Writer/Director Wes Anderson (The French Dispatch) brings his unique, auteur style to (for him) a new genre, science fiction, and the results are a reasonable treat for fans.
Set up in acts like a Shakespeare play with a narrator (Bryan Cranston), the film switches back and forth with a setting in the Cold War in 1955 and centers on a southwestern town, Asteroid City, the site of an ancient meteor crater where nearby, atomic bomb tests and police chases are routine. There, an assortment of characters including a photographer (Jason Schwartzman) and his kids, their patriarch (Tom Hanks), a mysterious actress (Scarlett Johansson), a scientist (Tilda Swinton), a motel manager (Steve Carrell), and a host of others intersect in a myriad of subplots that revolve around a celestial commemoration that turns into something out of this world. The ensuing repercussions result in a frenzy and chaos that affects everyone there, and the question is, ‘what will happen next?’
This is a light comedy in the guise of science fiction where snappy, stream of consciousness dialogue keeps the narrative humming along, and moments of quirky humor derive from the situations and interactions. Structurally, the shifting between the play and the film story doesn’t quite work and tends to be a bit confusing (while non-fans might find it tedious). It’s best not to try to make sense of it all and just go along with Anderson and his impressive, all-star cast who are obviously having a ball. The production is impressive with its fluid camerawork, set design, and costumes (which vividly recreate its period setting). It’s a good ride while it lasts, but when it ends, this tasty, fluffy dish leaves little in the way of substance (though it’s still better than most films).
***1/2
of ***** stars (for Anderson fans)
No comments:
Post a Comment