No. 105 (2022) THE MENU Dec. 19th.

 

Film No. 105 (2022)  December  19th.  8.00 PM   Cinema 9.  LUNA OUTDOOR,  Leederville.

 

"What, are we eating, a Rolex?". (Margot reacts to Tyler's revelation that the The Menu experience amounts to $1250.00 a head). 

Nominee : Best Original Screenplay (Seth Reiss, Will Tracy); Hollywood Critics Association 2023. Best Actor in a Female Role (Anya Taylor-Joy) Golden Globes 2023.

Will Tracy (SUCCESSION) along with Seth Reiss (THE ONION) have, between them, written a very original screenplay in THE MENU; all from an idea Tracy had during an indulgent eating experience he had while honeymooning in Norway some years ago.

The story goes, that as he sat for the 5 hour taste extravaganza, he noticed the vessel that transported the group to the island restaurant pull away from the jetty.  In a state of mild panic his thoughts turned to a series of "what if" scenarios. What if something went wrong? Do we trust these people controlling our experience? THE MENU is the repercussion of Tracy's imagination. 

Chef Julian Slowik, brilliantly played by Ralph Fiennes calls all the shots as he seats his guests. With a loud clap he announces each course; like chapters (a subtitle describes each serve). One course, a bread dish is served but not a skerrick of bread is to be seen. "This is bullshit" announces one of the guests. But no, chef is serious, deadly serious and it's from here that we are on board. With every course the puzzle that's behind the motivations of Slowik is revealed. You won't guess what is coming!

Every guest is there for a reason. Chef has indulged, lured, call it what you like, each guest to his web. Everyone except Margot. Tyler (Nicholas Hall) has engaged Margot at the last minute. Margot's presence is the fly in the chef's ointment. It's the sub-plot that anchors the concept that is THE MENU. Anna Taylor-Joy's Margot plays the perfect "pea" under Fiennes' stacked mattresses! Look out for more films that Taylor-Joy and Fiennes might headline.

In the hands of director Mark Mylod (SUCCESSION) and producer Adam McKay (THE BIG SHORT, DON'T LOOK UP) this concept film has become a phenomenon (gross earnings, worldwide, of twice its budget, so far). In a world where "the haves" like pushing their indulgences (reality T.V.) in the faces of the have-nots, THE MENU turns the tables. And don't we love to see those tables turned?  THE MENU  does it most entertainingly!   10GUMS.