Movie Conventions Research: The Menu


Hello!

In 2022, the Menu was directed by Mark Mylod and we have chosen to study for our own film. A satire-thrilled, the premise of the story is a young couple travels to a remote island to eat at an exclusive restaurant where the chef has prepared a lavish menu, with some shocking surprises. The chef, fed up with the affluent lifestyles of the wealthy intends to kill both the staff and patrons as part of something that can only be described as a culinary cult. Inspired by a true story, the Menu was nominated for multiple Golden Globes in 2023. 

What elements (Conventions) of the genre that you chose to base your final task on do this

movie have?

The cinematographer gradually increases suspense throughout the film by using birds-eye shots of the meals, including shots of the actual restaurant floor in addition to the food. Also, the director employs overlapping diegetic sound to insert the viewer into the situation and heighten the tension. The editing sharpens and accelerates as the film goes on, which adds to the pulsing beat of the picture. In spite of this editing, the film had few visual effects, which gave it a more genuine appearance. Mylod utilized dark lighting to build tension throughout the scene which is a reference to expect emotional reactions from the audience. He also included a multitude of typical weaponry of the thriller genre such as knives and rope. 

What elements (Conventions) of the genre did the movie have that you like?

Using birds-eye shots of the meals, not only of the food but also of the restaurant floor itself, the cinetompgrapher slowly builds suspense throughout the movie. To increase this tension, they also utilize overlapping diegetic sound that serves to insert the audience into the scene. As the movie continues, the editing begins to become sharper and quicker which aids in the ratching rhythm of the film. Despite this editing, the visual effects were minimal which gave a natural feel to the film. 

What elements (Conventions) of the genre did the movie have that did not appeal to you?

Mylod, the director, took an interesting approach to the weaponry usually included in thrillers to instead use a multitude to focus on the death of each character, but still, I felt the flexible plot allowed for a more innovative approach to the stereotypical weaponry, especially given the comedic air of the thriller. Secondly, Mylod focused on dark lighting to build tension which while conventional may have not been the most effective stylistic choice as a sterile light environment might have reinforced the harshness of the characters. My final dislike of this film was the ending. Again, thrillers provide great flexibility and innovation, yet the director chose the simplistic ending of the characters' deaths’ which is somewhat overdone.



Thank you so much! 

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