The French Dispatch Review

October 27, 2021 at 10:21pm
By Jason Stettner

There’s a delightfully special moment that arrives every few years or so, and that’s the release of a new Wes Anderson movie. These stories are the purist form of art as film, with each movie being a distinctly unique journey that can only be described as its own distinct genre. In this latest outing, one of which that I’ve been waiting many years for due to the covid times has finally arrived. This is a collection of stories that fable a legendary newspaper, collaborated on by a massive ensemble cast of top tier talent.

At the head of this newspaper, you’ve got Arthur Howitzer Jr (Bill Murray) who is only briefly in the film yet ties all of these unique pieces together being the outer structuring of what’s going on. It’s really quite a fascinating movie, something that I could only describe as perfect art. There are three stories at play here, with a brief segment that opens up what we’re about to experience. That being a story about a bicycling writer, Herbsaint played by Owen Wilson. It prepares you for the

visual storytelling that’s about to be presented, and it was a quirky way to get it rolling. I do want to firstly note prior to going over in brief detail what the stories are that each of these could have easily been their own films and I would have loved to see them. It’s marvelous that I felt fully entranced by each of the separate tales, not wanting them to end.

Yet at the same time, it felt like a fluid switch over to the next piece. Very well done. Anyways, the first story is about art. It follows a mad man, and the shift to Moses (Benicio Del Toro) who paints for the powerful Julian Cadzio (Adrien Brody) whom is an art seller essentially. The eye of the art that is painted, is the ever charming Simone (Lea Seydoux) who shows all if you understand what I mean.

A moment of art outside of the painting one might say, the inspiration for the pieces that we see presented. The second story is about youthful revolt, love and mostly passion while told from what should be a neutral journalistic point of interest. It’s about Zeffirelli (Timothee Chalamet) and Juliette (Lyna Khoudri) as they connect with the backdrop of this wild change from the youth, while Lucinda (Frances McDormand) observes the story while interacting in a certain way at times.

The final story in this package is about food, and loneliness. At least, that’s what’s really there if you look deeply at it. The forefront of this is an epic moment of action when the police chief’s son is kidnapped and Roebuck Wright (Jeffrey Wright) is along for the ride. It’s wild, simply put.

If you’ve watched any of the past Wes Anderson films you will see a continued showcase of his unique style. It’s a beautiful mix of well placed sets, music and style that can only be described as complete art. It’s in a visual style, even outside of the spoken words these places really help sell the world you’re exploring.

There’s a lovely mix of color scenes mixed with black and white that really help emit extra emotion. Whether that’s in a display of actual art from the painter or the excitement of the moment when it’s needed. The distinct camera angles, and in general the cinematography is just gorgeous in this one. Each scene is completely fresh, and so distinctly placed that it should be extremely memorable to the viewer.

It’s got all of the quirks you expect, and it’s a warm feeling that you’ll get when you view the scenes. While I’ve focused on visual elements here the music is really well set, as are the excellent performances by this massive range of talented individuals. Each one has their place, each person helps to tell the story and it’s just a complete joy to take in.

The Conclusion

The French Dispatch is a perfect Wes Anderson film, providing the audience with distinct smaller stories that come together for one incredible cohesive masterpiece. It was such a joy to watch this movie, and I really would love to see these stories expanded upon.

They were all of course complete in what they were presenting, but each one felt as though it could be an entirely distinct film. It’s amazing that it all filtered in to being something about a single man, one that put together these incredible journalists. A love letter to that industry, and the worlds that it can present to those that read them.

I was laughing, charmed and felt generally moved by what was shown. It was an emotive experience that delivered in every regard I could think of. I was consistently in a cheerful mood by the way each scene was introduced and I can’t wait to see what comes next from this incredibly talented individual. What a must watch film.

The French Dispatch Review at Theater with Standard Viewing
Screening was Provided by AGM

Rating Overall: 10