Review // Burnt

[projekktor id=’21656′]

If I were to review the film Burnt as a food critic would review a meal, I’d have to say the film is bland. Like a chain restaurant, the fault of the film lies in its predictability. The acting is sufficient, the direction is unnoticeable and the story is flavourless. What’s really disappointing is the lack of any boundary pushing in a film centred on a character who pushes every boundary he comes across.

There is no fire in this kitchen, especially when it comes to the food. As a food enthusiast I was disappointed by the lack of mouth-watering food photography. While there’s plenty of kitchen scenes there is very little in the way of food enjoyment. The closest we get is Adam eating at Burger King or a kabob stand. The film is well dressed, it has a star-studded cast and comes from a director (usually) worth watching but it lacks story. Similarly, while dishes are expertly plated they lack the filter that makes them appetizing.

Adam Jones (Bradley Cooper), is a hot shot American chef, who despite being at top form in his Paris kitchen lets his unsavoury vices lead to his personal and professional destruction. Burnt picks up with Adam two years after he leaves Paris. Now clean, the once famed two Michelin star chef is shucking oysters at a dive bar in New Orleans. We quickly learn that he’s doing this as a sort of penance for his self-administered 12 step program. Once he shucks his millionth oyster Adam is able to return to the world of fine dining. Instead of returning to Paris, Adam sets out for London, where his former business partner and star maître dee, Tony (Daniel Brühl) runs a failing restaurant. Despite initial resistance, Adam charms Tony and convinces him that reunited they can achieve the coveted 3^rd Michelin star. Adam quickly recruits four chefs to his new kitchen, Michel (Omar Sy) his sous chef back in Paris, Helene (Sienna Miller) an up-and-coming chef that doesn’t realize how good she is, Max (Riccardo Scamarcio) an old friend with a quick temper and David (Sam Keeley) “the kid” a fresh culinary school grad who idolizes Adam. Adam also flaunts his return to Recce (Matthew Rhys) a rival chef he came up with in Paris. The cast of characters hits all the necessary check marks for the formulaic workplace film. With little obstacle in his way (save himself) it’s pretty clear Adam will achieve the greatness he so desires.

Burnt is a redemption film with very little redemption. The audience meets Adam after he hits rock bottom, after the catastrophe that ends his career, after he’s cleaned himself up. Any crisis that befalls him seems trite compared to the legend we’re told he was and the obstacles he’s already overcome. Skip the film in favour of a well-made meal – excite your taste buds because Burnt doesn’t.

Reviewed by Vithiya Murugadas.