Texan Mosaic

by: JESSICA COX/Staff Writer

Chef Adam Jones is determined to prove himself after losing his success.

Jones is the chef of all chefs – a legend of sorts. He was a two-star Michelin chef in Paris – which is more than most chefs dream of – until his actions got the best of him. His drug-hazed and alcohol-poisoned life caught up with him, leading him to run his restaurant to the ground and burning important bridges in the process.

The film “Burnt” begins three years after this, conveying Jones’s strong-willed, audacious personality early on as he shucks his one-millionth (and last) oyster as a punishment to himself for his irresponsibility. Now sober and clear-minded, Jones (Bradley Cooper) wastes no time as he sets out to rebuild his territory, to earn his third Michelin star, and to become Paris’s greatest chef once again.

When Jones left Paris so suddenly years before, he left his former allies in tough positions – most of them without a job. Because of this, reconnecting with them to rebuild a team isn’t so easy. But after some creative convincing and recruiting, Jones has a loyal team once again, including the gorgeous single mother, Helene (Sienna Miller).

There is finally the opening of his new restaurant, Adam Jones at the Langham, with all the chefs in Paris highly aware of the rivalry yet again. Unfortunately for Jones, the opening night was not nearly as successful as planned, resulting in an explosive breakdown by him in the kitchen that night.

Determined to be successful yet again, Jones appears on a morning show to announce the restaurant’s re-opening, informing the public that they will give out free meals every day until them. Right before the reopening, Jones completely revamps the menu, giving his kitchen even higher standards to live up to.

At last, Adam Jones at the Langham is a booming success. Jones’s prime focus is to be ready for the Michelin critics whenever they come to receive the beloved third star.

There are other problems vying for Jones’s attention, though. From conflict from one of his team members, to drug lords demanding overdue money, to a little bit of romance, this chef has much more on his plate than he can handle. On the brink of losing all he has worked for yet again, Jones struggles to handle his fear of failure, all while trying to live up to his own impossible standards.

“Burnt” is the type of film where the audience roots for the main character through his weaknesses and strengths. It is a deep, meaningful film, with a romantic touch that every movie set in Paris should have. Not only will one leave the theatre longing to experience a meal of such culinary art, but also with the urge to challenge oneself to the fullest extent.

I give “Burnt” a 5 out of 5 stars.