Director: Wes Anderson.
Starring: Tony Revolori, Ralph Fiennes, Tilda Swinton, F. Murray Abraham, Jude Law, Jeff Goldblum, Adrien Brody, Saoirse Ronan, Edward Norton, Owen Wilson, Bill Murray, Jason Schwarztman, Harvey Keitel, Willem Dafoe.
Certificate: 15.
Running Time: 99 minutes.
Synopsis: Set during the 1930s, we join new lobby boy Zero Moustafa (Tony Revolori) as he joins The Grand Budapest Hotel. He is soon taken under the wing of leader Gustave (Ralph Fiennes), a man who likes to give his guests whatever they desire. After the demise of one of the wealthiest guests, the pair find themselves on the run from both disgruntled relatives of the deceased, and the law.
One of the quirkier directors around today, although not a name familiar to everyone, Wes Anderson has amassed himself an army of loyal fans throughout his career. Choosing to veer towards comedy, his films are always filled with interesting and unique characters, and his latest film THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL is no exception.
Filling his cast with the cream of the indie crop makes it hard to pick out the best from this stellar cast. Returning ensemble members Adrien Brody, Edward Norton and Jeff Goldblum are on top form as ever, with Swinton pretty much unrecognisable as Madame D. Willem Dafoe channels creepy to great success as Brody’s henchman Jopling, while Anderson newbie Ralph Fiennes is superb as the camp, but definitely straight Gustave. But it is newcomer Revolori who steals the show with his deadpan delivery and a charming relationship with Agatha (Saoirse Ronan) that adds a lot of heart to the film.
THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL is a visual delight that sees its kooky director unleash the full spectrum of his artistic mind. The film’s set and costumes are full of bright pastels, reds, and rich textures that are a treat to behold. The hotel itself has all the quirks you would expect from an Anderson creation, including a skylift-style car that guests use to travel to the hotel.
Where some of Anderson’s previous films (such as THE LIFE AQUATIC WITH STEVE ZISSOU) had a more subtle strand of humour, THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL contains a lot more backhanded comments and slapstick elements. It also manages to juxtapose images of humour with some pretty grizzly scenes of violence. Those unfamiliar with the wacky world of Wes may find themselves – and their senses – struggling to keep up with all the zany antics, but loyal fans will be in awe of the events unfolding onscreen.
Wes Anderson’s latest is a lighthearted, laugh-out-loud, quirky comedy drama best suited to a lazy Sunday afternoon viewing with the family. Though definitely not with the kiddies.
[usr=4] THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL is released in UK cinemas on Friday 7th March, 2014.
