The French Dispatch reviewed by Mark Kermode

[@williamklumpenhower1188]

I thought the anthology style fit very well with the concept: a magazine. He filmed a magazine.

[@pietropietro5466]

Exactly, these aren't chapters, they are articles!

[@michaelfarkas2257]

lol, whatever you have to tell yourself. great movies dont need explanations about how they are great, everyone just feels it.

[@dcanmore]

Loved the visuals, the hyper-real France 1950s, the quirks and the cast but there's nothing to hang on to and pull you in. You come out of the cinema admiring what you saw but can't remember what you heard.

[@paulybarr]

Late 1960s actually. Hence Timothee Chalamet's character.

[@pseudonymousbeing987]

@@paulybarr Sorry, what do you mean by that I'm confused.

[@goodial]

May 68, student revolts in france were a real thing ;)

[@dcanmore]

I should have pointed out that movie begins in the 1950s and concludes in the late 60s.

[@Kronk-rp3jf]

Well said. Imagine this movie with a good plot. I'm so disappointed.

[@TheGoldSwordSquad]

At one point in the film I thought “it’s weird Ed Norton isn’t in this” and then exactly that moment the phone rang in the scene and it was Ed Norton

[@Brian_Boru]

Kermode on The French Dispatch: "It insists upon itself."

[@sonicgoo1121]

There's only one Wes Anderson. Which is exactly the right amount.

[@ShiranVyasa]

I am glad Wes Anderson exists in the movie making world. His style is unique and very quirky. I have loved every one of them so far.

[@NickHunter]

Yeah even a bad Wes Anderson film (if there is such a thing) is a great film

[@agaskew]

I agree 100%

[@crobeastness]

even rushmore? rushmore is the only one I hate of his.

[@carlosescobar3524]

@@crobeastness It’s one of my favorite. But I’m interested in why you didn’t like it?

[@crobeastness]

@@carlosescobar3524 absolutely cannot stand the protagonist. Schwartzman is a great actor but his character is super obnoxious and unlikable. It also seems like Anderson doesn't k ow what to do with bill Murray yet. It's also the least symmetrical of his movies, even less so than bottle rocket, his first film.

[@degau558]

I really loved it, but even as an Anderson fan I must agree with Kermode, it’s so dense that I need to see it a few times to fully wrap my head around it. But it is also gorgeous and moving and funny and charming, even when I wasn’t sure what was going on.

[@kadiummusic]

Agreed, all we need now is a new Hitchcock, that would be wonderful! 😎

[@ChrisInTheNorth]

Going back to this review after seeing the film is such a relief... With some films I don't enjoy I'm left with a feeling its somehow my fault, so its a relief to know Mark K had similar issues with it as I did.

[@localkauf]

I completely get this feeling

[@maxbotten9410]

Glad I wasn't alone in this! I definitely had a feeling of this is interesting, but not engaging, especially for the first few stories. Was only really the last that drew me in and made me remember exactly why I love his films.

[@kleerude]

Jeffery Wright’s section was by far my favorite. That was the one with the emotional core I think Mark was missing.

[@sonchik6324]

I agree! Somehow, Wright’s character ended up being my favorite and there was something really touching about him. I’d watch a spin-off of his journalistic shenanigans.

[@lucindaarmour4685]

Jeffery Wright was superb. A homage to James Baldwin who was referenced in the credits as a dedication. Loved it.

[@justin.booth.]

I loved that part

[@So4pdish]

Overall, I thought the film was excellent, the acting was incredible, Anderson's use of colour and symmetry is getting more and more exquisite with every film he makes. The film was beautiful and the switch between black and white to colour shots was smart and added depth. I love the way he separates his films into parts/chapters/sections, his films (especially the French Dispatch) watch like you're reading a book, or in The French Dispatch's case, a magazine. The cast was excellently chosen and they embodied every character very well, I was totally invested in each individual story from start to finish. The different styles, going from just acting in front of a camera to comic book style was executed wonderfully and I rarely see it in films. It adds intrigue and character to The French Dispatch. However, I also thought the film was very self indulgent. The pacing of the plot was slow and I found myself bored at times, it felt like nothing was happening, Anderson was too focused on making the film look astounding, which he did, but it made for a somewhat dragging feeling when watched all at once. From what I've noticed over the years, Wes Anderson has travelled from making very good films to artistic journeys. I also thought it was a total waste to have such a talented cast and not let them act, the characters could have been much more developed but they weren't. It was sort of like chewing on sand for two hours. Not necessarily a bad thing, but the French Dispatch is certainly not my favourite Anderson film.

