​FILMS

burnt

2015 review number 163:

Burnt: (Drama/Comedy): 68 out of 100: Burnt might be considered the companion piece to last year's Chef which starred Jon Favreau and Scarlett Johansson. In fact, it was originally titled Chef but that would have made it confusing having two movies with the same title in consecutive years. Just like Chef, the numerous scenes in Burnt involving the preparation of food will make you hungry. 

 

Bradley Cooper stars as Adam Jones, an American who was a two-star Michelin chef in Paris. However, he destroyed his career with drugs and erratic behaviour. After several years in the wilderness, his ambition to achieve three stars leads him to London where he demands old acquaintance Tony (Daniel Brühl), the manager of a hotel, to allow him to be head chef in his restaurant. To be the best and out-perform his rival, Reese (Matthew Rhys) who works in another restaurant, Adam must secure the services of some of the best chefs in the UK and Europe including Helene (Sienna Miller) and Michel (Omar Sy). 

 

There are quite a few montages of the food preparation which are mouth-watering so this is definitely a food lover's delight. One could say however, that these scenes become a tad monotonous. The story is also a touch predictable but there's a fair bit of fun to experience along the way.

 

Cooper and Miller have excellent chemistry and this is their second film together after sharing the screen in American Sniper. The scenes in which they exchange insults are invigorating although the romantic angle to their relationship could have been better explored or done away with altogether. It's difficult to see how Helene could be attracted to Adam in the first place, considering how unlikeable he is at times. Thompson adds a touch of class as Adam's psychotherapist and delivers her lines with aplomb. Uma Thurman as a food critic and Alicia Vikander as a past flame are featured but only in brief appearances. This is Cooper's movie however as the story allows him to express a range of emotions and exercise his dramatic skills which have so far landed him three Oscar nominations. 

 

Most of the scenes are shot in London so many iconic landmarks are featured. You cannot go wrong with the cinematography when there are beautiful structures like the Tower Bridge enhancing the screen.

 

The acting by Cooper and Miller help elevate this film to a higher score than it should receive. It's not the most original of stories but there are several terrific scenes which showcase the hustle and bustle of a busy kitchen. 

 

Starring Bradley Cooper, Sienna Miller, Daniel Brühl and Emma Thompson

(100 minutes)

Parental advice: Coarse language, sexual references and adult themes

Additional scene during or after credits: No

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IiGJlUVQDGk (Movie trailer)

(Reviewed on Friday 23rd October, 2015)

 

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