The suave, nostalgic, albeit melancholic radiance that Wes Anderson infuses into his films is a sight for sore eyes. Each and every scene is carefully crafted and laid out like a picture postcard.
The Grand Budapest Hotel successfully transports you to a bygone era that is fantastically captured throughout the film. The sets are breathtakingly beautiful; the scenes mesmerizing; and the cast… an arsenal of talented actors who know and understand the director’s vision.
Set in the fictional European country of Zubrowka, the film unfolds with the story of an author (Jude Law) who visits the Grand Budapest Hotel and stumbles upon the title and inspiration for his next book after talking to the “owner” of the hotel; a kindly gentleman by the name of Zero Moustafa (F. Murray Abraham & Tony Revolori), who incidentally had also been the lobby boy of the hotel in its heyday.
As Zero narrates his uncanny tale, of how he came to own the place, he recounts his days at the hotel and how M. Gustave (Ralph Fiennes), the concierge at that time, helped and trained him, as he grew up.
Paintings, murder, a pot full of humour, a prison break, old wealthy women, a dead cat, eloquent speeches and witty dialogues are all packed in this cinematic marvel; and make it so irresistibly rich and exciting that you’ll want to watch it all over again!
Tilda Swinton, Adrian Brody, Bill Murray, Willem Dafoe, Edward Norton, Saoirse Ronan…and the list goes on!
It’s safe to say that Wes has created an indie masterpiece that manages to distract and draw the audience into the film like no other.
To tell you the truth, I haven’t had the pleasure of watching Anderson’s other ‘works of art’. I don’t have the faintest idea why. But will surely be delighted to tune in to another captivating adventure from one of the modern masters of storytelling and cinema. Moonrise Kingdom here I come!
Till then, sit back and enjoy the sights and sounds that will surely become a unique timeless classic.