Today I want to talk about a director I discovered with The Grand Budapest Hotel and grew to admire as I watched the rest of his work.
Do you see? Even in this savage abattoir that was once called humanity, a little light of hope remains.
That line hooked me, and the more I watched, the clearer it became that he had a whole shelf of enchanting films. Short or feature-length, there is usually something that can lift even a gloomy day. Once you catch the rhythm, you can often spot a Wes Anderson frame without reading the credits.
His scripts hide small surprises, storybook images, and a twist of the unexpected. Here are nine to start with. I hope you enjoy them.
Note: this piece is spoiler-free. Read with an easy mind.
1. The Grand Budapest Hotel
I could write dozens of sentences about this one. I have lost count of rewatches. Even when I know every frame, it still comforts me on low days.
The moment you show love to even the most repulsive person, they open like a flower.
2. The Darjeeling Limited
Ready for one of the most delightful train rides in film? Anderson ladles on adventure and absurdist comedy.
3. The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou
More adventure, please. A stacked cast pulls you into a cheerfully odd expedition.
4. Fantastic Mr. Fox
The title says enough. Adapted from Roald Dahl, it is the rare book-to-film that might upgrade your default skepticism about adaptations.
5. The Royal Tenenbaums
Small dramas sit beside comedy and warmth. I think it will still leave you smiling.
6. Moonrise Kingdom
Want a ticket back to childhood daydreams? This is the one.
7. Bottle Rocket
This 1996 debut follows three friends through bungled thefts. A true Anderson classic.
8. Castello Cavalcanti
An eight-minute sip of Anderson set in 1955 Italy. Skip it and you miss a lot in a short span.
9. Rushmore
Absurdity poured by the bucket, with music, script, and performances that stick.