[@mapakern3979]

Completely agree with you on almost every point. But I reach out to you because I have a question: You wrote that the switch between black and white to colour shot added depth. What do you mean by that? I've watched the movie today and honestly felt extremely annoyed by it at one point. In the first feature with Benicio de Toro, for instance, there is a colour flash of the painting Brody's character shows to his uncles, but then we switch back to black and white. Why? Maybe to show what the painting looks like - which you can't see in black and white because it is all washed out? Fine; but then black and white might not have been the right choice to begin with. The colour switch just seemed to me like another layer to overcomplicate rather simple stories in order to look more "nouvelle vague" or something. So anyways: What do you think? What did you make out of the colour/black and white thing?

[@So4pdish]

@@mapakern3979 A lot of it was stylistic choice, I agree that it was annoying at times, especially on my first viewing. However, reflecting on it the second time I feel that it was meant to add depth and hark back to early 20th century french films. I think it was just meant to highlight and distinguish some moments from others.

[@Omar-zo6ro]

I thought it was his best film. I don't understand the hate. In my opinion, as someone who reads a lot of journals and news, I found it very emotionally poignant. It might sound weird, but when journalism/politics is done both honestly and professionally, we get to the "truth of the matter" which is usually a blend of individual emotions and larger sociological trends. The stories in the movie were all fake and nonsensical, sure, but they resemble the interest and beauty of reading something that sheds light on an aspect of humanity. And each of them does reveal something deeper about the stories/people they are covering. It is like the movie is taking the beats of a compelling vice documentary but without any real information haha. So yeah no traditional character arc (if you can even fit a character arc in a movie that is split into 5 pieces and as chaotic as this) but there is an emotional core in each of these stories that I found very powerful and one is especially very relatable to me personally. When a journalist is genuine, he lets go of trying to wrap up the information in a surface-level manner and instead follows wherever the story/life takes them. Give this movie another chance and soak in the chaos!

[@weatheredseeker]

Yes, at times the movie drones on... but I felt that was the point of those moments... most journalists are saying too much, adding too much of their voice to an already interesting story, while glossing over the dark parts. Except for the rare case, around the climax, where Jeffrey Wright's calculated character chooses to say too little... but in the name of glossing over the dark stuff. That's what I saw at least. Still need a second viewing

[@kristinaisakovic1026]

You said everything perfectly!

[@Thomas15]

Enjoyed the scenes with the magazine’s staff, loved the short travel log with Owen Wilson, and liked the first story (in the prison). I didn’t connect with the second and third stories so much. As with all Wes Anderson films it was was visually stunning.

[@TheSergentChaotix]

The second story might be difficult to connect for people who are unfamiliar with the social and cultural climate of France during the 60's but it is really well done, a original version of the students demonstrations of may 68. As for the third story, it remind me a lot of Maigret, a famous detective series where the main caracter, commissaire Jules Maigret, takes his time to complete his cases, especially when it's diner time.

[@deity752]

"Fondant Fancies" sounds so quintessentially British

[@nubianfx]

i havent seen this yet, but i do love Wes Anderson. I have a working theory that a lot of writer- directors attain a level of fame and cachet where that they are given unfettered control aaannnd... probably shouldnt be? I think everyone needs an editor, or at least someone to reign them in slightly. Tenet was Nolan at his most Nolany, and it seems French Dispatch is wes Anderson and his most Andersony and perhaps this is the point where both could do with being reeled in slightly.

[@drslothlehoff806]

Very true

[@Oceanmachine27]

Totally agree. I also think of George Lucas making the prequels, or David Lynch making "Inland Empire". At a certain point, you're thinking "okay, somebody needs to say 'no' to this guy from time to time".

[@samtooze3370]

How are you gonna push the boundaries then? see whether or not new things work? Too much influence from producers leads to creative suffocation

[@emm3485]

That’s not how art works or should work.

