Thursday, September 1, 2022

The French Dispatch

The French Dispatch is a Wes Anderson film. It tells three stories (with some extra material) based on the writings in the final edition of the title periodical. 

This is what I consider a typical Anderson offering: quirky, colorful, amusing dialogue, bizarre yet oddly compelling. I wasn't quite sure what the point of the movie was, other than some odd (and amusing) stories and characters. Perhaps this is a celebration of journalism in general, with no other point? Some call it the movie form of a magazine, jumping from 'article' to 'article' with no apparent (or necessary) connection. Perhaps this review on Screen Rant hits it:
The French Dispatch Is A Nostalgic Love Letter To Journalism, Artistry, & Their Intersection . . . Overall, Wes Anderson is paying tribute to a bygone era of journalism and the art of crafting such a lovable publication. Anderson gives equal focus to the writers of the articles and the artists they’re profiling. Each figure the journalists are writing about is considered an artist, and Anderson paints them each as the heroes of their own stories.
Overall, I enjoyed the ride, even if I wasn't quite sure what ride I was on at times. But viewer beware: there are a few scenes of nudity (in the non-sexual Anderson style, but nudity nonetheless).

Rating: B-

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