John Leguizamo discusses new black comedy ‘The Menu,’ drunk Cleveland audiences and food snobs

CLEVELAND, Ohio — This simply in, foodie folks can usually come throughout as snobs.

Certain, that feeling (ahem) may very well be a manifestation of insecurities from non-foodies who maybe uncomfortably discover themselves extra nervously preoccupied with complicated dinner silverware that requires edification than having fun with the high-end delicacies when frequenting an upscale restaurant.

If this sounds remotely acquainted (and it does!), right here’s a film that turns the tables on the pretentious and celebrates a extremely good cheeseburger.

Opening in theaters on Friday, “The Menu” is targeted on an unique eating expertise that finds privileged patrons the topic of Chef Julian Slowik’s (Ralph Fiennes) menu. No, this isn’t the brand new cannibalism film (that’s “Bones and All”).

Directed by Mark Mylod, the black comedy/horror movie options Anya Taylor-Pleasure, Nicholas Hoult and John Leguizamo.

We just lately caught up with Leguizamo to debate his recollections of drunk Clevelanders and why being forged in “The Menu” made him query his present Hollywood standing.

Hey, John, congrats on the movie. Earlier than we speak “The Menu,” what are your 2014 recollections of bringing your one-man present “Latin Historical past for Morons” to Hilarities 4th Road Theatre in Cleveland?

It was a blast however there was plenty of historical past and details. At like three hours lengthy, folks have been so wasted on the finish they needed to be carried out. They have been like, “Oh my God, this was so informative.” Glug, glug, glug.

Relating to “The Menu,” there are many stunning moments. What excited you concerning the script?

I liked the actual fact it’s such an clever film. It’s black humor — a little bit dryer, a little bit extra actual. Much less jokey, although this movie is tremendous humorous. It’s actually a thriller and we sucker you in with lovely meals and poetry about meals. After which everyone will get surgically character-assassinated by a superb Ralph Fiennes.

And, maybe surprisingly, it’s not the cannibalism film.

Everyone thinks, oh, you all get eaten. No, come on, that’s the straightforward flick. That is extra sophisticated.

How enjoyable was it to play a washed-up motion movie star?

That was a blast. It seems the final flick my character made the chef actually despised, which was fairly hilarious. Additionally, I’ve executed sufficient motion films with actors who possibly weren’t washed up on the time however they finally turned washed up, so I had lots to tug from, Particularly Steven Seagal, he was a fantastic picture for me to make use of.

Your washed-up character in “The Menu” is clearly very insecure. With that in thoughts, while you have been supplied the position did you query why?

It was a little bit meta. Typically I’m like, wait a minute, am I being typecast as a washed-up motion star? I used to be by no means an motion star so possibly I’m simply washed up. It was fascinating making an attempt to play the position of this narcissistic actor whose profession is failing and he’s making an attempt to maintain it afloat by doing a meals community journey present. Which is loopy as a result of I simply shot a meals journey present for MSNBC. I’m like, “Oh my God, life imitating artwork.” My present is a little bit totally different. It’s about Latin tradition throughout America. However I discover meals, dance, music.

Are you foodie?

I’m a giant foodie. I like high-end delicacies.

As a foodie and celeb, I’d think about you’ve discovered your self in these rooms full of pretentious and self-important folks. How spot-on is “The Menu?”

It acquired it proper, the type of entitled, egotistical black gap that sucks the power out of the room. They must be the main target of consideration 24/7. I’ve skilled that many occasions.

The irony, because the movie factors out, is usually all you want is a extremely good cheeseburger.

Sure, that’s the lesson. It’s like mom-and-pop meals is usually higher than any haute delicacies…generally.