Quarantine Movie Madness!

So, we are all sitting at home trying to find things to watch and activities to do! For the longest time I have been meaning to watch all of Wes Anderson’s movies.

They are such a giant part of pop culture, and I felt that I was missing out. I also couldn’t speak on them when chatting about movies, which gave me serious fomo (how millennial of me!)

So I have been in “isolation” and decided now is the perfect time to stream all his movies!

Everyone should be isolating/ social distancing, so if you are desperate for a fun movie watching marathon I would go with Wes’s films!

In this mag I am going to go through all 9 of his films, giving you a quick synopsis and which I enjoyed and which I did not!

Enjoy xx

Bottle Rocket, 1996

Wes Anderson’s first feature film! Fun fact: it was originally a short.

This movie was rather odd, there wasn’t really a point and the story line was al over the place. I am not even sure how to give a proper synopsis other than three friends plan robberies to impress a con man.

I would not watch this movie again, but if you are going to do a proper Wes Anderson marathon than it is imperative you start with his first.

You can see the ground work for this director style in this. I just wish the story line was a little clearer with a point. It’s one of those movies that when you finish it you are left thinking “huh”

Rushmore, 1998

Jason Schwartzman with braces and pimples is a hilarious site to see. He plays a high school student that falls in love with a teacher twice his age.

It was slow in the beginning, and gets a little lost around the middle but it was a funny coming of age story.

You also have the introduction of Bill Murray, who becomes a staple in all of Anderson’s movies.

Something that is great about all of Anderson’s movies is that they don’t go longer than an hour forty-five. So even if you are not truly enjoying the flick it’s not too long.

Rushmore was cute, although I would not watch it again. It made sense and was cute but that’s all it was. It did not leave a lasting impression on me, as the viewer.

The Royal Tenenbaums, 2001

An unforgettable movie with an astounding performance from Gwyneth Paltrow

I would say this is truly what put Anderson on the map. The story of a dysfunctional family unit; audiences all over the world can connect with some aspect of this family, in 2001 and in the present.

The classic staples of an Anderson film are present: the Wilson brothers, Bill Murray, Anjelica Huston. The story line is fun and enthralling and keeps you hooked the entire time.

In popular culture this movie is also hugely important. I’m sure you have seen the halloween couples costume of Margot and Richie Tenenbaum.

This has got to be one of my favourite Anderson movies, and each time I watch it I notice something else.

Pro tip: when watching this movie, or any of Anderson’s films you need to pay attention. They are fast so stay off your phone!

The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou, 2004

I truly don’t even know where to start with this movie. I can say that it is so wacky and the story line is all over the place. The character development is awful, and story lines are not finished.

Based on a “Jacques Cousteau” type character, Murray brings his awkward and quirky acting skills to a very confusing movie that leaves viewers (me especially!) scratching their head.

I would not suggest watching this film, I can see Anderson’s film style growing but the story line of this movie is awful.

The Darjeeling Limited, 2007

A tale of three brothers, who have not spoken since their fathers funeral. Each is having their own problem in life, and they all meet on a spiritual journey through India.

This movie was very impactful to me, from the beautiful background of India to them looking for something more to life then the hand they were dealt.

As always Owen Wilson, Adrien Brody and Jason Schwartzman wholeheartedly commit to their roles. Each one gives an amazing performance and you truly connect with these three siblings.

Anderson creates such conflicted and intricate stories focusing on different aspects of the family unit. I really enjoy the films that focus around family because he doesn’t sugar coat anything, it’s raw and real.

Fantastic Mr. Fox, 2009

Probably one of my least favourite of Anderson’s movies, this story is based off Roald Dahl’s books. I had never read this story so I had no idea of what was to come!

It was rather long, and silly with not much of a point. I would not suggest watching this movie, because I will definitely not be watching it again.

I did find the animation aspect very cool to watch! All in all this was not a great film.

Moonrise Kingdom, 2012

Moonrise Kingdom, wow I truly don’t know where to begin. A tale of two lovers although they are aged 12. Set in an island utopia in 1965, the story focuses on two misfit kids who fall in love. Both feel ostracized from their current lives, and run away together. But of course madness ensues, it is a Wes Anderson film after all!

It is a star studded ensemble with Edward Norton, Frances McDormand and Bruce Willis joining the regular Anderson crew.

I am not entirely sure where this was filmed but it took me right back to my childhood spending summers at camp and in Muskoka. I would say an additional character in this movie is nature and how imperative it plays to what goes on in the story.

As always this movie really showed the true side of family, love and what happens when people put their differences aside for the greater good. I love a happy ending and this one made my heart swell.

The Grand Budapest Hotel, 2014

I adore this movie! The colours, the sets! The absolute ridiculous story line that keeps you hooked! The satire of WWII, juxtaposed with the beautiful scenery, it is so impactful.

I had originally watched this movie in 2014, which was the beginning of my love for movies. They’re just so much fun, and Anderson proved that with this film.

Set in the past, this movie is like a different world from our own. It celebrates all the things from history that we have taken advantage of, or have completely gotten rid of. The lobby boy and his mentor is what this story revolves around. The hi jinx that follow is wild; there is murder , love, and a great fortune at stake.

If you are to watch any of Wes Anderson’s movies, it must be this one. It’s a feel good tale, that keeps you at the edge of your seat!

Isle Of Dogs, 2018

The cutest animated movie of all time!! I love dogs, I actually have three at home (one being a puppy!) So this movie was right up my alley.

Taking place in a fictional town in Japan, this movie is about taking all the dogs in the city and putting them on an island. The story is about a young kid who is fighting to find his dog and bring all the dogs back to the town.

It is interesting because the human characters (all but two) speak in Japanese, without the option of subtitles. The viewer must assume what the characters are saying.

I adored this movie, and as the final film of Wes Anderson’s (current films) it was amazing to end on such a great note.