The Menu (2022)

[vanlutz]

Originally Posted by moreorless

Really though it just seems contrary to the message of the film to me, that the chief was striking out at the rich foodie culture, she was spared because she'd shown herself to be outside of that.

I'd say the lack of fighting back was also really just pointing out how passive a lot of privileged people are, dependant on their wealth and influence buying the loyalty of others. I think its shown in a somewhat over the top fashion in terms of just how passive they are but thats the general tone of the film isnt it?

Using your own words, she was outside of the rich. 100% true. Throughout the film. So, when she asks "If I choose your side can I live?" He told her NO. Using your theory, why did he tell her no?

Let's go a step further, he tells her no. She still continues to act like the moron she was. But, she doesn't ask for the cheeseburger. Remove that scene from the movie. When the time comes for everyone to die, does he just send her on her way? No. She dies. Because he told her she was going to die. According to you, she was always going to live. Which is not true. Chef literally told her in dialogue she was going to die.

As far as fighting back. You can go with your theory. But, the simple fact is, there weren't enough to fight back. Seriously, which one of those men could overtake any of the guards? Everyone was going to die. So, they could go fighting or hope for an opening before the end came. If they went fighting, how would that have helped the story? This is a fictional story. I don't remember the film. Didn't one of them try to fight? He was an older man fed up, and they cut off a finger or arm. I don't remember. Someone did die, and that's enough to scare most (when outnumbered) from fighting back.

[cheez avenger]

Originally Posted by vanlutz

There's nothing ignorant about my theory, or someone who agrees with it. If you can find a hole in it, point it out. But, you won't be able to. It makes perfect sense.

I fully agree with the Director's insight. It's what he meant to make. He just did a really shitty job of it, when you take into account my fully legitimate theory.

Then that's the end of it. You can theorize all you want until the cows come home, but what the director said was his intent, is what stands.

Also, I wasn't calling what you said ignorance, I was responding to someone else who said he didn't care what the director said. Maybe I should have rephrased it and said denial is a helluva drug.

The Menu is a fun movie but to make it seem like it's this big masterpiece or overlooked gem is silly.

[moreorless]

Originally Posted by vanlutz

Using your own words, she was outside of the rich. 100% true. Throughout the film. So, when she asks "If I choose your side can I live?" He told her NO. Using your theory, why did he tell her no?

Let's go a step further, he tells her no. She still continues to act like the moron she was. But, she doesn't ask for the cheeseburger. Remove that scene from the movie. When the time comes for everyone to die, does he just send her on her way? No. She dies. Because he told her she was going to die. According to you, she was always going to live. Which is not true. Chef literally told her in dialogue she was going to die.

"His Side" though would be to become one of the followers like his kitchen hands, to become part of the culture that he's decided he wants to destroy. Ultimately she shows him that she's apart from either side, being interested in unadorned pretentious food and thats why he lets her live, perhaps also because she reminds him of his earlier self before he was drawn into the culture.

As far as fighting back. You can go with your theory. But, the simple fact is, there weren't enough to fight back. Seriously, which one of those men could overtake any of the guards? Everyone was going to die. So, they could go fighting or hope for an opening before the end came. If they went fighting, how would that have helped the story? This is a fictional story. I don't remember the film. Didn't one of them try to fight? He was an older man fed up, and they cut off a finger or arm. I don't remember. Someone did die, and that's enough to scare most (when outnumbered) from fighting back.

Thats certainly part of the story and indeed they are even given a chance to escape and then brought back. I think really though even that is now just proving to them that their situation is hopeless but the chief looking to emasculate the men, having them abandon the women but then fail highlighting that without their wealth buying others loyalty their ineffectual.

[Agent Bond]

Ignorance is bliss.

My opinion, bro.

Yeah; who cares what the director says? He couldn't possibly know anything about the intent of the movie he made.

FUN FACT: A director's vision isn't always perfect!

[cheez avenger]

Originally Posted by Agent Bond

My opinion, bro.



FUN FACT: A director's vision isn't always perfect!

And if it's his vision (explicitly stated) then that's it. There's no room for interpretation. It's a closed statement. It doesn't matter if you agree with it or not, it's firm.

There's a comment in the Blu-ray Cruising thread where a member met William Friedkin and asked him who the killer was and Friedkin responded by asking him who HE thought the killer was. Friedkin was basically telling him that the killer is whoever you think it is. It was open to interpretation.

The Menu is not open to interpretation, especially after the actual director has come out and said what the actual ending meant.

[Agent Bond]

The Menu is a fun movie but to make it seem like it's this big masterpiece or overlooked gem is silly.

- cheez avenger

[Monterey Jack]

Hope everyone's tucking into a hearty portion of Tyler's Bullshit today...

Tyler's Bullshit | The Menu 2022 - YouTube

[ps3bd_owner]

Found it pretentious and not that interesting or shocking/disturbing. "What You Wish For" is miles better.