Today I went to see The Fantastic Mr Fox. It was… well, fantastic!
I’m a massive Wes Anderson fan. I can’t recall how I discovered his work, but the first of his movies I saw was the seminal The Royal Tenenbaums. I later caught The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou when it was released and fell in love the cinematography, his characters and his brother’s artwork. From here I went back to Bottle Rocket and Rushmore. With Rushmore, I ran into Jason Schwartzman, and in Bottle Rocket I realised the pivotal role Owen Wilson plays in their movies (as Wilson & Anderson write the majority together). The more recent The Darjeeling Limited takes Anderson’s cutaways to a whole new level, but it is Hotel Chevalier, his short film prior to the main feature that I love the most, featuring Schwartman and the enigmatic Natalie Portman. If you’ve never watched a Wes Anderson movie, why on earth not?! Do it …now! You won’t regret it.
In fact, why not begin with The Fantastic Mr Fox? The movie is Anderson’s take on the classic Roald Dahl novel. It was released here in the UK on halfterm, so was billed as a kids movie. Likewise, it’s released next week in the US in time for the Thanksgiving holiday. It’s not just a kids film though. Like with Pixar’s animated output, there is a warmth to the characters, and a depth. The script is both witty for instant chuckles, and loaded with Andersonesque subtleties for us die-hard fans. My favourite moment has to be Wes’ homage to Dahl with Foxy sat in his armchair discussing his masterplan, which is on a wooden board resting across the arms of his chair; just as had been the way that Dahl had created his many wonderful novels, short stories and poems. Otherwise, the plot moves along at breakneck pace to provide what is not just a cartoon, nor a comedy, but also an action movie.
The movie is packed with talent. George Clooney works very hard with a lot of lines as Foxy, and a masterly trade mark (watch the trailer above); Meryl Streep is perfect as his firm yet fair wife; but my personal favourite is Schwartzman again. His character, Ash, their hapless son evokes memories of the awkward Max with big ambitions and a passion in Rushmore, and Jack, the runt of the litter in Darjeeling Limited. He really steals the show for me.
I was asked the other day by a mate about whether or not he should take his 7 year old niece to see it. At the time I said no, knowing Anderson’s previous work, and having seen the smart trailers. Now though, I’d say yes. It’s definitely a movie that kids will enjoy, because it works even of you don’t get the subtle nuances that it’s laced with. There were families in the theatre today, and the kids definitely enjoyed it; but I’m sure few were enjoying it as much as me. A truly great movie.
If you too become a fan of Wes Anderson and need more, try these links:
The Rushmore Academy on Tumblr
