As The Grand Budapest Hotel arrives in cinemas, James dreams of a world fabricated by Wes Anderson…
The Grand Budapest Hotelis directed by Nadia Cavalcanti.
That was a lie and Nadia Cavalcanti is a made-up person.
How does that make you feel?
Now, how does that make you feel?
Even if were not frequenting his more exotic or fantastic prefs, Andersons mundane American environments look equally appealing.
True one-of-kind types are allegedly pretty rare in this ultra-postmodern seen-it-all-and-bought-the-imitation-tee-shirt age where real originality doesnt exist.
They should probably put a bandit hat on instead.
But theres something kind of fantastic about that, isnt there?
So it has been fromBottle Rocketright up toMoonrise Kingdomin spite of a few frostier receptions and pop-cultural trend shifts.
Im all for auteur theory and movie experiences that are intrinsically infused with and enlivened by their creators DNA.
That kind of recognition is idealised by artists looking to forge a name for themselves and their oeuvre.
Nevertheless, there are also possible downsides to being a moviemaker with an acknowledged maverick streak and remarkable style.
What if that infamous stylistic identity starts to become something of a straight jacket?
Past success can be hazardous.
Alfred Hitchcock once claimed, I am a typed director.
If I madeCinderella, the audience would immediately be looking for a body in the coach.
(Though, of course, the lack of evidence might highlight how successful their secret identities are.)
It doesnt seem right that actors should have a monopoly on pretending to be other people.
Imagine going to see a Wes Anderson movie and finding that all his characteristic quirks are conspicuously absent.
How does that make you feel?
That excites Anderson enthusiasts and alienates those who dont dig the directors signature moves.
Remove that evocative autograph and put a different filmmakers moniker alongsideThe Grand Budapest Hoteland everything changes.
The Grand Budapest Hotelis directed by Nadia Cavalcanti.
Whats amazing is just how much it feels like a Wes Anderson movie.
You canread James last column here.
