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erin-griffiths
23rd November 2015

Review: Burnt

Bradley Cooper’s assured performance elevates the somewhat formulaic Burnt out of complete mediocrity
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TLDR

John Wells provides us with the story of Adam Jones (Bradley Cooper)—an arrogant yet passionate Michelin star chef, who aims to re-establish himself in the culinary world in London after his hedonistic past in Paris. Not only are we taken on Adam Jones’ mission to earn his third Michelin star, we are also invited into his life of romance, revenge and redemption. Despite the promising plot and talented all-star cast at John Wells’ fingertips, the film oozed a disappointing amount of potential.

The familiar story of a troubled character, who intends to rebuild their previous success after their past of self-destruction left them desperate, is executed well by the fluctuating regression and progression throughout Adam Jones’ journey. The subplots—involving competitors and romance—appear to be included as spare parts due to their shallow exploration by John Wells. But they successfully support John Wells’ intentions to enhance Adam Jones’ ruthlessly manipulating and intimating character. Although the unexpected arrival of the end credits followed an unsatisfactory ending, I was left with a completely changed opinion of the main character.

Bradley Cooper’s admirable depiction of the Gordon Ramsey inspired character, is unsurprising from the thrice Oscar nominated star. Cooper explores an array of emotions throughout the film—from extreme anger to reluctant emotion, which created an exciting tone to the film due its psychologically conflicted protagonist. In addition, the bilingual script, which wavers between French and English, enables Cooper to demonstrate his linguistic skills; while also adding an element of realism to the film. Furthermore, the reunion of the critically-acclaimed American Sniper couple, Bradley Cooper and Sienna Miller, encourages us to expect big things from the relationship between their characters in the film.

However, not only does their romance play a small part in the film, it also does not seem to come across very naturally. As Adam says to Helene in the film, “you’re the only girl I know.” This line is precisely what their relationship appears to be driven by—John Wells has almost forced the two eligible characters into an unnecessary romance. Not only does Wells take advantage of Cooper and Miller’s characters, he fails to exploit his exceptional cast: Emma Thompson, Uma Thurman, Lily James (Cinderella) and Omar Sy (Intouchables). These renowned actors encouraged an expectation of promising performances—yet their limited appearances in few scenes led to disappointment.

Considering the culinary theme of the film, the numerous closeups of world-class dishes and intense detail in the cooking is expected and welcomed—particularly for those self-confessed foodies out there. The film reveals the high-intensity atmosphere of Michelin star kitchens in various scenes, providing us with an insight into a world that many of us would find foreign. Discovering the behind the scenes action always evokes peoples’ interests—and this film successfully reveals the pressure and intimidation in the kitchens that many customers wouldn’t be aware of when dining at a Michelin star restaurant. This film is an accurate representation into a world that has such a great passion for food, encouraging people to appreciate the care that goes into the dishes served to them in established restaurants throughout the world.

I would recommend this film to Bradley Cooper fans who are appreciative of his impeccable acting skills, foodies who are interested in the concealed world of first class cooking, and experts in the Michelin star field. However, the film’s disappointing use of remarkable actors, an underwhelming plot and a forced romance prevents Burnt from reaching the full satisfaction promised.

3/5


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