[@djstarsign]

It’s the most Andersonian of all. It’s full of tableaus, homages to different directors (ranging from Renoir, Clair, Tati, Bergman, and Truffaut… and many more I didn’t recognize). He took the same nested story approach from GBH and turned it into an anthology. Every story is brimming with so much art direction that I think will exceed expectations. But as is often the case with his films, if you don’t like his very specific tone and voice, chances are this movie will leave you cold. If you love his films up until now, there’s so much to love. It’s not his Tenet. If anything, this is an auteur who has continued using his credibility to attract top tier talent to realize his idiosyncratic vision. It’s also his most mature film. A lot of his films feel so innocent and childlike. This one felt very much like he’s finally grown up and wasn’t afraid to be more sexually explicit. It’s was a super satisfying film and definitely the one I want to own most, just to pause at all of the amazing art direction that goes by so quickly. I think it may have the fastest editing of all his films.

[@hihowareyouthen]

I found it so tiresome I very nearly walked out of the cinema, but I hung in there in case there was some third act redemption (there wasn't). I'm not anti-Wes Anderson by any means but this film, while visually interesting, had an utter emptiness at its core. Worst of all, it was so very pleased with itself. Ick.

[@localkauf]

Could not agree more. Just watched it, was completely bored throughout. Its like anderson has forgotten that films ought to be emotionally engaging in some way

[@atticusmartin5447]

I love Wes Andersons films and his unique style of cinematography, but this movie was just so boring. It definitely is very beautiful and the cast is great, but there was so much happening there was no time to breath, sad to see i didn't enjoy it as much as his other works :/

[@nathanisaksson]

I’ve heard Mark re-explain what tableau vivant means to Simon like nine times over the years. 😅

[@JonathanNichollstechandsuch8]

You know what? I love that Wes Anderson is just making the most Wes film he can. Those who don’t like his films won’t watch them anyway, so he might as well make a love letter to those who do. Not sure which category Mark falls into, but I definitely see this one being the result of an uncompromising creative vision, where your enjoyment is very much contingent on how much you like that vision.

[@kitpalmer1583]

​@@kevinl3875having a recognisable style isn't "doing the same thing over and over", that's a facile take

[@xaviconde]

I agree with Kermode. It's has a bit too much of everything, and the characters lack the human substance of Tennenbaums, Darjeeling or Moonrise Kingdom. It's a great exercise of style and a fun movie, but I felt that the characters were plain and very cartoonish. It's a light, entertaining movie yet too visually complex.

[@mtlewis973]

it felt like him making a wes anderson film rather than telling a story and just happening to be wes anderson

[@timcoleman3784]

100%, insufferably twee for the sake of it

[@mtlewis973]

@@LKeet6 i’m a fan of his work and i enjoyed this film. there is no need to be so defensive about liking a film. in my opinion grand budapest hotel for example told a great compelling story in wes anderson’s unique style. nobody else could have made french dispatch, because there wasn’t really much except style. that’s not a bad thing or anything it’s just an opinion.

[@anarchoautism]

Pretty much my thoughts exactly (saw it a few hours ago). It's one of Wes Anderson's best, at least on a narrative and stylistic level, and there is much of it that ranks among his best work, which I can say with confidence being a longtime fan and having seen all his films. However I definitely agree with Mark when he compares it to a "music box" or a "box of fondant". The sheer amount of complexity and detail in this, which is surprising even for him, felt almost excessive, and whilst I really enjoyed the anthology narrative style I got slightly bored and by the end just wanted a rest. I suppose I just wonder where he can go from here, if he plans to at all, since at this point he without a doubt has made a name for himself as an auteur. But anything more dense than this would be too much. Absolutely worth seeing though

[@davidsteel8324]

I was almost overwhelmed by this film. Stunning.

[@KeithFraser82]

Poster quote: "A BOX OF FONDANT FANCIES" - MARK KERMODE Now that I think of it, The Grand Budapest Hotel had boxes of fondant fancies (or similar) as a plot point (used by Saoirse Ronan's character to smuggle tools into a prison).

[@ssgowalking9560]

Saw it today and absolutely loved it.

[@lucindaarmour4685]

Yeah me too - I found all the storylines moving and touching - I found Bill Murrays encouraging and supportive editor incredibly touching. Its a real favourite now. Exquisite piece.

[@lifeinthetreehouse]

Loved this! I felt the same, I didn't feel there was a clear emotional core, like how grand Budapest etc. And some of his others did.

