The Theft Of A Renaissance Painting, Murder And Four Severed Fingers. Scott Gentry Reviews Wes Anderson's "The Grand Budapest Hotel".

"The Grand Budapest Hotel" (15)

Directed by: Wes Anderson.

Starring: Ralph Fiennes, Adrien Brody, Willem Dafoe, Jeff Goldblum, Jude Law, Bill Murray and Edward Norton.

Running time: 100 minutes.

Rated: 15 for containing strong language, sex references and brief gory images.

Out in UK cinemas from the 7th of March 2014. 


Set in the ever-changing years leading up to World War Two, "The Grand Budapest Hotel" follows the often-hilarious adventures of a hotel concierge (a serial womaniser) named Gustave H (Ralph Fiennes), who is suddenly and unexpectedly thrust into the criminal world, when he is framed for the murder of a lover, Madame D (Tilda Swinton). With the help of his lobby boy Zero Moustafa (Tony Revolori), Gustave sets out to not only clear his name, but to also recover a priceless painting through some extremely difficult circumstances. 

Known all over the world for his often vivid and distinct visual style, as of 2014, Wes Anderson will have directed eight excellent pieces of cinema and it's quite safe to say that he is indeed, quite the auteur. 


Beginning his career with small yet critically acclaimed independent films such as "Bottle Rocket" and "Rushmore", the young director finally broke out into award-winning territory in 2001, with his hilarious and heartfelt comedy/drama "The Royal Tennenbaums". The film was subsequently nominated for an Academy Award and placed 159th on Empire Magazine's poll, of the greatest films ever made. 


Since 2001, Wes Anderson went on to make five films that with the exception of two less well-received pieces ("The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou" and "The Darjeeling Limited) proved that he was not only confident as a director, but brilliantly talented in terms of screenwriting as well. After the success of 2012's "Moonrise Kingdom", it was clear that Anderson was going to continue making films of an excellent quality, but after conquering stories surrounding selfish fathers, eccentric oceanographers and two romantically entwined teenagers, what's the next step forward? The answer is "The Grand Budapest Hotel", Anderson's most adventurous film to date. 

Once again uniting his cast of regular actors and a beautifully written script (by himself and Hugo Guinness), Anderson seems to have put all of his effort into creating an ambitious comedy, which not only caters for his large fan-base, but also for people who are just interested in a rather odd comedy. In other words, it appeals to the least likely of Anderson fans.

The film itself is perfect in many ways and partly because our main character played by Ralph Fiennes, simply carries the film and provides a perfect comedic performance, that many people last witnessed back in 2008's outstanding film, "In Bruges" in which Fiennes portrays a psychopathic gangster. Another performance similar to that has been particularly overdue, but it's here that Fiennes seems to forget his previous comedic performances and instead creates a completely fresh character, that audiences will find particularly entertaining. 

Not only does Ralph Fiennes and Anderson's regular cast deliver perfect performances, but so do the newer (acting) members of the Anderson universe, including a fresh and talented actor named Tony Revolori, who portrays Zero the lobby boy in perfect Anderson style, whilst obviously understanding the auteur for the film-maker he really is.

Saoirse Ronan is also notable and proves her worth as a rising star in the role of Agatha, an apprentice at a bakery. In terms of the stand out cast, Willem Dafoe, Jeff Goldblum and Tilda Swinton all provide outstanding acting support, whilst constantly contributing hilarious one-liners, thanks to Anderson's perfect script. 

The French composer and Anderson regular, Alexandre Desplat (composer of "Moonrise Kingdom", another Wes Anderson film) lends his talents once again in terms of music, to provide an unconventional score of pure genius, that is reminiscent of the soundtrack to "Fantastic Mr Fox", which manages to work well alongside a film that constantly changes it's tone.

Verdict

Wes Anderson's latest adventure is a joy to behold, not only does it include all the lines and contours of a modern classic, but also a cast that simply never ceases to surprise even the most dedicated, of Wes Anderson fans. A comedy, which makes for imperative viewing.

                                   8.5 stars out of 10

    Written by Scott Gentry.

Film Rating Key

1-2 stars out of ten = Awful.

3-4 stars out of ten = Average.

5-6 stars out of ten = Good.

7-8 stars out of ten = Excellent.

9-10 stars out of ten = Amazing.