3 Must See Films From The Surreal World of Director Wes Anderson

Wes Anderson’s films are witty, subtle comedies which I only enjoy the second time around. Wes Anderson is the total package. He has total control over most parts of his films: writing, cinematography, production design, music selection, and casting.

What makes Wes Anderson’s films so engaging are his portrayals of his character’s interactions. Often times his characters speak formally with calm voices even as traumatic events are occurring all around. Martin Scorsese has been quoted as saying that Wes Anderson is one of his favorite directors.

Here are three films that give Wes Anderson his props.

Life Aquatic with Steve Zizzou

Life Aquatic is Wes Anderson’s fourth film which didn’t receive its due by most critics. The offbeat comedy stars Bill Murray as Steve Zissou, an eccentric oceanographer/documentarian, who sets out for revenge on the “jaguar shark” that ate his partner Esteban. Along the way, Steve meets his son Ned (Owen Wilson), encounters pirates, steals scientific equipment from his rival (Jeff Goldblum), and travels deep sea and meets his sea-dwelling enemy.

The highlight of the film is the collection of David Bowie songs performed unplugged in Portuguese. You can get these songs and the rest on The Life Aquatic Studio Sessions featuring Seu Jorge, and it contains a number of Jorge’s performances that were cut from the film.

The Royal Tenenabaums

The Royal Tenenbaums is 2001 dramatic comedy about genius siblings (Luke Wilson, Gwyneth Paltrow, Ben Stiller) who experience wild achievements in youth, and greater disappointment and failure after their eccentric father (Gene Hackman) leaves them in their adolescent years. An off-beat, ironic, absurdist sense of humor pervades the entire film. With all of director Wes Anderson’s work, the tone of the film is one of hilarious tragedy and revels in the small joys of conversation and camaraderie.

Bottle Rocket

Bottle Rocket was Wes Anderson’s first film. The movie was a commercial failure but launched Anderson’s career by drawing attention from critics. Director Martin Scorsese later named Bottle Rocket in his top-ten movies of the 90s. The film follows a few unambitious friends (Luke & Owen Wilson, Robert Musgrave) who try to become career criminals but are failing miserably. Watch Owen Wilson’s post-”game” breakdown of how they did in their first robbery - very funny stuff.

Check them out, and while your at it, Rushmore is great also.