[@rickg8015]

“Over-quirked itself..” 😂

[@GernickKuik]

A wonderful film. I was moved by the ending somehow. So many amazing shots. It looks so good in every detail in every shot. I laughed a lot. It might be Anderson's best film yet. And there is a French song by Jarvis Cocker in it (as Tic Toc). Also, I watched No Time To DIe and Dune this week and so I saw Timotee C, Lea Seydoux and Jeffrey Wright twice in one week.

[@RockNRollaMAC]

And Christoph Waltz too

[@charlieboy1015]

this film is beyond, its is the love supreme of the film format, ITS JAZZ in images, stop looking for a film with character arcs and drama and nonsense to fit form, its madness and nobody else could make it!!

[@sorel7342]

Time to start a campaign to get wes Anderson to direct a film of the 100 year old man who climbed out the window and disappeared. As I read that book I literally saw it as a wes Anderson film in my minds eye 👁

[@onlyadamrosa]

Couldn't agree more. Visually stunning, but always pushing me away from engaging with it fully like it's reminding you "this all isn't real", but to me at least there wasn't a clear reason/ message for doing that. I bought into the artist story but once we got into the second one I was left thinking "this is all very pretty and looks cool and very wes andersony but i just don't care about these people". Couldn't agree more that it lacks an "emotional pull" and the visuals weren't enough to stop me getting restless in my seat. All the women were there to talk about men, or look good, or do both at once. All the men felt full of themselves and unlikable which can be fine if there's an emotional pull that makes you care about them still but there wasn't.

[@laurencewhite4809]

I can’t connect to any Wes Anderson film. Any attempt at real emotional engagement drowns in the OCD style. It’s like being on a date with someone and when you are just about to kiss, your date stops and tells you that in order for us to kiss our lips have to be perfectly mathematically aligned. Next date please.

[@davefink2326]

Everything you say - to a word. We walked out halfway thru the third story.

[@Kronk-rp3jf]

Completely agree. The plots were paper thin, but visually beautiful

[@peteradaniel]

Isn’t that the point of these magazines. Vanity Fair, New Yorker, National Geographic even time and Newsweek. They’re not produced to save the world? They’re visually stunning but empty of actual journalistic content. The film is a mock of how Americans view the rest of the world through these publications.

[@aliofly]

@@peteradaniel I think you are right that is the effect of the film - it was certainly my impression when watching it. However I don’t think that was Anderson’s intention, having subsequently read interviews about his motivations for making it (principally his interview in The New Yorker)

[@peteradaniel]

I saw this film on Saturday and thought it was probably Wes Anderson’s best work. It’s a passive criticism of the liberal’s need for exoticism. It really takes a look at the kind of journalism and superficiality found in Sunday supplement style publications and how the whimsical interest of a bourgeois reader ignores the reality of those actually living the life described in the article. Everything is reduced to passing interest as a way to reduce boredom, hence the name of the town is Ennui Sur blasé.

[@HannahRicketts]

I was so excited for this movie but the story lacked so much for me. It was essentially 3 mini stories that had no link to each other. Nothing much to get into..I liked the first story, but after that it was quite boring. However it was 100/10 for the cinematography/sets/costume etc. i was so disappointed in the story

[@ashleybradley4123]

Adore Wes Anderson. Wanted so badly to enjoy it but ended up increasingly irritated; it's verbose and quite sterile, unfortunately. Some characterisation would have saved it for me.

[@eoinMB3949]

Agreed. First story with benico del toro was very good but it went downhill after that.

[@djstarsign]

First story was the best. And I wasn’t even sure what the basic plots were for the second and third ones. But I enjoyed the hell out of it.

[@12348477]

Saw this yesterday. Absolutely fantastic. Visually stunning and so beautiful. Acting as always was great from his regular actors.

[@VanDeVenDerVaart]

The fact I can rewatch Wes Anderson films repeatedly and always find new details is the beauty of his film making for me.

[@azure5644]

I loved it the first time I saw it. There’s parts of it I wish had more depth but overall it’s a great movie.

[@saelaird]

Watched it last night and loved every second of it. It was so visually rich, the dialogue was perfect. Injections of humour everywhere... just a fab movie.

[@nadominhoca]

Wes Anderson stopped doing films for the general public around the Grand Budapest Hotel… Both Asteroid City and The French Dispatch is purely for his own pleasure… It’s simple. These are not good movies..

