Review of The Royal Tenenbaums (2001) by Nate G — 19 Jul 2018

This is the only Wes Andersen film that failed, and the reasons that it failed are relatively simple (appropriately enough): It strays from what makes Wes Andersen films so great.

First of all: the characters are unlikable. Not only are likable characters crucial for most films, they're essential to Wes's. These characters' quirkiness, unlike in all other Andersen films, is not charming or endearing.

The central premise is that the Tenenbaums are, basically, the Incandenza family from Infinite Jest (There's even a tennis prodigy connection), albeit less remarkable and more messed up. Or, at least, messed up in a different way.

Royal Tenenbaum himself, the patriarch and central figure to the story, is written to be insufferable. The problem with unlikable characters is that I do not enjoy watching them because they are unlikable. Unfortunately, Royal gets the most screentime.

The rest of the family inherited his personality flaws, and it doesn't outweigh their redeeming distinct character traits. Following their hamfisted journey to reconstruct the family felt like a chore gone awry.

Secondly: there is a bizarre lack of signature Wes Andersen-y shots. I won't rattle off what qualities a Wes Andersen-y, shot has, but film lacked them. Or, at least, they were too subtle to be remarkable.

In summation, this doesn't feel like a Wes Andersen film, and that's bad. In an ensemble piece, the characters are unlikable and uncharming and the cinematography lacked the director's signature, lovable style. Therefore, I did not like or love this film.