If you’re looking for a film to make you laugh but will still take you along for an action-filled ride, consider a stay at The Grand Budapest Hotel. Wes Anderson’s newest film provides action, comedy and celebrities galore without any of the dumbed down jokes or excessive violence of mainstream movies today.
Anderson has only directed about 13 movies since he started filmmaking in 1994, but each one of his movies has been more quirky and unforgettable than the last. The Huffington Post reported that The Grand Budapest Hotel is now Anderson’s highest-grossing movie and his first to cross the $100 million mark at the global box office, topping his record for 2012’s Moonrise Kingdom by almost double. The Post also reported that the film has set the record for the highest ever grossing opening weekend for a limited release.
What makes Anderson’s latest movie so great is that it has all of the qualities one looks for in a quality movie such as comedy, action and an A-list cast, with the look and unpredictability only Anderson himself could imagine.
The film is about M. Gustave H., the renowned concierge at the Grand Budapest, and the lobby boy, Zero Moustafa. The two are swept into a fantastic adventure when an elderly guest leaves a famous painting to Gustave H. in her will. The plotline of two hotel workers and a painting may not sound that exciting, but The Grand Budapest Hotel takes viewers on a journey so exciting, they wouldn’t hesitate to see it twice.
For once, seeing a movie with action doesn’t have to mean watching innumerable dehumanized and meaningless extras suffer fake deaths. While Grand Budapest doesn’t exactly have a low body count, every death has meaning and adds depth to the story. Whether it’s for an immense plot twist, or simply to add a bit of humor to break up the drama, each character’s death is memorable.
As with any Anderson movie, the writing of The Grand Budapest Hotel is a work of art in itself. The plot moves along quickly, while still allowing itself to be completely unpredictable and full of twists and turns. Although the story moves along at a fast pace, viewers are still able to appreciate each and every line thanks to the stellar performances of the entire cast.
Members of Anderson’s trademark cast are impossible to forget with appearances from Bill Murray, Tilda Swinton, Owen Wilson, Adrian Brody, Jude Law and many more. However, the roles of these A-list celebrities are not as obvious as one may think. Tilda Swinton and Tom Wilkinson are done up to be almost unrecognizable characters––Tilda as a frail old woman and Wilkinson as an esteemed author. Murray and Wilson, who have previously played starring roles in Anderson’s films, are only on screen for moments at a time. The appearances of these well-known celebrities are essential to Anderson films, but they do not outshine the amazing performances of some of the lesser known actors such as Tony Revolori, who plays one of the main characters, Zero.
Ralph Fiennes, who is most well- known for his roles in The English Patient, Schindler’s List and the Harry Potter movies as Lord Voldemort, takes his acting to a completely different level as The Grand Budapest’s esteemed concierge, Gustav H. While his role in the Harry Potter films is certainly unforgettable, Fiennes’ performance in The Grand Budapest will be remembered for entirely different reasons. Instead of having his role consumed by the look of his costume, makeup and special effects, Fiennes is able to truly demonstrate his skill in this film by showing true emotion and character with the delivery of each and every line. He also forms an extremely believable bond with his co- star Revolori.
Revolori has only previously played very short parts in television shows and short films, but he seems just as experienced, composed and talented as his other more famous co-stars. He plays the role as Zero, the lobby boy, making the character quirky, lovable and always sincere.
While The Grand Budapest is considered a comedy, it didn’t need fart jokes or dumbed-down humor to keep audiences laughing. The comedy element of the story is just as fast paced and cerebral as the main storyline itself. Simple, quirky elements play a role in this as well. The enormous Mexico- shaped birthmark of Saoirse Ronan’s character, Agatha, is just one of the minor details which build the unusual humor of Anderson’s films.
The mise-en-scène element of The Grand Budapest is Anderson’s greatest work yet. His attention to detail is remarkable, and each and every shot of the film proves so. Each shot is framed perfectly along with an incredible color scheme, making the film essentially the definition of picture perfect.
Although The Grand Budapest Hotel clearly deviates from the mainstream movie norm, after watching the film, viewers may never want to see another “normal” movie again.
Critic’s Rating; 4 out of 5
Selene San Felice can be reached at selene.sanfelice@spartans.ut.edu