The Founder
The Founder is a 2016 American biographical drama film directed by John Lee Hancock and written by Robert Siegel. Starring Michael Keaton as businessman Ray Kroc, the film depicts the story of his creation of the McDonald's fast-food restaurant chain, which eventually involved forcing out the company's original founders to take control with conniving ruthlessness. Nick Offerman and John Carroll Lynch co-star as McDonald's founders Richard and Maurice McDonald, alongside Linda Cardellini as Ray Kroc's third wife Joan Smith, and B. J. Novak as McDonald's president and chief executive Harry J. Sonneborn. The film premiered at Arclight Hollywood on December 7, 2016, and was released theatrically in the United States on January 20, 2017, by the Weinstein Company. It grossed $24 million worldwide and received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised Keaton's performance.
That's where the money is. And more than that, control. Control over the franchisee. Fail to uphold quality standards, you cancel their lease. Control over Dick and Mac. End result, you'll have the banks and the franchisees in the palm of your hand. - If I were to do this, the brothers, they'd effectively would be... - Yes.
The Founder
We'll need backing. I've arranged meetings with investors and financial institutions. We're in the center of the town which is the only over-saturated aspect. We should do well in this area because... Has anyone here ever eaten at a McDonald's? ...Operation growth is going to enable us to expand. Franchise Realty Corporation how may I...? They seem exaggerated but they're fully supported by the numericals. In fact, we erred on the side of caution. - He's being conservative. Mine, based on gut, and my gut tells me those numbers are low. McDonald's is growing quick as a hiccup. - I'm Harry Sonneborn this is... Hurry on over to McDonald's, now serving family communities from coast to coast. You're probably only minutes away from America's favorite restaurant. McDonald's fast service is the perfect answer for parties. Birthday lunches! And family meals anytime. With no fuss or dishes to do. It's America's greatest food value. No wonder you see so many of your neighbors there. If you want home quality cooking without the home work, try McDonald's. Look for the Golden Arches at McDonald's. The closest thing to home.
The Founder
- Hiya, Dick, how ya doing? - Well, if you really want to know I'm a tad miffed. - Why? What seems to be the problem? - Franchise Realty Corporation. - What about it? - For starters, would you mind telling me what it is? - Oh, nothing really. Just a little something I created to help provide leasing services, you know, lend support to our new franchisees. - You know full well you can't do something like that without first clearing it. - Now, why would I need to do that? - Because as your deal plainly states, any and all changes must be agreed to in writing. - Except it's not a change. - Excuse me? - It's not a change. It's a company.
The Founder
It's its own separate company. Which puts it outside your purview. - Anything relating to McDonald's is within our purview. - Let me explain something to you, Dick. You boys have full say over what goes on inside the restaurants. But outside? Above? Below? Your authority stops at the door. And at the floor. All right?
The Founder
- I thought it over. Approved. - Really? - Thank you! - No, thank you. It's a wiz-bang idea and you're the one who thought of it. - Well we're deeply honored to serve as your test market. - The hell with that. I'm going to roll this out nationally. Hey, have you seen the latest copy of RBM? Hot off the press.
The Founder
It's about ten miles south of downtown. They're building a brand-new sports stadium there. - Yeah, Bloomington, I read about it. - We're getting a professional baseball and football team. They'll both be playing there. - I think I know where you're headed with this. - A 40,000 seat stadium, just a stone's throw away. Imagine the foot traffic. - Hungry families looking for a bite to eat after the game. - Or before, whenever. - Exactly. Yeah.
The Founder