The Grand Budapest Hotel: A Cinematic Gem Dissected [Cinematography, Color, Character]

'The Grand Budapest Hotel' is considered Wes Anderson's best film because of how eccentric and stylized it is. It uses cinematography, color, dialogue and character to create an INCEPTION of masterful storytelling.
Viewers can easily fall in love with its visual beauty, but it needs to be completely unpacked to be fully appreciated. Here, we dive into the true meaning of the story. Stay tuned for deep analysis of Gustave and Zero, the film's hidden social commentary, why the movie shifts between different visual styles and how Wes Anderson weaved everything together to create such a beloved film.
Wes Anderson's 'Asteroid City' may have just been released, but this will always be one of the director's best gems.
0:00 Intro
0:23 An Inception of Storytelling
1:21 Wes Anderson's Distinct Filmmaking Style
1:51 Gustave Fully Dissected
4:26 Color and Cinematography
5:23 Unreliable Narrators & Nostalgia
6:33 More Cinematography (Symmetry, Wide Shots, etc.)
7:40 The Abrupt Ejection From The Past
8:23 Civilization Amidst Tyranny
9:37 The Overlooked Intro Monologue
Make sure to COMMENT down below so we can keep the discussion going and SUBSCRIBE for more videos.
Check out my other Wes Anderson movie video essays next:
Family Trauma in 'The Royal Tenenbaums': • Can You Overcome Famil...
Defying Social Expectations in 'Moonrise Kingdom': • 'Moonrise Kingdom' Ana...
This video features materials protected by the Fair Use guidelines of Section 107 of the Copyrights Act. All rights reserved to the copyright owners.
#thegrandbudapesthotel #wesanderson #movieanalysis #videoessay #cinematography #filmanalysis #moviereview #cinematography #storytelling #filmmaking #ralphfiennes #billmurray #wesandersontrend

[@skyrogue1977]

The ending is so melancholy. Not just from what we know, but in the fact that it ended. It’s one of those things you just want to see keep going, but you’re hit with the inevitability that nothing lasts forever.

[@movie.notepad]

Very well said

[@MikeM-qb9qh]

Melancholic

[@ytramsmp]

​@@MikeM-qb9qh saying "the ending is melancholy" is also correct

[@manyeyedcrow9391]

This movie so elegantly demonstrates that the only way to live meaningfully amidst the frequent brutality and absurdity of life is to act with humanity and grace, even if these traits are often unrewarded or even mocked, they are their own reward.

[@movie.notepad]

Beautiful way to put it

[@mary-annadonovan4803]

Ok not gonna lie I did not click on this at first, thinking "there's no way you can adequately dissect that movie in 11 minutes" and then I watched it and you did it, great job!

[@movie.notepad]

Thank you!

[@L3giT_Hax]

This movie made me realize how an unbelievable film can wrap you in a blanket of the story. You become part of the world it feels. It's amazing. It's beyond a movie. It feels like fine art.

[@movie.notepad]

Yess it's a fantastic movie. So well done in so so many ways.

[@archangelum]

'Very Good'. L’Air de Panache. In my all-time top 10 films. Your words are clear, concise and vivid, not one bit pretentious. Extraordinary! Thank you!

[@movie.notepad]

Thanks so much!!

[@archangelum]

@movie.notepad "Whence came these two radiant, celestial brothers, United for an instant As they crossed the stratosphere of our starry window? One from the east, And one from the west." Agatha. Your grand dissection is potent and effective medicine to the soul.

[@bicstic8]

Just watched this film. I wish i had the mind and vocabulary to explore/explain the film this well. But you are able to put into words what i only experience as fleeting feelings. Thank you.

[@movie.notepad]

Thank you!! This is such a sweet thing to hear! Your comment is artistic in and of itself.

[@hamwise1792]

Grand Budapest has been one of my favorite films for years and this is honestly one of the best video essays I've seen on it. Really great observations, and very insightful. Thank you!

[@movie.notepad]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate this!

[@pipepip5202]

Wonderful edits! And even more incredible analysis!!! Please make more!

[@movie.notepad]

Thank you! I'd just like to say that your comment is so meaningful to me. It's been hard for me to stay motivated, but comments like this help me to keep going. Thanks again!

[@emmett4861]

Phenomenal analysis, wrapped the entire movie within 11 minutes, and you also did it perfectly!

[@movie.notepad]

Thank you so much! This is so nice to hear!

[@onedaya_martian1238]

This video essay was fantastic ! Thank you !! Ironically, the way it describes Gustav's perspective, reminds me of how religious people see their holy books and religion. And Zero's telling of it, is so much like that of a preacher's explanation of "reality". Perhaps this is how we all keep sane... framing these yarns we tell from our "memories" in beautiful aspect ratios, with vibrant colors, while the world around us seems "barely civilized".

[@movie.notepad]

Thank you so much! That's such an interesting perspective, I haven't looked at it in that way

[@gwainwright82]

I loooove The Grand Budapest Hotel. It is my favourite of Wes Anderson's films. This analysis was spot on. Subscribed : )

[@movie.notepad]

It's a spectacular movie. Happy to have you here

[@dralexkoefman]

KZbin’s algorithm will love you if you get doing movie advertising for them. Fab job btw

[@movie.notepad]

Thank you so much!

