Burnt: A Charming, Yet Undercooked, Tragicomedy of a Chef’s Redemption
Adam Jones (Bradley Cooper), a culinary prodigy, rose to fame as a chef in Paris, only to succumb to the pressures and spiral into drug and alcohol abuse. After hitting rock bottom, he retreated to New Orleans, spending three years working in a humble diner to rebuild his life. Now, he’s back in London, where many of his former colleagues reside, determined to reclaim his status as one of Europe’s top chefs.
Fun fact: Bradley Cooper once dreamed of becoming either an actor or a chef.
The Allure of Culinary Dramas
Why are production dramas and comedies so drawn to the world of restaurants and chefs? Perhaps it’s because, in the 21st century, there are few professions that are easily understood by outsiders. What distinguishes a good programmer from an excellent one, for instance? It’s hard to say without inside knowledge. But anyone can appreciate culinary talent, even without ever having dined in a fancy restaurant. We all know what “dry meat,” “undercooked fish,” or “oversalted sauce” means. Plus, a perfectly prepared and presented dish is far more visually appealing than lines of code or complex blueprints.
Director John Wells, previously known for producing acclaimed television series like “Third Watch” and “ER,” knows how to capture the essence of his favorite genre. He portrays the “magic” of the restaurant world with such relish that you’ll want to raid your savings and splurge on a meal at a Michelin-starred establishment after leaving the theater. The film revolves around Jones’s quest to achieve the coveted three-star Michelin rating. Even if you’re not a fan of haute cuisine, Wells’s film will convince you that expensive dishes are worth the price – not just because they use the finest ingredients, but because chefs dedicate their lives to perfecting their creations, meticulously balancing flavors and techniques. Of course, not everyone obsesses over their menu like Adam Jones. But that’s what Michelin ratings are for: to separate the wheat from the chaff.
Jamie Dornan of “Fifty Shades of Grey” fame was originally part of the cast, but his scenes were cut during editing.
A Flawed Protagonist
However, “Burnt” is ultimately a film about its protagonist, not just about searing halibut. And the human story is more often disappointing than inspiring. In such narratives, the hero must overcome increasingly difficult obstacles on their path to success, but Jones seems to have it too easy.
Imagine returning to former friends after years of living abroad, friends whose relationships you once trampled and burned, and asking them not for small favors, but to forgive past grievances and trust you completely. How long would you have to plead with them? It’s quite possible you’d get nowhere. But Jones instantly assembles a team of former employees and young cooks, gains full control of a restaurant specially equipped for him, and throws a tantrum when there are a few empty tables on opening night. It’s as if he expects not only all his friends but also all his customers to forgive him immediately. Furthermore, Jones isn’t just striving for recognition, but for the highest recognition (currently, there are only four restaurants in Britain and Ireland with three Michelin stars), and the only obstacle in his path is his own inner demons. People practically prostrate themselves before him, eager to become stepping stones on his path to success, and his only challenge is to accept their help – which, in essence, is his sole plot problem.
To understand how charmed Jones’s life is, consider the film’s main female character, Helene (Sienna Miller), who becomes his sous-chef. Helene is a talented and knowledgeable cook. She educates Jones on culinary innovations, collaborates with him on new dishes, and manages the kitchen in his absence. And she does all this while raising a young daughter alone and battling her own alcoholism. Yet, no one hands Helene a turnkey restaurant, no one paves the way for her, and no one supports her except her elderly mother. So why is the film about Adam and not her? Helene deserves the spotlight far more than a grown man who lives like a spoiled child. The film, however, sees her solely as Adam’s assistant and potential romantic partner.
A Tragicomedy, Not a Drama
Of course, there’s a dramatic purpose to a story about an arrogant egoist who, in order to achieve professional perfection, must acknowledge his human weaknesses and accept the help of others. But such a plot requires far more dramatic pressure than what Adam experiences. And if the hero, despite his “exploits,” is universally loved, then he’s better off being a great doctor than a great chef. Remember Dr. House – he gets away with a lot because he saves lives. Jones, on the other hand, simply arranges pieces beautifully on a plate. Why does that give him the right to behave like House?
Fortunately for “Burnt,” Bradley Cooper’s masculine charm makes his character almost a bearable protagonist (Cooper is far more attractive than Miller, which is a rare occurrence in movie couples). Moreover, the film is shot as a tragicomedy, not a drama, and therefore should not be taken too seriously. To get the most enjoyment out of “Burnt,” you need to relax, ignore the psychological inconsistencies, not cringe at the high-flown speeches about the meaning of life and cooking, enjoy the funny scenes and jokes, drool over the impeccably prepared dishes, forgive Jones’s “House-like” behavior for the sake of his clear blue eyes… And sincerely, childishly empathize in those few scenes where the hero has a hard time. In other words, “Burnt” is not an elite dish, but a fast-food burger that you can fill up on if you don’t think about how and from what it’s made.