The Founder is the winning story of the man behind the golden arches [Review]
Ray Kroc might not be a familiar name to you, but you’ve almost certainly tried burgers and fries from the restaurant he built into an fast food empire.
When we first meet Ray (Michael Keaton), he is a frustrated milkshake machine salesman. He dresses sloppily, his marriage is in trouble, and he has trouble selling anything. So when Richard and Maurice McDonald order eight machines from him, he is amazed.
Ray drives to California to see the McDonald brothers’ restaurant, and immediately sees the potential. He joins the brothers in business, but while they open more branches, he doesn’t make much money. Ray decides to cut the two brothers out, and takes a cruel road to become a tycoon.
In the process, Ray re-invents himself: he speaks confidently, dresses smartly, and there’s a new fire in his eyes.
Director John Lee Hancock (Saving Mr Banks) does a great job taking us back to the era of the 1950s with its fashion and cars, and the storytelling is fast and exciting.
Biographical movies are not always interesting - especially when it comes to an unfamiliar name - but The Founder introduces us to the dramatic and shady history behind one of the world’s biggest companies.
Edited by Sam Gusway