So I watched some Wes Anderson stuff this weekend. Specifically, Asteroid City and his Rohl Dahl Netflix shorts. I’ve concluded I still very much enjoy his iconic style and attention to detail but it solidified my inkling left over from the French Dispatch which is that I do not appreciate his modern writing style. The contrast in the pieces written by Dahl compared to his writing is sharp. The Dahl stories share a sense of magic realism but lack the pretense and bundles of frayed plot lines that Anderson’s writing now embraces. Asteroid city was a bit better than Dispatch with regards to this, but please don’t lead me to strain so hard to find meaning in the poetry of the film without delivering a bit of reward for my efforts. Also, to get this off my chest. When you are able to get any A-List actors you want to join your cast, maybe don’t just invite all of them? You are in a position to take risks. If your idea of experimenting with new talent is hiring Tom Hanks, perhaps meditate on this for a bit. Anyways, just posting this here to start an internet argument I guess. I’m also a little curious what others think.
I’ve never been a fan of any Wes Anderson movies for much of the same reasons that you have posted here. It’s undeniable that he is a genius when it comes to cinematography, all his movies look incredible, but the way he writes is just so pretentious.
Every one of his movies I have seen(with the exception of Fantastic Mr Fox) just feel like increasingly more surreal versions of Rushmore.
I can see that. I found it tolerable in some of the older films and really felt like he allowed a more whimsical side to shine in Life Aquatic (my favorite). If you haven’t seen the Dahl shorts yet check them out, it’s a refreshing break from his writing.