Review of Bottle Rocket (1996) by Private U — 27 Jul 2008

My least favourite of Wes Anderson's films, but that is not to say that it's not good, as it certainly is. My only reason for not rating it as highly as his others is that it is clearly his debut and I felt that his style is more developed in his later films.

Owen Wilson is really good in it, and many people point out the parallels between his character in this and in The Darjeeling Limited, which I can see, but Darjeeling is a lot more thoughtful and less borderline insane is what I would say.

Luke Wilson is my favourite actor in this, he really gives a touching performance, and gives his part a real honesty, which is delightful to see. The relationship with the maid is really nicely done.

At times very funny, the final robbery, the motorbike and the jumpsuit, and at others very poignant, the bit in prison and certain sections of Dignan and Anthony.

The cinematography is very Anderson and the colours all fit his distinctive style. The only thing this film was missing for me to make it a true Anderson classic is slow motion sections to music, there is only one really, and this is a convention that he develops over his cinematic career.

All in all, very good, some good performances, lovely cinematography, some hilarious moments and a nice level of poignancy. Nice to see the roots of Anderson, you can clearly see where the rest of his films have come from.