Film review – ‘BURNT’

Posted on November 15, 2015 Updated on November 15, 2015

Bradley Cooper plays a highly driven, highly strung alpha male chef ‘Adam Jones’ who is determined to banish the wrong doings of his convoluted and messed up past. Jones is his own worst enemy but simultaneously it’s his drive to prove himself that makes him a perfect protagonist. The film begins at a point where Adam has slaved away in a small dive in New Orleans in order to redeem himself following his drug taking and destructive actions at a former workplace in Paris. Adam is pre set as a character fully aware of the damage he has caused but what he must now learn within this chapter of his life is that in order to repent you cannot afford to exclude other people from your life. Ultimately, who and what are you really fighting for if you are not even able to open up your heart to those you care about. A character that needs to lower their defences and understand that by putting faith and trust in other members of the team then you will inevitably achieve success.

The aesthetics are very eye pleasing, especially the focus on the presentation of the dishes and the vibrant lighting in Adam’s kitchen. As the movie progresses the lighting and mise en scene become more colourful representing the team as they are slowly brought to life whilst working together. As the film culminates, Adam’s kitchen exudes a completely different tone to his arch rivals kitchen which is plain, cold and lifeless, symbolising that bereft of your team you are nothing, alone and empty.

Adam becomes engrossed as he attempts to amalgamate old acquaintances from Paris with new talent in London and through this we acquire an in depth look into the stresses and tribulations faced by those in this type of industry. Wherever the characters go they cannot evade the sense of food and the burden of forever needing to improve and learn new techniques. Adam Jones demands perfection from his team (Sienna Miller, Omar Sy) and loyalty from his former maitre d’ (Daniel Brühl) in order to earn a third Michelin star. However, his temperament and aggressive behaviour wearies the team and as the film develops it is strikingly obvious that each character has a part to play in neutralising Adam to make him a more patient, humane but firm leader.

‘Burnt’ is a stylish culinary drama/comedy with a strong cast and an effortlessly edible script.