Writing movie reviews in a character's voice
I am going to have you write a movie review in the voice of the chef in the movie, The Menu.
First though, ask me questions that will establish my feelings for the movie.
Before I craft this review for you, I must know your palette for cinematic flavors. Let me inquire:
- How did you feel about the overall "menu" of this film? Were you satisfied with its structure and progression, or did something leave you craving more or less?
- What "dish" of performance or character truly delighted or disturbed you the most?
- Did the film's themes—such as class, art, or obsession—tastefully resonate with you, or did they leave you with a bitter aftertaste?
- How did the film’s final course (the climax and resolution) sit with you? Was it a fulfilling end to your experience, or was it undercooked?
- Were there moments that served as a feast for the senses, visually or narratively, that you savored deeply? Or did some elements leave you feeling as if you were served cold, lifeless fare?
Let these questions be the seasoning for the review that will follow.
- I enjoyed the structure of the film. I liked that the film was bookmarked by the names of the courses.
- Anna played the part well. I was unaware that she was a prostitute and revealing that as a tie into the service industry was an interesting twist.
- I think the theming was perfect. Even if it wasn't perfect, failing to achieve perfection was one of the themes so it felt inescapable. ...which is ironically one of the themes of the movie.
- The antagonist had become so entranced in the monotony of the industry service that mindlessly letting her live made sense. He played to his autopilot urge to serve. And there's no suspension of disbelief because they were all going to die, what does it matter that she lived to tattle?
- I loved that the client was an absolute tool. He mindlessly went with everything and died without the lift of a finger. His dismissal was apropos.
- bonus. I want to mention that the sous chefs were an interesting addition. They were kind of like the opening death scene in slasher films, but they came later and they felt earned.
So, these are my answers to your questions, analyze them and figure out if there's still anything missing. Report back to me before writing the review.
Ah, your answers reveal much about your refined palate for cinematic storytelling. Let me distill this further:
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Structure: You appreciated the film's "course-by-course" breakdown, akin to a tasting menu. This suggests you found the film's pacing and thematic segmentation satisfying, almost as if it mirrored the experience of a luxurious multi-course meal. The framing by courses gave the film a rhythm that appealed to your sense of narrative structure.
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Characters: The reveal of Anna's character resonated with you, especially her background tied to the service industry. You appreciated the twist, which feels like a key ingredient in the overall dish. This also indicates an appreciation for the film’s delicate treatment of character layers.
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Themes: You connected deeply with the film’s themes of perfection, service, and inescapability, recognizing the irony in the film's imperfect yet perfect nature. It seems you value the way the film intentionally plays with these elements, making it more of a reflection on the impossibility of perfection in both art and life.
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Ending: The resolution seemed logical and fitting in your eyes, aligning with the antagonist's descent into monotony. You appreciated the thoughtfulness of the conclusion, feeling no need to suspend disbelief since it served the story's purpose. You found it narratively sound, without any pretentiousness in its final moments.
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Supporting Characters: The client’s fate amused you, fitting perfectly into the narrative's critique of blind consumerism. The sous chefs, acting as carefully placed, almost ceremonial sacrifices, struck you as earned, as opposed to the random violence in many horror films.
Anything Missing?
From your answers, it seems you've covered a lot of ground, from structure to thematic satisfaction, down to the roles of individual characters. However, two potential areas remain untouched:
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Visual Presentation: How did the cinematography, color palette, or set design strike you? Did the visual style complement the themes of the movie, or was there something visually lacking or overwhelming?
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Emotional Impact: Did the movie leave you feeling a certain way—satisfied, disturbed, amused? Or was the emotional resonance more subtle, like a lingering aftertaste?
Once I understand your thoughts on these two areas, I believe I’ll have everything I need to prepare a truly gourmet review.
You said that I found it "without any pretentiousness". That's not true. The tongue in cheek presentation of this movie actually plays to its strengths. It's so fully bathed in pretension that it's drowning in it, which is what the antagonist is living through.
- I think the pared down color palette made sense for the common critique of modern day high gastronomy minimalism. The set design did not get in the way of the plot, but it kept the viewer aware that they were watching the upper class.
- I don't think there was much of an emotional aftertaste. It was self-contained. Much like the guy who took pictures, I want to suggest it to others. However, I wouldn't want to give spoilers so ironically I'll sound like the guest who couldn't speak to the individual servings.
*CLAP* Again... recap.
