*Disclaimer: This article contains no spoilers! Everything mentioned can be seen in the trailer.*
As your local hip film nerd, I would argue Wes Anderson is one of the most, if not THE most, beloved artur directors amongst this generation. Not only do the large majority of people know and love Wes, but everyone also has likely seen at least one of his works, unbeknownst to them or not. From Fantastic Mr. Fox to the Moonrise Kingdom, to The Grand Budapest Hotel to the Isle of Dogs, these films might not have been box office hits, but definitely hold a special place in the hearts of many viewers across the world.
There’s something about Wes Anderson films that inspire you to create- whether it be to create films, to write, to collage, to paint or to even reinvent yourself with new looks in your bedroom at 2:00 a.m. So when I heard Wes was coming out with a new movie in 2021, I was looking forward to walking out of the theaters invigorated, inspired and excited to stare at Timothée Chalamet’s face for an extended amount of time and not be questioned. And were my desires satiated? Did I find fulfillment in The French Dispatch and would I recommend it to the masses?
In short: yes it is worth the watch, no it’s not his best, but in the end, I recommend you buy the ticket.
Let’s start off by saying this movie was NOT what I was expecting.
I have never seen a film in this format before. It’s told in a newspaper/storybook manner, with one story concisely after the next, which caught me off guard. The film centers around a group of writers, and the film allots time to each individual writer to tell their own story. Wes accompanies each story with stunning visuals, but I will admit, by one of the last ones I was checking my watch to see when the credits would roll.
One of my favorite parts about this movie is how each story is so unique in its own way. Some stories make you laugh more, others make you want to cry while others have you on the edge of your seat. The diversity in stories is not only entertaining, but as someone who is a fellow creative, it was refreshing to see on the big screen.
Was I blown away by this movie? No. But overall, this hilarious, visually magnificent, and carefully crafted film is a must-watch, even if it’s not his best work. I think it showcases important lessons in storytelling, is innovative in its story format, and is definitely a film that will take your mind off the weight of the world for a few moments if you need an escape. In the end, I think you should buy the ticket, and I hope you enjoy the show.