[@toddd7444]

i found it boring at times hard to follow the story.. line but your review of it was helpful not the best film he has done. wheelchair Larry

[@robertJ14]

I really liked this film. Obviously not for everyone because Anderson has a very distinct style. Loved all of it but the middle revolutionary story not so much - just a bit too full of itself and how clever it thought it was being.

[@ih8stuff3]

I fell asleep watching it, but I liked it. I blame myself, but it was also very sleep-inducing. I fell asleep watching Don Giovanni too. "It gets old" is a perfect note.

[@oliveratoic]

I fell asleep in the cinema watching this movie

[@JohnDoe-bz4yl]

I watched it for a second time and found I picked up more and I enjoyed it more as well Can't wait to see Asteroid city this year

[@DanteInMotion]

All style and no substance

[@Paradox-dy3ve]

I understand everyone's critiques but I just don't agree. I probably would've agreed more after watching it the first time but I've seen it twice since then and each time I see it I enjoy it more and get more out of it. I will say though that some of the stories are more interesting than others but the more I dig into it, the more I find to appreciate.

[@Celestialrob]

100% agree. Just watched it tonight and felt kept at arms length. It lacks an emotional connection for me, but I admire so much. Maybe a second reading is required?

[@simonhopkins6077]

Well yes 'a bit much' was exactly what I took away - as much as adored Budapest Hotel, I found this hollow and too smart for its good - I can't be bothered with a revisit just to try to get more out of it.

[@abbash1635]

The movie was out of this world . I loved it , when I finished it I instantly sat with my brother drinking tea and he noticed me smiling for several minutes he asked me why are you smiling, I told him , "it's been too long since I saw a great movie like this one"

[@gage6209]

Every new wes anderson film gets tagged as the most wes anderson. As if that's a bad thing.

[@alanford3359]

Personally, I think Anderson Quirked himself in the foot with this one.

[@miiiikku]

The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou is great because its discovery of Wes Andersons style. The French Dispatch is rehersial of the style, I have been feeling that way since Moonrise Kingdom.

[@ShreeNation]

This film felt like a gorgeous fashion show with cold, detached models.

[@LizaMoroz]

seriously, this film was so EASY to watch. It's like a child's play - smooth and quick and sweet. Getting old or something?

[@buckleysdead]

I've just ;finished a second viewing (on Disney") and yes, it was much better on the second viewing. My first viewing, in the theater, caught me a little off guard because I wasn't expecting the anthology format. But this time, I was ready and more directed in my attention. Contrary to Kermode, it did hit me in the feels much more on the second viewing, especially the Roebuck Wright segment. I look forward to more☺

[@Funglejunk81]

For once I totally agree 100% with Mark. I love so many of his films, but this Wes Anderson movie was just too much. Visually amazing as always but totally lost me by the third section.

[@Pytho_n]

A masterpiece

[@peecee2000]

This film has just arrived on UK Disney+ today, 16/2/22. I’ll watch it tonight.

[@Aidan-tu4un]

Just watched this on transatlantic flight… and wondered what Mark would have thought of it! I loved it, (I have form in liking quirky movies… almodovar, kieslowski…) will be happy to watch again very soon… Lea Seydoux better in this than NTTD… not just for the obvious visual aspect!!

[@Aidan-tu4un]

Just watched again, with gf… this might just be the thing that we don’t agree on… she didn’t enjoy it… we watched the Swiss version, in English with German subtitles 😣🙄 I still love it!!

[@aidanwalsh2545]

Ennui sur Blasé, je taim.

[@mtumasz]

Loved Was Anderson, until this.

[@oomskamirth3740]

It’s boring.

[@SharkMinnow]

worst WA movie...

[@Potida1]

I totally agree with Mr. Kermode.

[@darrenwright2024]

Great review of a great film

[@pablohenriquez1984]

I loved the characters so much, I wanted more interactions between them.

[@angelthman1659]

THE FRENCH DISPATCH is the most Wes Andersony Wes Anderson movie Wes Anderson has ever made [sic]. It's pretty much self-parody. It consists of three episodes, one that is weak, and two that are complete messes. The stories are convoluted and rambling, which is what I thought of the overrated THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL. TFD feels like a 2-hour commercial. I've never been much of a Wes Anderson fan. His films are all style and no substance, and his style is derivative anyway. But I will say this is probably the most relentless commitment ever by a director to preserve his own style. And that kind of broke the monotony a little. ⭐ ½

[@LeeHobbies]

Bit of a shame but it appears that if you let Anderson make the movie exactly as he see's it, then you end up with a less engaging result where the visuals outplay the narrative and in the end leaves the viewer bored overall. My wife gave up half way though, it just missed a hook, a way in as a viewer, something, anything to latch on to. I'm a big Anderson fan and had been looking forward to this for a long time, definitely disappointed.

