I really like nearly all of Wes Anderson’s work. I heard someone say this was like Wes Anderson trying to make a Wes Anderson movie… and I agree. Not that that’s a bad thing, but things can often come across a little cheesy when someone knowingly “turns it up to 11” so to speak.
Also, it felt like this was (perhaps arguably) Anderson’s most “meta” film. Again, not terrible, but also very on the nose and not very subtle.
All said, I do feel like I would like to watch it a few more times before really cementing where I put it among Anderson’s other work. Right now it’s probably mid-tier for me.
Love to hear other people’s thoughts.
This was the first Wes Anderson film I’ve ever seen, and I loved it. It was so beautiful and funny, though I definitely feel like I have to see it again to get all of the quick little jokes in it. The part that has stuck with me the most was the lead actor going to the director saying he doesn’t understand the play and the director saying something like “it’s ok, you don’t have to understand it. Just keep going.” And I feel like that applied to the actors, the characters they were playing, and me as the audience. Especially with the characters now wondering about the meaning of life and going through this crazy experience. I feel like I needed that little message and it made the movie that much more special. I’m definitely going to make some time this summer to watch his other films and see how they stack up.
It’s not his most well-regarded but you may like The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou