The Grand Budapest Hotel is the new film written and directed by Wes Anderson. Once again he brings his unique sense of style and visuals to another fun filled movie that only could have been made by him. In this new story, we follow the adventures of Gustave H (Ralph Fiennes), a legendary concierge at a famous European hotel between the wars, and Zero Moustafa (Tony Revolori), the lobby boy who becomes his most trusted friend. When Gustave is framed for the murder of the very wealthy Madame D (Tilda Swinton), comedy, drama, and adventure ensues as the two friends try to find the real killer and prove Gustave innocence.
The movie has a wonderful look and feel, which Wes Anderson has become very known for. This “stage play look” of simple visual effects, which has worked in most of his films, has set him apart from other directors. He has a sense of style that really is all his own, some people call it pretentious, but most would call it “quirky”. This, unlike some of his other films, really makes use of his visual style. Everything in the movie moves and feels perfectly placed and there for a reason. His attention to detail is reflected in the film and just adds more character to an already character filled film.
Anderson has made use of his favorite actors in most of his films, knowing whom he likes and knowing what he can get out of each one of them, and here is no exception. He brings in his favorites: Bill Murray, Edward Norton, Jason Schwartzman, Willem Dafoe, Owen Wilson, and Jeff Goldblum. But he also adds new blood that fall right into place as if they have always been in his films: Ralph Fiennes, F. Murry Abraham, Jude Law, Saoirse Ronan, and newcomer Tony Revolori. All are wonderfully cast, and no matter how big or small their part is, each brings their own special something to the role and really makes it their own. Each actor does justice to the great writing.
The movie jumps through many time periods, and with using a different camera style, props in the scene, and the way people speak, is how we know we’ve made a time jump. Each is giving its own unique look that you as the viewer remember so you can keep up with the story. Certain actors also keep you in the loop of the story as to not get confused. Sounds complicated, but it’s really not. Anderson has a way of making everything make complete sense in a world we recognize but also don’t.
A personal favorite thing which is done is when we’re in present day with Jude Law and F. Murray Abraham’s characters, everything is shot wide with dim colors and low lights to signify how things in the hotel aren’t what they use to be. But when we go back to the glory days of the hotel, they are shot small and simple. Even cropping the sides of the frame, they keep it simple and very effective for an old-world feel, but also showing us the grandness of the hotel in its heyday: Beautiful colors, sets, and characters filling the hotel itself.
Sometime Anderson’s films border on comedy and drama, and until you see or hear something humorous, you’re never quite sure what type of movie you’re in for. Is it a dramedy like The Royal Tenenbaums, or more drama filled like The Darjeeling Limited? Well, The Grand Budapest Hotel is more like Rushmore and Tenenbaums. Where there is plenty of drama, it’s filled with so much humor that the lines become blurred. Just like in life, there is always a good amount of sweets mixed with the sours. And this movie is no exception. This is one of his better films, filled with drama and humor, reminding you once again just how good and exceptional his films are.