It takes talent to have your directorial style be instantly recognizable. Quentin Tarantino has conversational development mixed with over-the-top violence. Zack Snyder has slow motion shots with extreme close-ups. Darren Aronofsky (as I mentioned last night) has psychological torment. And as much as I dislike the man, I must admit Tim Burton has a unique perception of gothic darkness. When we come to Wes Anderson, we have a whimsical silliness, mixed with a horizontal cinematography, and the almost guaranteed inclusion of the legendary Bill Murray.
In The Grand Budapest Hotel, we are told a story within a story within another story about the titular location. The concierge Monsieur Gustave, who provides elderly female guests with "exceptional service" is framed with the murder of one of his frequent guests after he is mentioned in her will. With the assistance of his ever faithful lobby boy Zero, they seek to prove his innocence.
All one could expect from a Wes Anderson is present in this film. His normal troupe of actors, his unique visual style, his comprehensively worded dialogue. And as usual, it is all marvelous. It's not meant to be completely mentally stimulating, rather it's a classic murder mystery with that classic Wes Anderson touch. His characters are numerous, and while the majority of them aren't fleshed out, you still feel for them. They are simple, yet quirky, and magnificently diverse.
Amongst other things, it harkens back to a simpler time both in setting and style. The plot has threads that go around the entire spectrum of the film, but it doesn't feel overwhelming in the slightest. The filmmaking methods of practical methods and painted mattes are well appreciated, and they remind one of the classics. Wes Anderson has a brilliant style, and it definitely distinguishes itself.
It's rather hard to talk about individual performances in this movie, as with the usual Wes fare, the actors all lose themselves in the aesthetic of the film. However, that is all a sign of great direction and it elicits excellent results. Ralph Fiennes, Jeff Goldblum, Willem Dafoe, Adrien Brody, Harvey Keitel, Edward Norton, Bill Murray, far too numerous to mention, all craft a wondrously cooperative ensemble which makes it difficult to discuss anyone individually.
Not one to be missed, The Grand Budapest Hotel is another Wes Anderson gem which boasts thoroughly engaging elements all around.
A-
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