[@thejacquoranda]

I wish Wes Anderson would make a whimsical, idiosyncratic movie with Bill Murray and Owen Wilson for a change.

[@MrStyn-ud3bj]

I felt the same.

[@frzen]

First 30-40 minutes dragged and the rest felt right. Visually great, even the images in the credits would have taken me a lifetime to produce. Its one I'll be rewatching to understand more rather than a usual wes Anderson rewatch just to enjoy it again

[@jakealhalabi8194]

Wow I had the opposite reaction. First 40 minutes were great and it became duller after that.

[@leoazad7952]

I agree the film was too much, and we seen this so often, its an awful film, boring, but great actors and good acting

[@NeilBaker722]

Boring. Almost purposefully so. Lea Seydoux in the nude was good though.

[@bartandaelus359]

To be honest i thought it was an overlong, unedited slog. There's nothing here to draw you in and give you an experience, it's just a fancy Anderson has and i think it's too self indulgent to care if you want to be involved in it or not. I found it intensely boring and i've loved many of his films.

[@65g4]

I loved it i think its one his best films. My favourite story was Brody, Del Toro and Seydoux

[@parkviewmo]

I agree with this review down to the pauses and sighs. I am glad I saw it. I loved one of the three stories. The animation and real-life shot sequence mirrors were fascinating. Yet all in all it was too much for me. It was too clever by half and never engaged my heart. Yes, I want to see it again.

[@soutarm]

My best way to describe it is that it's a Wes Anderson Tenet.

[@johanstone]

yep. 100%

[@MylesHSG]

I enjoyed it, but I did feel it was rather self indulgent at times. I certainly don't think it has the charm of say Grand Budapest or Moonrise Kingdom. I think the segments in-between the 3 stories could have been expanded. It felt exactly like watching a magazine rather than watching a book. I didn't feel connected to the editor, and I didn't care that he was dead, I actually didn't feel connected to any characters which is strange for a Wes Anderson film. For me it's nearer the bottom of my Wes Anderson rankings. It certainly in my eyes doesn't come close to Moonrise, Darjeeling or Grand Budapest for me.

[@David-px9wr]

It was visual feast but I was so bored couldn’t wait for it to end

[@june8013]

Where can I watch this?

[@firstnamelastname-pb4mz]

i thought it was really hard to watch but the cartoon section was cool

[@organicphoto]

Not getting all the references didn't stop me from appreciating the ambitious script and fantastic performances. It definitely has a more European feel than his other movies (including Grand Budapest IMHO) but being transported to other places and having new experiences (even if vicarious) is why I go to the movies! I'm certain I'll enjoy it more on my 2nd viewing.

[@mattdevereux5940]

the artistic eements of the movie are superb again, but it just felt it was missing something at its core for me this time.Marks review was spot on with how i felt.

[@MylesHSG]

To me it is missing connections with the characters which is odd for a Wes Anderson film.

[@chrisnightingale5529]

I can’t wait to see this - sounds like Anderson at his very best - quirky, whimsical and all those other words that best describe the perfect Wes Anderson film. Bring on the Criterion 4K disc (wishful thinking)

[@fearsomerake]

I feel this will be worth a trip to the cinema based on the visuals alone, but I'll keep my expectations at that level. I always though Wes Anderson was just alright but not much more, until I saw The Grand Budapest Hotel which really caught me by surprise. I've no doubts about giving that film a perfect score, but then he went back to just alright again with Isle of Dogs.

[@lochlannturner4086]

I loved the film. I hear it get compared a lot to his earlier stuff in terms of people saying it wasn't as good for aspects that were in the royal tenenbaums or Rushmore. I think that's sort of invalid to try and compare it to the films he was making 15-20 years ago. I'm glad he's developed as a film maker even if that doesn't necessarily mean getting better or worse. I'm glad we're getting new stuff or he's exploring more of a certain aspect of his films. Even if the reviews are more mixed at least he's making stuff that feels worth talking about and that doesn't feel like it's just what he released the last time

[@sjoerdvanmierlo9541]

I could go into detail and say everything I have to say about this film, but I think I'd simply lose my mind. So I'll leave it at this: this was meta Wes Anderson has ever been, it's a bit much, but I absolutely loved it and I'm sure on a second or even third viewing it will surely end on my top 3. The staging, the cast, the script, I feel like this has been everything Wes has ever wanted and I think it will definitely go down as a cult classic, if not a general classic. Truly brilliant.