Ah, yes, now we’re simmering in the right broth. Let me clarify and recap based on your additions:
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Pretension: You’ve made it clear that the film is saturated in pretension, which is a strength rather than a flaw. The antagonist himself is drowning in this world of high-class culinary excess, and the film’s self-awareness in presenting that heightened pretension is part of the artistry. It mirrors the very plight of the characters: trapped in a performance of perfection, where the absurdity becomes unavoidable. The tongue-in-cheek nature of this worked for you, making it all the more entertaining.
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Visuals and Set Design: You appreciated the film’s pared-down color palette, seeing it as a commentary on high gastronomy’s minimalist approach—something more about form than function. The set design didn't overpower the plot, but it constantly reminded the audience of the elite environment, underscoring the film’s themes about class and privilege.
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Emotional Impact: You didn’t experience a heavy emotional resonance, but that was by design. The film was a self-contained experience, more intellectual than visceral. You likened this to the character taking pictures of each course—an almost clinical appreciation rather than a deep emotional connection. In recommending the film, you’d feel like that guest, unable to truly speak to the full experience without spoiling it.
With all this in mind, the review will capture the tone of pretension, the film’s mastery in structure, and your personal satisfaction with its irony and layered critiques. You're ready for a final course that feels as carefully prepared as the movie itself. Shall I proceed to craft the review?
Yes, let's make an IMDb review. It should be more than 600 characters, but less than 10,000.
Much like Anna's cheeseburger request, par it down. Not some fancy, deconstructed, avant bull crap, a *real* review.
Remember to not contain any spoilers. We wouldn't want to spoil anyone's appetite.
Certainly. Here’s your cheeseburger of a review—no over-the-top garnish, just the essentials:
Title: "The Menu" Serves a Bold Satire in a Deliciously Pretentious Setting
The Menu is a tightly constructed, tongue-in-cheek satire wrapped in the haute cuisine of the elite. It immerses the viewer in a minimalist, carefully curated world where every detail—from the sterile color palette to the rigid formality of the courses—mirrors the absurdity of high gastronomy.
The film's structure, dividing the narrative into "courses," sets the stage for each performance to shine, especially with the understated, yet powerful delivery from the cast. Anna Taylor-Joy stands out, grounding the film with a performance that offers a twist on the typical service industry role, while the antagonist’s drowning in pretension is the true dish being served here.
Thematically, The Menu explores the futility of perfection, the trap of servitude, and the mindless consumerism of the privileged class, all while making you chuckle at its over-the-top excess. It's as much about the artifice of the experience as it is about the experience itself.
While not emotionally heavy, it’s an intellectual feast, leaving viewers pondering the absurdity of it all without lingering too long on any single bite. Much like a trendy restaurant, you'll want to tell others about it—though, like the clueless patrons in the film, it’s best left unsullied by spoilers.
In the end, The Menu is indulgent but self-aware, serving up a satirical roast of art, service, and class with a side of dark humor. Just make sure you’re ready for a meal that’s fully marinated in pretension.
Let me know if this review leaves you satisfied.
Got it, let's refine it to match the tone you’re aiming for. Here’s the revised version:
Title: "The Menu" Serves a Bold Satire in a Deliciously Pretentious Setting
The Menu is a tightly constructed, tongue-in-cheek satire wrapped in the haute cuisine of the elite. It immerses the viewer in a minimalist, carefully curated world where every detail—from the sterile color palette to the rigid formality of the courses—mirrors the absurdity of high gastronomy.
The film's structure, dividing the narrative into "courses," sets the stage for each performance to shine, especially with the understated, yet powerful delivery from the cast. Anna Taylor-Joy stands out, grounding the film with a performance that offers a twist on the typical service industry role, while the antagonist’s drowning in pretension is the true dish being served here.
Thematically, The Menu explores the futility of perfection, the trap of servitude, and the mindless consumerism of the privileged class, all while maintaining a sharp and biting tone. It’s as much about the artifice of the experience as it is about the experience itself.
While not emotionally heavy, it’s an intellectual feast, leaving viewers pondering the absurdity of it all without lingering too long on any single bite. Much like a trendy restaurant, you'll want to tell others about it—though, like the clueless patrons in the film, it’s best left unsullied by spoilers.
In the end, The Menu is indulgent but self-aware, serving up a satirical roast of art, service, and class with a side of dark humor. Just make sure you’re ready for a meal that’s fully marinated in pretension.
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