room for the film to serve as a functional character study. Siegel's screenplay is most fascinating when dealing with Ray Kroc's struggle between seizing the abundant opportunities presented by franchising McDonald's or abiding by courteous business ethics. Siegel lays out Kroc's intentions and motives so the audience understands why he chose to capitalize on someone else's idea but it doesn't make his actions any less despicable.
In fact, Ray Kroc's almost the villain of the piece and Keaton really sinks his teeth into portraying the sleaziest businessman imaginable. Michael Keaton's been through a career resurgence of late, starring in the two most recent consecutive Best Picture winners (Birdman and Spotlight) and I'm sure he was hoping The Founder could complete a trifecta but alas The Founder was shut out by the Academy so that won't be happening.
Nick Offerman and John Carroll Lynch play the down-to-earth McDonald brothers, Dick and Mac, offering two distinct personas to the mix; Offerman's straightlaced and doubtful in Kroc while Lynch's sociable and optimistic. It's their struggle with Kroc for the company they started their and the changing dynamic opposite Keaton that will pull the most interest as Kroc's actions only serve as a stepping stone to eventual control of the entire corporation. Laura Dern unfortunately is relegated to a small supporting role as Kroc's first wife Ethel, barely registering with the viewer due to lack of screen-time, yet she still manages to garner pity due to being virtually ignored by Kroc.
In summary, The Founder follows the tried and true biopic formula to cook up a serviceable story, just not quite an entertaining one. Did I find the film interesting? Sure, but similar to McDonald's today The Founder left a strange taste in my mouth and I'm not quite sure I can say I was loving it.
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