Characters from The Menu as People at an Orchestra Concert
If you haven't seen the satirical thriller The Menu yet (now streaming on HBO Max), you should. The seething narrative of the movie criticizes the cultish nature of fine dining and moreover elitist cultures in general, and we all know that classical music has long had a problem with elitism. It is a constant struggle to convince the world that the product we serve has value to everyone, as well as to convince ourselves that we still enjoy providing that service. This movie plays with the themes of value, joy in creation, and elitist cultures better than most commentaries I've seen in the past. Thus, it inspired me to be a little more overt with the parallels to classical music, and show who the characters in this film would translate into in a concert hall.
Disclaimer: this post contains spoilers for the movie The Menu, and it would be helpful to see the movie to really appreciate these comparisons anyway, so go watch the movie and come back later.
Let's start with the guest list:
Richard and Anne Liebbrandt — The Subscribers
Description: Been attending for 11 seasons because they enjoyed the first one and it's what rich people are supposed to do. Can't remember the name of one piece they saw last season.
Lillian Bloom — The Critic
Description: Used to have influence but not so much anymore. Never really publishes anything negative, but throws in big words to make it sound nuanced. Only real purpose is to write little phrases that musicians can put at the top of their bios.
Ted — The Wanna-Be
Description: Played clarinet in high school. Loves being there but isn't sure why.
Tyler Ledford — The Superfan
Description: Weeps at the end of any Beethoven symphony. Actually Likes Bruckner. Always tries to get backstage and chat up the musicians. Doesn't ever donate to the orchestra even though he totally could.
George Diaz — The Actor
Description: took on a roll in a movie as a conductor because he thought it would win him an Oscar, is now in over his head.
Felicity Lynn — Young and Privileged
Description: Only able to be there because she went to Brown and has no student loans.
Soren, Bryce, and Dave — Young Professionals
Description: Joined the Symphony Young Professionals club because they thought they might meet and/or impress women. Actually kind of like the music but don't understand why it has to be so serious (they might have a point).
Margot Mills/Erin — The First-Timer
Description: Keeps getting yelled at by the others for clapping at the wrong time and being told, overtly and not, that she doesn't belong here.
That covers the guest list. Now let's move onto the staff. Unfortunately, the parallels just keep going:
Chef Julian Slowik — The Egotistical Conductor
Description: Believes his life is an artistic statement in and of itself. Hates the audience. Is God's gift to man, and man has squandered it. Everyone is a little afraid of him but also laughing at him.
Katherine Keller — The Only True Victim
Description: a musician in the orchestra who has been sexually harassed, abused, and insulted, but still reveres the art above herself and will do anything to be the best. Also kind of wants to kill everyone.
Jeremy Louden — Not Good Enough
Description: Won this job on his 48th audition, and didn't get tenure. Is about to just give up.
Elsa — The Usher
Description: Will indeed stab you if you sit in the wrong seat, talk during the concert, or start recording the concert with your cellphone.
Doug Verrick — The Donor
Description: The only reason the lights are still on. Is probably going to die soon and the whole operation will go up in flames.
So there you have it! It's almost eerie, but I think this whole movie good have been about classical music just as easily as food. It is fascinating to see the parallels, and could be discussed in depth for a long time. We'll stick to just this fun little exercise today, though. Thanks for reading!
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