The Founder
Published 2017-08-12
Film info
- Title The Founder
- Director John Lee Hancock
- Year 2017
- Run time 1hr 55m
- Genres Drama, History
- Tagline Risk taker, rule breaker, game changer
- Cast Michael Keaton, Nick Offerman, Laura Dern
The incredible 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. So impressed by the brothers' speedy system Kroc risked his marriage, bankruptcy and his reputation to create a billion-dollar empire that revolutionised the world.
Live blog
| Time | Comment |
|---|---|
| 2:17 | Than you can milk-shake a stick at. |
| 4:47 | What is the contraption on the side of the car? I don't want them damaging my paintwork! |
| 6:18 | "Persistence and determination alone are all-powerful." |
| 9:31 | McDonald's eh? I've heard of that. |
| 11:58 | So interesting to think about fast food being a new concept to people. |
| 18:04 | Nick Offerman looks funny without his beard. Still not talking much though. |
| 20:00 | "Orders ready in thirty seconds, not thirty minutes." |
| 20:46 | Loving tennis court planning! |
| 28:33 | Golden Arches! Amazing. |
| 38:47 | It really didn't take him long to pretend the idea was his. First step! |
| 40:49 | Tut tut doing this stuff behind your wife's back. |
| 45:12 | The white uniforms seems like a bad idea in a kitchen like that. |
| 53:08 | But they said it would happen and he didn't appear to take any precautions to stop the problems. |
| 59:26 | Wish McDonald's still looked like that, it looks amazing. |
| 1:02:24 | Now they're trying to convince him. |
| 1:06:47 | Why is there wallpaper in the plane? |
| 1:16:48 | Powdered milkshakes these days need milk, what kind only mixes with water? |
| 1:19:24 | Handwritten accounts are awe-inspiring. |
| 1:25:59 | Wizzbang idea. |
| 1:40:36 | Oof, this is so painful to watch. Poor McDonald brothers. |
Thoughts
Great film this, I had no idea of the story behind one of the world's biggest brands, and this was an enlightening if ultimately very depressing glimpse at what it takes to make millions. I was left with an overwhelming feeling of sadness, because although the message about persistence and embracing change is a good one, clearly this guy took it too far in screwing over pretty much everyone he came into contact with.
The way the story unfolds is great though, and the film is visually very good - seeing those old style McDonald's makes you kinda nostalgic for those simpler times! Solid acting by everyone, good script and great scenes, top work.
Rating: 5 / 5