The French Despatch

[EmmaStone]

Couldn't see a thread about the new Wes Anderson. Watched it tonight with DD16. The cinema was completely packed (and other showings I looked at were sold out). Loved it, amazing detail (as always), such imaginative fun, sad stories. DD actually took notes of her favourite lines from the film. Could happily watch it again to pick up more details. Tomorrow we're off to 180 The Strand for a French Despatch exhibition, DD thinks I'm amazing 😂.

I booked days ahead at the Electric (also packed) as Anderson’s movies should be savoured in a really good cinema. My disappointment was crushing.

Visually, the film is a real success. The cast is wonderful, although there is no time for them to really shine. But, in his quest for perfection, he forgot character developments. Instead of enjoying what should have been a great film, I spent my time looking at camera placements and was glad once it was over as I did not care about any of the stories.

I enjoyed it a lot and it definitely held my attention. I thought the last story was the best of all.

But I did find it somewhat full of its own importance in a way I couldn't shake - mainly the Timothee and Frances (spelling!?) story. It was enjoyable but I wouldn't rave about it.

I enjoyed the first and the last story but wasn't so keen on the middle one. Timothee Chalamet is a bit ubiquitous and the moment and I didn't think he really inhabited the character - I was just watching Timothy Chalamet.

I love Bencio Del Torro in the first one and Tilda Swinton was great. The stand out for me was Jefferey Wright as the James Baldwin style character in the last one. His voice was so expressive, beautiful and sad, I could have listened to his stories forever. And of course the whole film looked wonderful.

Found it absolutely tedious. Even the visuals (which were great) became monotonous and tiresome very quickly. No character development, stories were meaningless and I could not wait for it to end.

Never seen a W Anderson film before and won't bother again. It was up its own trou de balle.

Loved it! I also preferred the first and last stories.

A bit meh about it to be honest. Felt I should make the effort as my OH loves Wes Anderson and so do a lot of my friends.

There was attractive scenery and great camera angles without a doubt but I felt the wacky characters were all trying to out wacky each other!

That being said I liked the first story best , third one next and the middle one least. I like Tim Chal generally but not in this. Lea Seydoux , Tilda Swinton, Frances, Saoirse all great!

I was primed to love it, and knew that it was sort of an "hommage" to The New Yorker, which I love. But I, too, was awfully disappointed. Wonderful cast, wonderful production, and some nice humor - but too damn arch.

I enjoyed it. Very Wes Anderson.