Lovely companion piece to the HV episode! Concerning anti-capitalist sentiment in movies, it seems contradictory that a film's anti-capitalist credentials can be revoked on release, since a truly "trenchant" critique of capitalism would not have passed the production filter. I repeatedly think of capitalist realism and Fisher, critique swallowed up and served out. All we have are niches forcefully carved out within, that could lead to an outside. Maybe that's why movies like The Menu feel like the mass/"flat" variety of critique, lacking in urgency and depth (is it the MLK quote or something else? I don't know...). On re-watching I was thinking of Logistics (thanks HV!) and Anna Tsing's "The Mushroom at the End of the World". Funnily enough, The Menu circumvents the whole logistical dimension by stating that everything is locally sourced. What a wonderful ecosystem! The only logistics involved seems to be the ferrying of wealthy guts to the island (and maybe some equipment). I wonder who those people in the boats were, fishing for the patrons' dinner? I almost forgot it was food they were being served (food decontextualised beyond recognition, less food than some magical ritualistic sustenance). And isn't it funny that the very patrons who participate in the creation and persisting appeal of fine/extravagant dining, and subjected chef Slowik to such pain, still reject his creations. They wanted an expensive unique special dinner event and they cry for regular bread like they're actually hungry! I could definitely name the last video I've watched from you!! And speaking of hunger, Tyler's compulsion to enjoy and canonise everything Slowik is revolting, I could only think of people who make explained videos and argue about minute lore details, holding their object of fandom to some imagined standard. Both the hardest and easiest scene to watch with Tyler in the kitchen (because I see some of myself in Tyler). "My eyes were bigger than my stomach" is the line to sum up the movie tbh. As a final note, it seems that at the end of the movie, after all the suffering, death, and destruction, there is a work... of love? Enjoyed on its own terms, outside the now destroyed structure of the restaurant-complex (or rather finally enjoyed, because the complex is no more?) The Menu made me feel like I was being served Eat-the-rich content but I just wish I could eat a burger like it was the first I ever ate. I've heavily cut down my social media use and worked on my compulsion to consume. From time to time I use consumption as an opportunity for myself (to think a little bit more), then I spend more time struggling to think/write than on the content I consume. I still spend time on youtube etc. deluding myself I curate rather than consume, by leaving long-winded comments, I do my duty and move on. But engagement is engagement (=attention). I reject yt mass comment etiquette by filling out the empty space (and emptying my head), thank you for the opprotunity.
Very much appreciate these thoughts - and thank you for listening to HV. And I agree, everything I said about Tyler reflects my own fear and self-recognition :-(
thelitcritguy just droppin' fire on a random Wednesday is everything good about positive power of social media. thelitcritguy and the Horror Vanguard podcast have steadily and steadfastly provide worthwhile media analysis in a way I hope more people in this "space" would emulate and learn from.
We saw "The Menu" in the theater on its opening night and loved it; apart from dissecting it as a capitalist critique, it was just a lot of fun. (Anya Taylor-Joy's delivery of "My eyes were bigger than my stomach" still makes me chuckle.) Also, I felt a little validated by the throwaway description of one of the wines as "hyperdecanted with an immersion blender", because I've been doing that for years, albeit with a $3 milk frother.
Movies (esp those that aren't indie) aren't going to be revolutionary for a ton of reasons, but they can be cathartic and fun and thought-provoking nonetheless.
A writer whose name I've forgotten, a Northwest Florida State College graduate, once called state colleges the beating hearts of America and I'm inclined to agree. At the very least, it was at a state college where blood first filled some part of my neocortex and I finally engaged with art on a deeper level rather than as slop to be eaten, sitting undigested and rotting somewhere in my forebrain. Dr. Bodiford, Professor of Rhetoric and Composition, was the instructor who guided me through the works of Kafka and Gabriel Garcia Marquez. And her imprint on my brain has nudged open a space to be filled by contemplations-like yours! So tldr; thanks for the banger
Wonderful. A nice addendum to your and others ever brilliant Horror Vanguard podcast that examined this film (and smashingly examines other films too). I dismissed 'The Menu' out of hand somewhat when I first saw it, but have gone back since, and, in light of your perspectives around service work, do see it in a new light. Although, I do still think that 'Pig' is the bona fide masterpiece in this genre. Of course, this message is sent with love. x