[@sidrad7953]

Great series! So many Wes Anderson films I haven't seen.

[@movie.notepad]

I honestly hadn't seen any until I made this series but I'd definitely recommend 'The Grand Budapest Hotel' especially. It's truly such a beautiful film, both in story and visuals.

[@ytramsmp]

Thank you so much for making this video. I've gained insights that I might never have gotten otherwise. Off-topic, Ibut I couldn't help but notice your relatively low number of subscribers. Despite that, you created this so meticulously. It's truly terrific. As I'm writing this, I'm exploring your channel and discovering many captivating videos that I know I would be really, really thrilled to watch. Have a beautiful rest of your weekend!

[@movie.notepad]

Thank you so much! I took a break from posting for a while because I was feeling a bit burnt out (it can also be a bit demotivating when having difficulties growing the channel) but I'm getting back to it now! I'm about to post a new (and maybe my favorite) video in a few minutes, hope you check it out! I truly appreciate your comment and kind words.

[@ytramsmp]

@@movie.notepad you're very welcome! You're putting out good content. Keep pushing, and you'll get as big as Wisecrack, if not bigger, one of these days. I'm going to watch it anyway, needless to say :) Here's hoping the new video knocks it out of the park. I'm so excited!!

[@mellissadalby1402]

I for one, appreciate the way in which you describe your insights so eloquently. Thank you.

[@movie.notepad]

Thank you! This is so nice to hear!

[@sancho2289]

Amazing analysis, my dear! Keep the great work!

[@movie.notepad]

Obrigada! ☺

[@delavan9141]

Wonderfully done, especially the narration.

[@questionmark9819]

I love this film, it is so full of detail and a specific type of cinematography, unique and so colourful. Love it.

[@movie.notepad]

Me too! It's absolutely marvelous

[@36handy]

Very good decontruction of the story. Thank you.

[@TheTellerwaescher]

This was really nice and inspiring. There are some new aspects to view the masterpiece!

[@movie.notepad]

Thank you!

[@buildamillionbridges6153]

Ingenious analysis. Cheers.

[@Gingawhitus]

Love this movie! Brilliant breakdown of the beauty this film exudes :)

[@beautifullysurprised9908]

Brilliant review.

[@NeuroPete]

This is a wonderful essay for a wonderfilled film. Thank you so much! This film garners my highest praise: It takes me somewhere else for a little while.

[@movie.notepad]

Thank you so so much! I feel the same way about the film

[@MussaCassio]

Well done analysis. Bravo.

[@BBee13]

I just watched this film for the first time and I’ve been looking for good video essays on it but there aren’t many out there. I was having a hard time finding what I was looking for but this is it! Thanks for posting this. It helped me extend my experience (and understanding) of the film

[@movie.notepad]

This is awesome to hear, thanks so much! It's an incredible movie, isn't it?

[@BBee13]

@@movie.notepad yes! Absolutely stunning film

[@wildman2012]

Wonderful analysis. I've only recently seen the film, although I've known of it for years. Not a fan of Wes Anderson in the past, this film is extraordinary. It may have taken me a while to appreciate his approach to film-making; masterful storytelling, as you say.

[@lufox0148]

Just great!! Thank you

[@djangounchained7314]

Great analysis! thanks!!

[@Calslock]

Hah, bless the algorithm! Wonderful analysis, and taken from unique point of view, I loved it! Here's hoping that the YT algorithm picks it up, because with such quality you deserve not 800 subscribers, but at least 800 thousand, cheers!

[@movie.notepad]

This is so so sweet and very motivating! Thank you!

[@WE-Qcontinuum]

Marvelous. Loved everything about this video. Will definitely watch the film.

[@JarrodButali]

Ending to me is just life. Remember your friends and the good times.

[@walenwole8464]

awesome video left me feeling profound at the end and a big smile on my face.

[@movie.notepad]

Thank you!!

[@GordonTechno]

Great analysis! Subbed.

[@jaredpuhalla5360]

Great analysis! One of my all time favorites

[@movie.notepad]

Thank you! The movie is incredible

[@bryancoombesart]

What an amazing breakdown of such a beautiful film... bravo

[@movie.notepad]

Thank you!

[@wildman2012]

Viewers of this video might also enjoy another KZbin about the Grand Budapest Hotel: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qquZpXanbM-mi6s. This is from Sense of Scale, a miniatures documentary, and relates the creation of many of the scale models for the movie.

[@lanny2323]

Wow what a great analysis, thank you!

[@movie.notepad]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate it

[@jaywalkallstar]

This movie was so good it convinced me Wes Anderson isn’t a hack.

[@robertmiller4217]

masterpiece

[@justinhamilton8647]

Incredible analysis for a fantastic movie

[@movie.notepad]

Thank you!

[@fordownload8440]

excellent!

[@nemeprince]

Definitely watching the movie after this review. Very well done!!

[@movie.notepad]

Definitely watch it! Thanks so much!

