The world of cinema often serves as a mirror reflecting the complexities of business, ambition, and morality. One film that captures these themes exceptionally well is “The Founder,” directed by John Lee Hancock. Released in 2016, the movie chronicles the rise of Ray Kroc and his transformation from a struggling milkshake machine salesman to the mastermind behind the McDonald’s franchise we know today. While it presents a captivating story of entrepreneurship, it also raises important questions about ethics, loyalty, and what it means to achieve success in America. In this essay, I will delve into key aspects of the film while providing a critical analysis that reflects on its broader implications.
Plot Overview: A Recipe for Success
“The Founder” centers around Ray Kroc, played brilliantly by Michael Keaton. The film opens in the 1950s when Kroc is pushing his milkshake machines with little success. His life takes a turn when he discovers McDonald’s—an innovative fast-food restaurant run by Richard and Maurice McDonald (Nick Offerman and John Carroll Lynch). The brothers’ commitment to efficiency leads to their creation of an assembly line-style burger joint that revolutionizes fast food. Kroc sees potential beyond their single location in San Bernardino and persuades them to let him franchise their brand.
What follows is both inspiring and troubling as Kroc’s ambition drives him to expand McDonald’s rapidly at any cost. The narrative does not shy away from showing how his desire for success leads him down a path of manipulation, betrayal, and moral ambiguity. This brings us to an essential aspect of “The Founder”: its exploration of ambition’s darker side.
Ambition vs. Ethics
The film poignantly illustrates how ambition can blur ethical lines. Kroc’s determination to make McDonald’s a household name results in questionable decisions that affect not only his partners but also the integrity of the brand itself. For instance, he promises Richard and Maurice control over operations while simultaneously planning ways to strip them of their rights later on.
This tension between ambition and ethics begs a broader question: How far should one go in pursuit of success? The portrayal of Kroc forces viewers to grapple with this dilemma; it’s hard not to feel torn between admiration for his business acumen and disdain for his ruthless tactics. As students studying business or ethics might realize, this conflict mirrors real-world dilemmas faced by entrepreneurs today—often caught between innovation-driven dreams and ethical responsibilities.
The Cost of Success
One key theme that emerges from “The Founder” is the cost associated with achieving monumental success. By focusing solely on expansion, Kroc sacrifices relationships—most notably with the McDonald brothers who initially trusted him as their ally but ultimately become victims of his relentless quest for profit.
This part of the story compels viewers to consider what they are willing to sacrifice for success: Is it worth losing friendships or compromising one’s values? Through this lens, “The Founder” becomes more than just a biopic; it serves as a cautionary tale about unchecked ambition leading down potentially destructive paths.
Cinematic Techniques: Storytelling at Its Finest
1. Hancock, J.L., & Keaton M.(Directors & Actors). (2016). The Founder [Film]. The Weinstein Company.
2. Collins, J.C., & Porras J.I.(1994). Built To Last: Successful Habits Of Visionary Companies.
3. Thiel P., & Masters B.(2014). Zero To One: Notes On Startups Or How To Build The Future.
