Disappointed to say that it's disappointing
I live in Paris and I accidentally ran into Wes Anderson on my way back from the office a few months ago. I am a devoted fan to the extent that I completely froze and could not utter a single word to him; I simply stood there, smiling at him stupidly.
You get the picture (pun unintended): I had been awaiting this movie for so long. Like many other fans, watching a good Wes Anderson movie feels like an out-of-body experience. For a couple of hours, you are not the person you are, you do not lead the normal life you lead. Instead, you're in the Wes Anderson Universe.
While most people consider the visual aspect of Wes Anderson's movie as the most quintessential, I consider that the general feeling his movies will leave you in is his most important trademark. The fans of The Royal Tenenbaums, Darjeeling Limited and Life Aquatic will know all too well what I am talking about. The movies are just so heartwarming; hardships, loss and betrayal happen, but people ultimately find a way to their loved ones. Even if it's not perfect. It's like real life, but better.
Alas, Wes Anderson did not deliver on this front with Asteroid City. Just as he did not with the French Dispatch. The movie is visually stunning, but I just expect something else from Wes Anderson. To take me away for one hour and forty-five minutes. That did not happen. The characters are not endearing; the soundtrack is subpar; and the storyline is mildly entertaining.
Maybe we rely too heavily on Wes. Maybe that is a responsibility he should not have to bear. Hopefully, I will run into him again. Only this time I will be able to strike a conversation and show him my "Accidentally Wes Anderson" photo collection.
You get the picture (pun unintended): I had been awaiting this movie for so long. Like many other fans, watching a good Wes Anderson movie feels like an out-of-body experience. For a couple of hours, you are not the person you are, you do not lead the normal life you lead. Instead, you're in the Wes Anderson Universe.
While most people consider the visual aspect of Wes Anderson's movie as the most quintessential, I consider that the general feeling his movies will leave you in is his most important trademark. The fans of The Royal Tenenbaums, Darjeeling Limited and Life Aquatic will know all too well what I am talking about. The movies are just so heartwarming; hardships, loss and betrayal happen, but people ultimately find a way to their loved ones. Even if it's not perfect. It's like real life, but better.
Alas, Wes Anderson did not deliver on this front with Asteroid City. Just as he did not with the French Dispatch. The movie is visually stunning, but I just expect something else from Wes Anderson. To take me away for one hour and forty-five minutes. That did not happen. The characters are not endearing; the soundtrack is subpar; and the storyline is mildly entertaining.
Maybe we rely too heavily on Wes. Maybe that is a responsibility he should not have to bear. Hopefully, I will run into him again. Only this time I will be able to strike a conversation and show him my "Accidentally Wes Anderson" photo collection.
- DoubleMaitre
- Jun 15, 2023