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Is “The Phoenician Scheme” Wes Anderson's Most Emotional Film?

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Re: Is “The Phoenician Scheme” Wes Anderson's Most Emotional Film?

#71

Earlier quoted context omitted.

The stylistic evolution of Picasso and Godard over time is undeniable, but I think it’s also worth considering that Anderson is working in a medium that isn’t just visual, but also narrative, thematic, sonic, and performative. His evolution as an artist is not truly represented by his shifts in color palettes, framing, or editing technique, but you can see it in the emotional territory he explores, the narrative stru…

It’s not that you’re completely wrong or anything here, but the simple counter example of other unique directors that also progressed / changed their style over time kind of disproves the idea that this is some inherent aspect of filmmaking. And certainly I’m glad he’s making movies and I enjoy them (as I said in the initial comment.) That doesn’t mean I need to celebrate every single thing he does and refrain from f…

I think your “simple counter” might be a bit reductive. Artistic evolution can take many forms, but it doesn’t have to take every form, not every distinctive filmmaker needs to reinvent every aspect of their art to demonstrate creative growth.

My point wasn’t that Anderson should be exempt from criticism, just that his growth may register differently because of the kind of storytelling he’s committed to. The evolution in his work often plays out less in surface-level aesthetics and more in structure, emotional depth, and thematic complexity. He clearly enjoys working within a consistent visual language, but that doesn’t mean he’s artistically “stuck”. Critique is always valid, and I think it’s also worth asking whether we’re tuned into the kinds of shifts that matter most in his particular creative vocabulary.

Re: Is “The Phoenician Scheme” Wes Anderson's Most Emotional Film?

#72

I miss Rushmore’s plain approach. Just enough quirk, sharp acting, and visuals that back the plot instead of hogging it. Newer Anderson films look like photo shoots: pretty, but the story drags. Same story dev teams hit when designers chase pixel-perfect screens and users still wait on real features.

This is because the older films were co-written with Owen Wilson. Once they stopped collaborating, Anderson's later films are unbalanced - they have the whimsical aesthetic, but are too sweet without the bitter piercing wit and clarity of Wilson's writing to make them less cloying (IMHO).

Re: Is “The Phoenician Scheme” Wes Anderson's Most Emotional Film?

#73
post #46
post #42

I like Wes Anderson movies in general, but I was unable to finish Asteroid City at home. It felt emotionally monotone. I probably need to go back and rewatch it. Hope this one is a bit more exciting. Rushmore is my favorite. The yearbook montage is awesome: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yMyh6ptegko

The genius of Rushmore is inseparable from the collaboration with Owen Wilson and the autobiographical inspiration of their school days. Wes Anderson can never make another movie like it. His oeuvre since then is without charm for me.

I agree but I think there's lots of charm, it's just that charming gets old.

Re: Is “The Phoenician Scheme” Wes Anderson's Most Emotional Film?

#74
Haven't read the article but saw the film.

If Wes made No Country For Old Men in this style it would suck.

The films look incredible but the monotone delivery and lack of soundtrack remove any drama and intrigue.

I say this as someone that loved Rushmore, Tenenbaums, Life Aquatic

Re: Is “The Phoenician Scheme” Wes Anderson's Most Emotional Film?

#75

Haven't read the article but saw the film. If Wes made No Country For Old Men in this style it would suck. The films look incredible but the monotone delivery and lack of soundtrack remove any drama and intrigue. I say this as someone that loved Rushmore, Tenenbaums, Life Aquatic

> If Wes made No Country For Old Men in this style it would suck.

I genuinely don't understand what this means, No Country for Old Men is a Coen Brothers movie.

Do I need to see "The Phoenician Scheme" to understand this reference...?

Re: Is “The Phoenician Scheme” Wes Anderson's Most Emotional Film?

#76
post #42

I like Wes Anderson movies in general, but I was unable to finish Asteroid City at home. It felt emotionally monotone. I probably need to go back and rewatch it. Hope this one is a bit more exciting. Rushmore is my favorite. The yearbook montage is awesome: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yMyh6ptegko

Data point for you: Asteroid City is my favorite, I've watched it like eight times now? and I could barely get through Rushmore.

All the commenters in here complaining that new Wes doesn't have what old Wes had.. Maybe they're missing what new Wes is doing? The newer movies are full of emotion, they're not monotone at all.

Re: Is “The Phoenician Scheme” Wes Anderson's Most Emotional Film?

#78
post #72

I miss Rushmore’s plain approach. Just enough quirk, sharp acting, and visuals that back the plot instead of hogging it. Newer Anderson films look like photo shoots: pretty, but the story drags. Same story dev teams hit when designers chase pixel-perfect screens and users still wait on real features.

This is because the older films were co-written with Owen Wilson. Once they stopped collaborating, Anderson's later films are unbalanced - they have the whimsical aesthetic, but are too sweet without the bitter piercing wit and clarity of Wilson's writing to make them less cloying (IMHO).

I miss Owen Wilson.

He was going through some major depression and understandably pulled back from the industry. But he brought something very personable and authentic to comedy, and his absence has been palpable.

Many other comedians of the era were too slapstick and over the top for me. I still can't watch a Will Ferrell comedy with any interest.

Re: Is “The Phoenician Scheme” Wes Anderson's Most Emotional Film?

#79

I am looking forward to seeing this, as while I really enjoy the aesthetic of Anderson, I increasingly wish someone would push him out of his comfort zone. His films are the same thing repeated in different circumstances with different characters. Maybe he isn’t interested in doing anything other than what he’s doing, and at some level that’s all the justification he needs. He doesn’t owe anyone anything. But I do th…

In case you haven’t seen it, “Wes Anderson Horror Trailer”: https://youtu.be/gfDIAZCwHQE?si=EzoCvqsY70AcZI4u

Re: Is “The Phoenician Scheme” Wes Anderson's Most Emotional Film?

#80
post #62

I miss Rushmore’s plain approach. Just enough quirk, sharp acting, and visuals that back the plot instead of hogging it. Newer Anderson films look like photo shoots: pretty, but the story drags. Same story dev teams hit when designers chase pixel-perfect screens and users still wait on real features.

Rushmore is my favorite Wes Anderson film. I think you nailed it. It was a great film that was “enhanced” by Wes Anderson’s style. Newer films seem to be primarily delivery vehicles of his style, with a hint of story and plot to move it along.

Were you in the shit? Yes, I was in the shit.
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