Once you have seen "The Founder," you will never be able to look at McDonald's in the same way. The devious business practices of Ray Kroc are infuriating, but Michael Keaton portrays them in a very interesting way. Ever since "Birdman" rejuvenated his career, every performance by Keaton is layered and finessed. In this instance, his character earns our sympathy and even becomes our hero for 75% of the movie. It isn't until the very end that we realize that his business savvy is not admirable and see him for the total weasel that he is. I still get steamed every time that I drive past the golden arches and realize that they were stolen. The supporting cast adds to the backwards emotions that we feel. Heroes like the McDonald brothers (played by Nick Offerman and John Carroll Lynch) and Kroc's first wife (Laura Dern) come off as annoying and unreasonable until we realize that they were the only good people in the story. I'm surprised that this film was completely snubbed by the Oscars. The production staff vividly captured the 1950's drive-in restaurant culture and the writers managed to turn a series of business deals into an interesting, emotional story. While the focus is on Kroc, it is really a behind-the-scenes look at the birth of the fast food industry. I appreciate "The Founder" for its unique story and family-friendly content, but it just might ruin McDonald's for you forever.
[Pictured: I imagine that it is surreal for the older generation to see the McDonald's of their day brought back to life]
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