[@colmlynch2732]

Sounds awesome. The fact you want more and were overwhelmed by it.

[@gab_gallard]

Wes Anderson is certainly a one trick pony. But the trick is a triple frontflip 1260 tsunami cordova.

[@soft_core_punk]

I really love Wes Anderson but found this film quite frustrating and even boring in places. It felt like a stylistic best of, but without any real substance. I mean, he tries to give it some substance, but the format makes it so that we don't really care for the characters, unlike in his previous films. Plus I've lived in and near France for... always... and have grown up with a fondness for the country, but this was a rather unsatisfactory depiction of "an idea" of old-timey french culture. I know it's all whimsy and it's not supposed to be grounded in reality, but I do believe that Wes Anderson's view of France in this film is the idealised version of a society that some unsavoury parts of the ideological spectrum wish they could go back to. I might be overthinking it, but it slightly bothered me... It also felt like the cinematic equivalent of an american tourist going "Hon hon sacrebleu baguette croissant omelette du fromage!" Still, Benicio del Toro was really good, so it's not all bad!

[@Marco-mv2wp]

I absolutely agree with what you said, and I have to say that I already had a similar feeling after seeing Grand Budapest Hotel. Somehow it feels that his stilistic choices have become more important than the gravity of the characters. If I compare his last three movies to for example Royal Tenenbaums or Life Aquatic, there is a lot missing.

[@jodo1971]

Yes! The film starts so strong and just get worse. I was anxious for this film to end.

[@dylanjordan4747]

basically all the words I couldn’t find when leaving the theatre

[@josephtownsend7481]

I really enjoyed it, some of what Roebuck said will stick with me, probably not any of the rest, would recommend heading into it with the goal to just have a nice time!

[@arthurtillman2700]

I agree, It was a bit much but even to the novice of Art enthusiasts this is a visual masterpiece. IFD is definitely a film you’d have to watch several times to understand its complexity, which I believe makes me love it even more . In addition, The script was cheeky , vibrant and smart. The Cinematography along with the casting and format choices were top notch. I Can’t say that it wasn’t the Best film of the year for me.

[@adrianaspalinky1986]

I got everything that was going on first time, it's so straight forward

[@greatpoochini1]

Isle of Dogs is by far the most satisfying WA film I have seen. I find his work really difficult to engage with.

[@gigahoe42]

If you've not seen Rushmore I'd recommend that. It's much less Anderson-y, although has the start of that visual style in it

[@batlexie]

@@gigahoe42 definitely! plus jason schwartzman's so good in that role.

[@ras_732]

I was lucky to see the sets of Isle of Dogs in an exhitbition in Strand, London~

[@greatpoochini1]

@@dinastiachowfan1401 Can you point me to the numbers to back that up please?

[@OkLetsPlayTv]

It was absolutely brilliant 🤩

[@roryg137]

Gotta agree with Mark here. The film was just a bit too in love with itself. Enjoyable tho nonetheless.

[@euansmith3699]

Seeing the thumbnail was enough to tell me this was a Wes Anderson. He's got such an immediately recognizable composition style.

[@rakino4418]

Also the cast

[@saxbend]

Well I loved it. I was in just the right mood for it. My brain couldn't keep up with the pace for the last third of it, but that's ok because I can watch it a second time and get as much of the second half as I did of the first half on first viewing.

[@kitchentrout5867]

The cinematography was awesome in this movie aaaaand that's about it unless you want to sit through conversations full of incredibly strung out sentences bristled with $5 words.

[@m.worthy]

While remembering times in Budapest and also remembering the movie *_'The Grand Budapest Hotel'_* these comments suddenly helped me recognize where I knew *Tony Revolori* from! I'd recently seen him in episodes of _'Servant'_ , and now I recall him as *Zero Moustafa* ! 😁🎬📽 Hhhhm...I remember first seeing *_'Isle of Dogs'_* while in a not-so-grand "hotel"... I guess I'll give *_'The French Dispath'_* a chance _(that cast!)._