Those who know me well are not surprised by today's article link.It's no secret that I'm a huge Wes Anderson fan. If you need more proof, note the last quote at the top of the page.
From Bottle Rocket to his most recent The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou, his original style and storytelling with friend and collaborator Owen Wilson have marveled critics and moviegoers alike.
I know that The Royal Tenebaums has been characterized by many to be a bump in the road for young Anderson, but few can argue with his daring and bold choices that have personified his undeniable storytelling technique.
So, I was intrigued to find this article on Slate at MSN.com, making the argument that perhaps it was Owen's partnership that drove the first 3 scripts, and could be the lynchpin to Wes' so-called backlash in Life Aquatic.
While I don't agree with this writer's position, I will admit there could be some validity to it. I've always seen Wilson as the yang to Anderson's yin, a give-take relationship of too talented, yet stubborn auteurs. With that in mind, I do feel the author's Lennon/McCartney reference is spot on, but hopefully not a harbinger of things to come.
At any rate, I'm sure that this whole post is just another ruse in my attempt to invite you into the world of genius and akwardness that is the Wes Anderson universe. '
If you haven't seen any of his movies, I implore to give them a try.
They may be a little surreal and obtuse, but the humor and the intricate, brilliantly-woven characters he creates should be recognizable, and that alone is a breath of fresh air in the remake/sequel/Swiss cheese plots of the current Hollywood landscape.
Wes Anderson's Filmography
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Bottle Rocket (1996)
Rushmore (1998)
The Royal Tenebaums (2001)
The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2004)
