Fans of Wes Anderson will be very familiar with the director’s distinct visual style and colour palette and will not be disappointed by his comedic fantasy, The French Dispatch.
The filmmaker himself describes this movie as a ‘love letter’ to the world of journalism. The anthology film starts in the fictional Liberty, Kansas and follows the publication of the final edition of a local newspaper’s French Dispatch after the death of its editor. The events of each article take place in Ennui-sur-Blasé across the pond and are depicted through shorts with an ensemble cast.
Bill Murray stars as Arthur Howitzer Jr., the paper’s editor. Notably, Murray appeared in nine Wes Anderson films in a row, this streak only ended with Asteroid City (2023), when the actor was unable to take on his role due to illness. Although, he was still involved in the advertising.
The star-studded cast features multiple other familiar faces from the Wes Anderson world; including long-time friend and collaborator, Owen Wilson. The pair were college roommates and have worked on various projects together including The Royal Tenenbaums and Bottle Rocket.
As well as old favourites of the director’s there are newer faces including Timothée Chalamet in his Wes Anderson debut. There are also performances from Tilda Swinton, Saoirse Ronan, and Christoph Waltz, to name just a few.
The French Dispatch is understood to be based on The New Yorker as writers associated with the paper are featured in the dedications during the credits. There is also a striking resemblance between the look of the fictional paper and the real-life inspiration.
Approval for the latter was given when upon the release of the film, The New Yorker critic stated that “The French Dispatch is perhaps Anderson’s best film to date.”
The movie has received a score of 75% on Rotten Tomatoes, which notes that some people have found the film a touch confusing. However, those who love Anderson’s work, find that this is all part of the joy.
The French Dispatch is now streaming on Channel 4.