[@SamoKitana]

Bravo!!

[@MrCrackyman]

LOVE LOVE LOVE your analysis. I've always pored over the layers in this movie. I have this feeling, maybe it was unintentional, but the "author" feels like he is portrayed as petty, unreliable, undeserving, of delivering the story, so we get these fantastical versions (an exact mexico birthmark, etc.) of the story because of that laziness/ineptitude.

[@agentmueller]

Darling, you are a scholar. Truly a great video. Thank you

[@movie.notepad]

This is so sweet. Thank you so much!

[@nicolasrumpf761]

greatt video...loveddd the movie!!

[@movie.notepad]

Thank you! And yess the movie is amazing

[@addiemclain1183]

Well done!!

[@movie.notepad]

Thank you!

[@mattseitz4509]

great analysis

[@movie.notepad]

Thank you so much! :)

[@user-hn2bo2pn7t]

Great job on this video, and no it didnt sound pretentious, it was very nice. ❤

[@movie.notepad]

Thank you so much!

[@Zaggrippas]

Genius film ❤ and great youtube channel

[@movie.notepad]

Thank you so much!!

[@suziecreamcheese211]

Everyone did a great job on TGBH but Ralph Fiennes was amazing.

[@davidscott8312]

Whoever you are…this was almost as moving as the movie itself!

[@movie.notepad]

Thank you so so much :)

[@danijobi]

An interesting and competently edited essay, promising great things to come. However, I think you could have gotten to your conclusion way easier (and avoided some awkward misunderstandings along the way, like the statement that Gustave M. is eager to be part of "high society", which you only later correct to a yearning about class not in the mentary sense but in the attribute of decency), if you would have researched what the movie literally says on the tin, or rather, in the dedication title and the setting. The dedication to Stefan Zweig could have told you everything you worked out yourself, as would have research into the literature and zeitgeist of Central Europe (especially the Austro-Hungarian empire) in the 20s, 30s and the exile literature of the 40s. Writers like Zweig (and Musil etc.) romanticized the colourful and vibrant pre-war era (and especially not only the high society, but just like Wes Anderson also the lowlifes, the craftsmen, the bohème, before the disillusionment and shock of national socialism). I think that neither Anderson nor Gustave idolize high sovciety - the aristocratic family of the murdered countess is told with zero adoration, whereas bakeries, cinemas, fun fairs and other mass entertainment is celebrated. Just as I think you misunderstand the several time periods as more stylized or more realistic - the 90s post-Communism world is just as colour-corrected and stylized both in blocking and in aesthetics as is the drab 60s Communist design or the 30s pre-war splendor. Notice the same stylized camerawork and staging in all timee frames, as well as the same ultra-strict reliance on each distinct colour palette to think that the most modern one was "realistc" is a grave mistake, I feel. All of them are boiled down to their perfect clichés. Yes, it may be a story about nostalgia, but it's a very distinct (and, perhapts, timely) one: the nostalgia for a time when culture flourished and was cherished; the nostalgia you can nly feel in exile, after everything, your language, your country, your dreams, has been taken away from you and distorted and discredited, and even after this horror has been overcome, there is just a drab, communist stasis for decades. I personally think this is actually a film about our very own times. I think it's Anderson reading Zweig and (like many other readers) coming away with a profound sense of gratitude and celebration for the here and now. A gratitude that manifests itself in a pre-emptive nostalgia for the present, before a threat of fascism and barbarism may once again rear its ugly head. A quiet and pastell-coloured plea for more civility in our times, for more "class", for more idealism. You make it sound as if Anderson exposes or even mocks Gustanve's and Zero's ideals and nostalgia, but I think he celebrated them and invites us to do the same: to live a life striving for decency, love, open-mindedness, service and joie de vivre, and against fear, bullies and tyrany.

[@2010noshi]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@Aron_7777]

❤👍👍👍

[@magielbanna2765]

😂❤🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@902pacific]

grazie ur apology accepted tho not necessary

[@newdefsys]

Of all the bad things in this world, being influenced by the character of M. Gustave is not one of them.

[@movie.notepad]

Very true

[@Its_Cannon]

Ciritcs: This style wouldn't make a good Straight Drama Wes Anderson: Well I've never been accused of that before.

[@hugh-johnfleming289]

Over analysis... Take a charming story, a talented cast and crew and apply painterly qualities to your production.

[@rynolascavio3381]

whats up with everyone in this movie using their own natural non-acting voices. very strange

[@RedGeist]

It is part of Wes Anderson's style

[@rynolascavio3381]

@@RedGeist yeah, I see that. Its just very confusing.

[@banzand]

I am SO sick of this director's work. Every single film he makes is a replica of the last one on all levels. His pace and rhythm never change, static camera, glib deliveries, curt storytelling, and narration.....There's the "signature," and then there's a lack of imagination, and that seems to be this filmmaker's (and I use the term loosely) tired and crutch-like format, from which he never deviates either! An auteur, he's not!

[@boycompass7769]

Geez! Whoever wrote this script... Please Stop!

[@williamwatterson8711]

I found this film pretentious and a bore.