Wes Anderson, the man behind films like Rushmore, Fantastic Mr. Fox and Moonrise Kingdom, is a director that has his own style. Many have called it “quirky,” “indie,” or even “hipsterish.” Some of those words are used in a negative connotation (particularly the latter) and I can totally see it. If you aren’t a fan of the very specific style Anderson strives to craft his films with, you’re not bound to like any of the films in his catalogue. However, if you’re like me and love most of Mr. Anderson’s work, then you’ll be thrown into a film geeky fit over the trailer for his upcoming effort, The Grand Budapest Hotel, which is set for a March 7th, 2014 release date.
Set in Europe during the 1920s, the film follows the friendship between Gustave H. (Ralph Fiennes), a hotel concierge with roguish charms and Zero (Tony Revolori), a timid bellboy that Gustave takes under his wing. Both work at the titular legendary hotel, which brings in a multitude of occupants in Gustave’s direction. Romance, slapstick and gunfire ensues. Check out the trailer below:
Now, when I said Wes Anderson has a specific style, I meant it and it’s cranked up to 11 in this trailer. The shot symmetry, the mostly monotone delivery from the actors, the gorgeous slow motion shots of characters’ faces, the young love story, the large host of characters and a cast that includes Anderson familiars like Willem Dafoe, Bill Murray, Owen Wilson, Adrien Brody, Tilda Swinton, Edward Norton, Jeff Goldblum, Harvey Keitel and Jason Schwartzman. It’s all there and looks dazzling to the eyes, particularly the shots like Saoirse Ronan with all the lights behind her head and the exteriors of the Grand Budapest itself.
The entire trailer is constructed around the personalities of our two leads, who seem to have great chemistry. It’s nice to see Ralph Fiennes in a more comedic performance than his usual vindictive villain/curmudgeon roles that made him famous, going instead for a lovable rouge in the vein of Gene Hackman in Royal Tenenbaums and newcomer Tony Revolori seems to have that familiar but likable nature of many a young Anderson protagonist. They both also work off each other perfectly with the flawed surrogate father/son relationship flavor Anderson seems to be going for.
So, is this on your most anticipated films of 2014 or would you rather go for 300: Rise on an Empire on the weekend of March 7th (I mean, there has to be a few people that want to see it)? Post your thoughts below!
Via YouTube
