No. 1 (2022) THE FRENCH DISPATCH Jan. 2nd.

 

Film No. 1 (2021)  January 2nd.  4.20 PM   Cinema 2.  LUNA,  Leederville. 

"Just try to make it sound as if you wrote it that way on purpose."(Arthur offers advice to one of his journalists, with back light presenting them as shadows).

Wes Anderson is perhaps the most unique story-teller in the world of film. I have heard it said he makes films that play as sophisticated cartoons, then low and behold he inserts an animated chase scene into THE FRENCH DISPATCH; it's excellent! Anderson sets up each scene with precision, usually with a particular point of interest inserted. Actors line up to play his characters and they perform at discount rates - that way, he can afford his sets.

Here Anderson pays homage to high brow news magazines. Mags like The New Yorker. A magazine hierarchy choc full of eccentric and exotic characters. None more eccentric than founder and editor Arthur Howitzer Jr. (Bill Murray). Arthur is a journalist's editor. He's hard but fair and never shies away from supporting his team. The series of stories presented (told in a slightly elongated fashion) represent a typical edition of The Dispatch.

The writing is rich in description. To get a sense of the sort of articles published in magazines like The New Yorker the spice in the prose is polished . Owen Wilson's Herbsaint Sazerac is a hybrid of two reporters who described their surrounds from the seat of a bicycle. Tilda Swinton is J.K.L. Berensen, inspired by Rosamond Berner, a well known "art talker" or lecturer. Anderson cleverly uses J.K.L. in scenes of narration, which double as great link segments for each story.

My only criticism is hardly derogatory; Anderson has many ideas, visuals and so much cracking dialogue that I hardly had time to digest what I'd just heard and seen before his next scene was upon me. Anderson challenges his audiences to "keep up, there's lots to get through". Don't see this film after a couple of drinks and a bite to eat. Enter with a lethargic mind and Anderson will leave you in his wake. I was in reasonable fettle, but I have no doubt that a second viewing is required. 10GUMS.