Writer-director Wes Anderson’s latest film ‘The French Dispatch’ is a love letter to old-school journalism. It is all here to savor. It contains Anderson’s fast-paced dialogue and intricate set pieces that look like pop out dollhouses. The movie is full of A-list actors that are more than happy to provide cameos. The film centers on four short stories. For those who enjoy Anderson’s quirky style that includes such classics as ‘The Royal Tenebaums,’ ‘Moonrise Kingdom’ and ‘The Grand Budapest Hotel’ will no doubt appreciate the auteur’s latest delight. It is one of those rare movies that will leave you wanting to see it again.
There is a line in ‘The French Dispatch’ from Bill Murray’s character. He advises staff, “Just try to make it sound like you wrote it that way on purpose.” He portrays a Kansas-born editor, Arthur Howitzer Jr. of The French Dispatch. It is a weekly insert to the Liberty Kansas Evening Sun. The magazine is set in the fictionalized French town called Ennui-sur-Blasé. The death of Arthur puts into motion the final issue of the publication. His staff is always reminded of one rule: “no crying.”
His loyal staff gathers to grieve and plan their departed leader’s obituary including Cartoonist (Jason Schwartzman), Story Editor (Fisher Stevens) and Copy Editor (Elisabeth Moss). The first story kicks off with cycling reporter, Herbsaint Sazerac (Owen Wilson) taking us on a tour of the French town Ennui-sur-Blasé. We then get thrust into one of the best stories in my opinion titled “The Concrete Masterpiece.” It is retold by art critic, J.K.L. Berensen (Tilda Swinton). The story within a story technique is executed effectively well. This story concerns a murderer named Moses who creates brilliant art work in prison. His muse is prison guard, Simone (Lea Seydoux) who poses nude for him. You heard that right.
The next story that will make it into the magazine is “Revisions to a Manifesto.” Journalist Lucinda Krementz (Frances McDormand) chronicles a revolution by the city’s university students. She starts an affair with the movement leader Zeffirelli (Timothee Chalamat) and takes the liberty to make changes to his writing. Lucinda tells him, “Put it this way. This isn’t the first manifesto I’ve proofread.” The next short story is “The Private Dining Room of the Police Commissioner.” It is recounted by food writer Roebuck Wright (Jeffrey Wright) to a talk show host played by Liev Schreiber. It provides cameos to actors Edward Norton, Willem Dafoe, Christoph Waltz and Saoirse Ronan.
Once again, Wes Anderson creates a unique and absurdly funny world. Don’t fight it. It is best to just go with it. It may confound conventional moviegoers that are not used to the director’s signature style. I loved every minute of it. I like movies that don’t take themselves too seriously. Anderson is a master craftsman with perfect deadpan humor. There is a reason that A-list actors want to be in his ensemble cast. His attention to detail and whimsical style make him the most unique filmmaker in cinema today. ‘The French Dispatch’ is an indie gem.
