I have been busy failing to get enough sleep, waking up very early, and dealing with the chaos of maybe selling a house as of late. Exhausted, and spending whatever free time I have posting from my phone -- I hate this, trust me -- I have tried to ensure I still watch a few things here and there when possible. Over the last few weeks I saw people in the community writing a review on a film called The Menu. It immediately caught my attention with the marvelously talented Ralph Fiennes plastered across the poster of the film. This actor being one I rarely see these days, but find an incredibly fun watch with a very large range when it comes to performing diverse characters. This actor has a theatrical ability to him that makes him stand out, difficult to pinpoint to one specific character, and that is certainly impressive given his performance in the Harry Potter franchise as Voldemort.
Curious from the start, I tried to avoid spoilers and went straight into the film with no understanding of what it was. Somehow having managed to avoid the discussions online despite seeing screenshots and forum posts. While The Menu is a rather simple film, I do feel it holds a few twists up its sleeve that do add to the fun of the film; so I will try to avoid major spoilers in this review. Though I will summarise certain aspects of the plot as to build some context regarding what this film is.
That said, I enjoyed the film. It was a little surprise that sort of appeared out of nowhere for me. Being simple in its approach even if it is rather forgettable. But I admire it for this. For being unique, nothing too ambitious, and telling a story that comes and goes relatively quickly. Though still giving you the fun of what I would refer to as older Hollywood. Solid performances, just enough depth, and a bit of fun for two hours.
The Menu
The Menu dives right into the story with an introduction of two characters, of which are discussing a rather expensive dining experience that requires being transported to the location via boat. Served as a limited experience for what some would consider elites. Upon arrival we see an eccentric set of chefs and a head chef played by Ralph Fiennes. His character odd, very much dedicated to the craft, as are his workers below him. We get this elitist, cult-like impression from them all due to this. That the standards really do match the pricing of the experience. Food presented to the dining members of the public with context, stories behind their purpose. Connecting personality to these varying creations aimed at providing the finest dining imaginable. The modern idea that food must be presented to perfection, to the point in which it very evidently stops being about food and more the pretentious side of cooking that devours the joy of, well, eating!
Slowly the film explores the guests at this venue, detailing who they are and their backgrounds. Some being relatively famous actors, others in finance, and you get the general idea. Elites that belong in such an environment. Though our eccentric chef knows more about them than they assume, and this is where the film quickly begins to take a new direction. I'll stop here as to avoid just detailing the plot and discussing spoilers, but the setup itself is done well. Given enough time to establish a setting and a few characters, before exploring them more in greater detail alongside a series of mini twists. These twists aren't anything major, some quite predictable, but it's very much enjoyable still to see how the film plays out and to which lengths things are going.
There is quite a bit of build up to get to this point, but the film juggles between these characters with great pacing that ensures the film never feels too slow or boring, and that's a major strength in regards to a film that for the most part relies on just one location to tell its story. I really like films that can do this well, especially by pulling off good pacing that explores character development and backgrounds that don't just bore or split things up from the main story much. It's quite a difficult thing to write multiple characters that are each unique without making a few a mistakes, but I feel the film did these things quite well. But even so, the film does feel a bit forgettable. Though I would not claim this is a negative, just that it serves its purpose and then leaves. Not trying to be anything beyond what is needed.
The same can be said regarding its use of music and style of directing. It's a very visually beautiful film, but it doesn't go beyond in the creativity side of things. After all, within one location there are only so many camera angles and techniques that can be pursued. Instead it makes this location feel spacious, but enclosed. One void of exits, incapable of being escaped. Just as things tighten up and grow more weird. The Menu, for the most part, shows most of its beauty and creativity when it comes to actually displaying the various items on the menu presented to the guests. Taking up a very commercial style of cinematography that displays close-up, shallow depth of field perspectives of the food itself. I liked how this was done as it did give us this sort of feeling that we were watching a cooking show, connecting us to the idea of food bring art rather than food for enjoyment and consumption.
Without again going into areas of potentially spoiling things, the film does speak on the idea of food being something that doesn't need to be taken so seriously, and that by taking it seriously you are to some degree removing the true passion behind cooking. That while presentation and class is nice, it isn't necessary. There's the idea that the passion is lost for hobbies once they are taken so seriously that they are to be considered a profession. Dealt with the utmost care for near perfection rather than satisfying. This is something we can all relate to as individuals that likely fear the idea of failure, or perhaps strive too much for the idea of perfection to the point in which it ruins what made us start and enjoy these things to begin with.
Ralph Fiennes does a solid job in performing here, but I wouldn't say it is his best performance. He definitely carried the film, while other performances were either tolerable or just okay. But there is a very monotone aesthetic to the dialogue and thus the performances, and it works in regards to the idea of one taking things too seriously again. So, I enjoyed the film! The time went by quickly, and while the film is one I'll quickly forget about, it is very nice to see Hollywood making these smaller budget, more character driven stories that don't need a plethora of action or tons of A lister celebrities with bodies of steel. I definitely want to see more like this.
