Title: The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)
Director: Wes Anderson (Bottle Rocket)
Cast: Ralph Fiennes, Tony Revolori, Adrien Brody, F. Murray Abraham, Willem Dafoe, Jeff Goldblum, Jude Law, Edward Norton, Saoirse Ronan, Bill Murray
Plot: Now-aged lobby boy Zero (Revolori and later Abraham) recounts his time as lobby boy and right-hand man to flamboyant Grand Budapest Hotel manager Gustave H (Fiennes) ,and their wild adventures involving stolen paintings, murder, war and love.
“There are still faint glimmers of civilisation left in this barbaric slaughterhouse once known as humanity”
Review by Eddie on 5/05/2014
Wes Anderson has really become his own unique institution, and by now all lovers of film would have a good idea as to whether they like being a part of that institution or (as was the case with a particular cinema goer in my screening) they want to stay as far away as possible from the obvious works of an artist. I am a very willing participant of Anderson’s unique work and after the let-down that was Moonrise Kingdom it brought a smile to my face to see the gifted director back on the right track with a film that is both gloriously funny and incredibly well made.
The Grand Budapest Hotel does not sit back to take a breath in it’s 100 minute run time, a run time that will include dangerous liaisons, stolen paintings, gun fights, ski chases, love, prison breaks and all manner of things that would be enough to fill in countless films but Anderson is always in complete control of his material and it’s clear that this project meant a lot to the man on a personal level. The film’s charms feel like an extenuation of Anderson the filmmaker and screen writer, and as films such as the aforementioned Moonrise Kingdom and the misfiring Darjeeling Limited attest to, sometimes this can mean a muddled film which Grand Budapest never is. With such a rollicking and imaginative tale, Anderson has also in the forms of Ralph Fiennes and the virtually unknown Tony Revolori found two actors that are perfectly suited to his colourful characters.
While Anderson has always been a fantastic visual director, it’s always been abundantly clear his an actors director in equal measure, with many of his cast members over time giving career best turns in his pieces. Despite initial skepticism, Ralph Fiennes is absolute gold as Gustave H., a true joy of a character that will go down as one of the years best and as an actor Fiennes jumps in with both feet to material that required a side to him we have never seen. Fiennes is the glue that holds the film together, but he is ably supported by all cast members, who seem to be having an absolute blast playing with material that feels so alive. The film is made all the more memorable thanks to it’s wonderful set design, impeccable score and witty script.
No doubt Grand Budapest Hotel will be one of the feel good films of the year, and a very possible suspect at next years Oscars. A truly enjoyable film, that while nothing more than a caper and in no ways emotionally affecting is a blast of fresh air in a film market that fails to dream and imagine the way in which Anderson does.
4 fingers in the door out of 5
I’ve been looking forward to this one, I think this is one for Anderson fans to bank their love of him on, I didn’t hate Darjeeling, but it was a little frustrating because you know what he’s capable of
That’s it Jase it felt like a real lesser film from him but this one really brings in all his qualities and makes for a very fun ride indeed!
Eddie
Easily my favorite of the year so far!
The humanity of the story caught me off-guard, so much so that I cried as the credits rolled. I know a lot of older folks who sobbed as the credits rolled too.
Apart from being fun throughout, the last five minutes of the film managed to elicit an emotion that I haven;t experienced for a very long time. I found it powerful, especially the very last minute of the movie.
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts Tuan, it’s great to hear of people reacting to a movie in such a way.
I had a real blast with this one and while not being emotionally affected by it loved every minute of my time with the story.
Eddie
Really looking forward to seeing this. You’re right about Anderson being a good director of actors
Cool man you’ll have to let us know what you think once you catch it. Anderson really does seem to bring out the best in his actors and they must love him also as they always seem to be coming back for more.
Eddie
Fabulous review! I have been wanting to see this, but was unsure what to expect because of some of his earlier works. I am also a huge fan of artistic movies, so this is right up my alley! Thank you for the lovely review, I hope my impression is just as positive as yours was. 🙂
If your a fan of all things art your in for a real treat here, every frame is full of life and obvious thought 🙂
Eddie
The film is a nostalgic paean that chronicles the destruction of hotel and the world it represents, a world where style and appearance are all that matters. When Monsieur Gustave views the body of a dear friend and now dead customer Madam D, he says, “you’re looking so well darling. You really are. I don’t know what sort of cream they’ve put on new down at the morgue, but, I want some.” It doesn’t matter if you’re dead, the only thing that matters is how you look.
Very interesting thoughts mate, thanks for sharing 🙂
Eddie
Good review Eddie. It’s the kind of fun, frothy and exciting movie I expect to see from Anderson, except done on a much-larger scale than ever before.
It was very large scale mate, saw today its become his first movie to gross 100 million worldwide so the large scale has obviously paid off for him 🙂
Eddie
The film of 2014 from my fave director. So not even biased. But it actually is film of the year isn’t it?
Ha we will have to wait till the years end to call that one mate but this year has already produced some real stand outs.
Eddie
I loved this film! So quirky and different to any other, and what an amazing cast! Great review, in complete agreement! x
It really is a movie in its own grand little universe, great to see something so original.
Eddie
Such incredible fun. My favourite Wes Anderson yet!
Oh nice in a range of films that are pretty great that is a big call but it certainly is a super fun and well made film.
Eddie
Absolutely beautiful film. Though I agree that the film is very funny, and I absolutely loved the cast, I have to say that I felt like the story fell short just a little. Something about it, which I can’t quite put my finger on it was missing. Though I think that it has a certain amount of re-watch value!
Beautiful is a very good way of putting it mate the whole design and construction of it all is really quite a wonder. Looking forward to catching it again down the line.
Eddie
I loved this film quite a huge amount.
It’s a lot funnier than I ever expected it to be.
I was the same John I expected some laughs but from the beginning through to the prison break lots of moments were laugh out loud funny.
Eddie
Still haven’t seen this, I’ve heard many great things. Excellent review Eddie!
Adam.
Your in for a real treat Adam, a really fun time at the movies and a movie that is sure to be enjoyable on a re-watch.
Eddie
I actually rather enjoyed both Darjeeling and Moonrise, so this one aughta blow me away from what I’ve heard. Must really make an effort to go see it when it hits our shores.
Absolutely man get on board as soon as you can 🙂
Eddie
Hi! I nominated you for a Liebster Award!
http://reelryan.com/awards/
Why cheers man 🙂 always nice to know people are digging our little film blog mate.
Eddie
Indeed! Keep it up! 🙂
The film is actually funnier the more you think about it. There are so many little details (like when they replace Boy with Apple with the “worthless” Egon Schiele) that are just flat out hilarious.
It’s one that certainly has a lot in it, some fantastic production designs.
E
Fiennes just reads some of those flat out weird lines so well you barely notice their weirdness until you think about them.
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I actually really loved Moonrise Kingdom and Darjeeling Limited. Not too big on Royal Tenenbaums or Life Aquatic though. Am I a broken person?
There’s lots of people who would agree bud.
E