Review of The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014) by Ammilner — 31 Jan 2015

In Wes Anderson’s latest film, The Grand Budapest Hotel, the unorthodox director/screen writer capitalizes on his signature and brings everything together in a way that makes The Grand Budapest Hotel quite an unforgettable piece of Cinema. From theatrical transitions, to a daring escape, to stories within stories, this Anderson film delightfully integrates drama, romance, comedy, and adventure all at once.

The act of tying the film to many different genres is undoubtedly the reason it stands out from other films I have seen this year (2014). To me, it is no wonder Wes Anderson has such a hold on the film industry even though his works are not three-part, explosive, action packed tales of heroism. Similar to Anderson’s previous film Moonrise Kingdom, a quirky, irreverent comedy, The Grand Budapest Hotel also hones in on budding adolescent relationships. Though these off-the-wall kids think they’re ready to bloom, they are not quite prepared for the adult world and all it entails.

Anderson’s focus on these early teenage love affairs can be quite uncomfortable at times (more so in Moonrise Kingdom) however, I personally enjoy the awkwardness and discomfort for one reason: Above all, Wes Anderson is an incredibly honest writer. His stories are chalk-full of genuine emotion, connections, and deep thought, instead of carefully calculated responses that would censor what we already see in the real world today. Though Anderson’s characters can be mundane at times, it’s due to a stylistic difference that pulls Anderson apart from others in the film industry. Eccentric, honest and good-natured, The Grand Budapest Hotel does not fail to impress.