Movie review - Cereal as a Metaphor for Capitalism
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Movie Review: Cereal as a Metaphor for Capitalism
Overview
Michael Lehmann’s "Flakes" cleverly disguises a lesson on ruthless capitalism as a slacker comedy. At its core is the wry protagonist, Neal Downs (played by Aaron Stanford), whose sardonic nature mirrors the film’s edgy tone.
Plot Summary
Neal, an aspiring musician, manages a quirky New Orleans diner that serves only breakfast cereal. His equally jaded girlfriend, Pussy Katz (Zooey Deschanel), shares his bohemian dream of traveling and creating music and art in an Airstream trailer.
The diner, aptly named Flakes, boasts walls lined with cereal boxes, including rare and discontinued brands. As customers indulge in unusual combinations, the film parodies the world of gourmet obsession. One specialty?"chocolate-flavored grains in chocolate milk?"sounds particularly unappetizing.
Owned by the eccentric Willie (Christopher Lloyd), Flakes serves as a laid-back refuge for slackers. However, its tranquility is disrupted when ambitious yuppie Stuart (Keir O’Donnell) proposes franchising the eatery. When Willie and Neal refuse, Stuart opens a competing Flakes right across the street, igniting a cereal war in New Orleans.
Neal retaliates with underhanded tactics, distributing flyers promising free bowls of cereal to the homeless at the rival joint. This sparks chaos, which Stuart skillfully manipulates to his advantage.
The strain extends to Neal's relationship with Pussy, who defects to the competition, hoping the fallout will push Neal to finish his music. His band, hilariously named Cereal Killers, produces lackluster tunes.
As the conflict escalates to legal battles, the film’s rebellious spirit wanes, sapping the little comedy it managed to muster.
Release Details
- Title: Flakes
- Release Date: Wednesday in Manhattan; also available on Video on Demand.
- Director: Michael Lehmann
- Writers: Chris Poche and Karey Kirkpatrick
- Cinematography: Nancy Schreiber
- Editor: Nicholas C. Smith
- Music Composers: Jason Derlatka and Jon Ehrlich
- Producers: Gary Winick and Jake Abraham
- Distributor: IFC First Take
- Running Time: 84 minutes
- Rating: Not Rated
Starring:
- Aaron Stanford as Neal Downs
- Zooey Deschanel as Miss Pussy Katz
- Christopher Lloyd as Willie
- Frank Wood as Bruce
- Ryan Donowho as Skinny Larry
- Izabella Miko as Strawberry
- Keir O’Donnell as Stuart
"Flakes" is screening at the IFC Center, 323 Avenue of the Americas at Third Street, Greenwich Village.
Whether you're drawn to its critique of capitalism or its quirky comedy, "Flakes" serves up an interesting, if not uneven, cinematic dish.
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