Review of The Founder (2016) by Timothy A — 18 Dec 2016

Michael Keaton's post-Birdman tilt for Oscar glory - and it deserves to work. Ostensibly this shouldn't work, while it's a fascinating tale of corporate swindling involving one of the most successful and influential brands of the modern era, it also centres on an absolute turd.

But the performance makes it work, director Hancock isn't afraid to shove the camera right into Keaton's face for long periods and he never fails to convince as the ultimate salesman; even when you can see the cogs moving, it's the moments where the other characters don't buy his schtick that come as a surprise.

You don't exactly want him to win, but you never for a moment doubt that he will. The supports are very capable - especially Nick Offerman and Laura Dern - but there's never any doubt that they're running second string here.