The Grand Budapest Hotel really is just a delight. I don’t have too much to say really, it is just a good time. It has the Wes Anderson fairy tale quality about it, but without as much “twee” (I think that’s what the kids are calling it these days) as Moonrise Kingdom. Very much a plus, as far as I’m concerned.
The twee, the quirk, and the adorably(?) eccentric is where I find myself checking out of his movies, but Budapest is more charming and less cute. There is murder, violence, war, a tad bit of sex, and all are often played to strangely effective comedy. It is a gorgeous film as well. There is a beautiful symmetry to the shots. The unique soundtrack complements the visuals amazingly. The styling of the characters perfectly translates who they are, and it just adds everything to the tone. The styling was the best part of some characters (Adrien Brody looked like the best elongated-gothic-Eraserhead-meets-Salvador Dali I’ve ever seen), but I don’t think Ralph Fiennes needed any help.
Ralph Fiennes is fantastic- I didn’t know he had it in him. He is hilarious! More than anyone else in this film, he just lights up the screen as the best concierge ever. The main downside to this movie is that sometimes Ralph Fiennes isn’t around, and his absence is palpable. Wes Anderson favorites Edward Norton, Bill Murray and Owen Wilson all appear, but everyone else noticeably shines a little less, and unfortunately no one could compete with Ralph Fiennes’ Gustave. He is in most of the film though, so its generally awesome.
I found myself at several points during this movie stepping outside of myself and thinking “This is just a delight!” So yes, I think you should watch it. It’s pretty and fun. If you don’t really like Wes Anderson, give this one a chance. If you hate Wes Anderson, you should probably continue staying away because it is still Wes Anderson. You might have a favorite actor in it though, EVERYONE is in this movie. You know what you’re getting into with his work basically, but this one is definitely one of his better, prettier films. YAY!
4 out of 5 stars! It feels really good to not be disappointed.
