This podcast episode of Jacobin Radio explores the 'eat the rich' cinema trend and analyzes the film 'The Menu'. They also discuss Elon Musk's cultural influence, Biden's press conference, and the media's protection of the president.
54:22
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Quick takeaways
The movie "THE MENU" serves as a satirical critique of the fine dining culture and excessive presentation of food, highlighting the parasitic nature of wealth and entitlement.
The character of Margot represents authenticity and serves as a connection to Chef Sloak's art, challenging the dynamics of the wealthy guests and disrupting their plans.
The movie and other "eat-the-rich" films reflect the current political climate and changing perceptions of wealth and inequality, capturing the viewers' attitudes towards the elite portrayed in popular media.
Deep dives
The Restaurant
The movie takes place at Hawthorne, an elite restaurant housed on a private island. The diners are a group of wealthy individuals, including a snooty food critic, a fading movie star, and tech bros. Chef Sloak, played by Ray Fiennes, tailors his dishes around the sins of his diners and kills many of them one by one.
The Glitch in the Matrix
Margot, played by Anya Taylor-Joy, is the only member of the group who isn't supposed to be there. She is an escort hired by one of the wealthy guests. As the night progresses, Margot's presence challenges the dynamics of the group and disrupts the plans of Chef Sloak.
Class Resentment and Populism
Chef Sloak resents the wealth and entitlement of his guests and the parasitic nature of their professions. The film satirizes the fine dining culture and excessive presentation of food. The working-class character Margot becomes a symbol of authenticity and represents a connection to Chef Sloak's art. The ending, although violent, can be interpreted as a symbolic resolution rather than a conservative conclusion.
The Role of Popular Entertainment
The movie, along with other eat-the-rich films, captures the current political climate and takes the temperature of the viewers' attitudes towards wealth and inequality. It reflects the changing perceptions of who the enemies are and their portrayal in popular media.
Reflections on Contemporary Cinema
The movie showcases the tension between satire and indulgence in the depiction of wealth and luxury. It raises questions about the allure and critique of the elite lifestyles portrayed in these films, as well as the connection between politics and aesthetics.
We discuss THE MENU (2022) and its place in the context of the current wave of "eat the rich" cinema. PLUS: we discuss Walter Isaacson's new hagiography of Elon Musk, and Joe Biden's wildly successful "I'm fit for office" press conference.
Michael and Us is a podcast about political cinema and our crumbling world hosted by Will Sloan and Luke Savage.
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