"What kind of bird are you?"
It’s 1965 and pre teen pen pals, Sam (Jared Gilman) and Suzy
(Kara Heyward) agree to run away from home and meet up a year after meeting for
the first time. While the two of them head off into the wilderness of Suzy’s
twelve mile long home island a search party that includes Island Policeman
Bruce Willis, Scout leader Edward Norton, Suzy’s parents Bill Murray and Frances
McDormand and Sam’s fellow Scouts set about trying to hunt the eloping children
down in the days preceding a huge storm.
I should say from the outset that I am a huge Wes Anderson
fan and have absolutely loved all of his films with the exception of Fantastic Mr Fox so I went in expecting
great things. My expectations were matched and even perhaps exceeded. I loved
this film. Anderson
sets up Suzy’s home life in a fantastic opening sequence which features some exquisite
tracking shots through the family home. Before anything is said it is already
obvious to the audience that Suzy is a loner who longs for something bigger,
something more. Her parents do not get on and are never even seen in the same
room, let alone talking to each other. She has three younger brothers who
appear to get along very well. Her house is large and well furnished,
indicating wealth if not happiness. All of this is established in one long
sequence of beautiful camera movements which last no longer than a couple of
minutes. Sam’s life with his Scout troupe is shown in a similar manner although
it soon becomes apparent that he has already escaped in search of his love,
Suzy.
One of the things I love about all of Anderson’s films is
that you could turn on the TV at pretty much any moment during any of his films
and within a few moments be sure that you are watching a Wes Anderson film. His
style is very distinctive and it’s all over his latest work. The shots are
framed to perfection and each camera movement feels measured but not forced. There
is a vague pastel and brown tint to everything which matches the film’s period
setting. Everything from the sets to the characters also feels slightly off
centre and as though they inhabit the same world as The Royal Tenenbaums and The
Darjeeling Limited. Anderson
not only creates his own world for each film but his films feel somehow
connected and as though they too inhabit the same slightly odd world.
The plot is absolutely delightful and sweet. It’s such a
touching and loving story which also feels like a love letter to the children’s
adventure books of which Suzy reads throughout the film. Though they read these
books, the children long for an adventure of their own and have finally
embarked on one. The characters are equally enchanting. Sam and Suzy are
somehow both old beyond their years but also very much still children. They
have obvious intelligence and wisdom but convey it through a child’s eyes. They
are on the cusp of adulthood but somewhere in between. The acting of Hayward and Gilman is
superb and again both feel both older than they are but also very child like.
They are great. The adult characters are also great without exception. Bruce
Willis is a sad and lonely cop who patrols a quiet island and although he has
his faults is very kind and caring. Edward Norton is an exemplary leader who
also has a big heart while Bill Murray and Frances McDormand, both lawyers,
talk to each other using mostly legal language and although are not really in
love with each other, care a lot for their children and want the best for them.
There are also small cameos from Jason Schwartzman, Harvey Keitel and Tilda
Swinton, all three of which were welcome and provided something. The adult cast
on the whole was fantastic.
The score goes perfectly with the on screen action and
features a mixture of militaristic marching music, classical and 60s pop. They
somehow all work together and help to push the story on to it’s frenetic final
act.
This is a film with a big heart, lovely story and plenty of
laughs. Although I only just saw it I already can’t wait to see it again. It’s
everything you’d expect from a Wes Anderson film but as well as being unusual,
wacky and nice to look at also has a sweet story about adolescence, growing up
and first love. If you're a Wes Anderson fan then you'll love this, if you don't know who Wes Anderson is then you're in for a treat.
9/10
Jealous you got to see this right away. I have to wait another week before it comes to my town I for one loved "The Fantastic Mr. Fox", but after reading this review I will love "Moonrise Kingdom" even more
ReplyDeleteI hope you do. I realise that Wes Anderson isn't for everyone but if you like his films then you should love this.
DeleteWatching this in the week sometime (whenever one of my 2 local World of Cine's deign to show it), and very much looking forward to it. Even more so following your review. Wonderfully written, as ever, Tom.
ReplyDeleteThanks man, I look forward to reading what you thought.
DeleteNice review. I thought the movie was visually stunning but Anderson's films always leave me cold.
ReplyDelete