10.15.07

Opinion: Why I Love Wes Anderson

Posted in opinion, comedy at 1:20 pm by FilmFemme

Slate might claim it’s because I’m a racist.

My hormones would probably claim it’s because I will never get enough of Owen Wilson.

But I think it’s a lot more than that.

His films speak to me and they inspire me.  I relate to his characters’ quests for a sense of wholeness and meaning.  To the alienation that they feel not only from their intensely quirky and always unknowable relatives, but also from the rest of the world that is somehow always duller, dumber and less interesting than themselves.  That last sentence may reek of self-absorption and egotism, but does anyone not feel this way, at least some of the time? 

I could mention meticulous art direction, captivating but opaque cinematography, overwhelming colorscapes…but I don’t think anyone’s arguing about those things.  The main point seems to be that people think Wes Anderson is style over substance.  I can concede that point.  But what I don’t think is that he is style instead of substance. 

I think that his films speak to a certain demographic that I happen to be a part of.  Young.  Uncertain.  Aesthetically aware.  Always seeking something greater.

I don’t think I’ve uncovered any great truths about filmmaking or about Anderson in general, here.  But maybe if anyone just *doesn’t understand* what the deal with him is, then I entreat them to be enlightened.

Plus, how cute is he!!

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