The latest movie from Wes Anderson, The Phoenician Scheme, brings the usual trilogy of stunning visuals, a stellar cast and an intricate subtly hilarious story. Another feast of escapism not to be missed.
The movie offers a simple premise, a wealthy businessman must negotiate the deal a lifetime to establish a fanciful new enterprise.
Zsa-zsa Korda (Benicio del Toro) is father to nine sons and one daughter, a nun, Sister Liesl (Mia Threapleton). He’s also one of the richest men in Europe, a maverick in armaments and aviation. His latest idea requires a considerable investment. Not to worry, he’s identified a handful of potential investors. The movie takes us on a one hour 45 minute as he negotiates with each target. Having already survived six plane crashes what could go wrong?
Heaving recently reunited with his daughter, Korda invites her along with a view to her becoming the sole heir of his estate, on a trial basis. Also along for the ride is their tutor Bjorn Lund (Michael Cera).
One by one the negotiations don’t go according to plan. But that’s not the only concern. The group also find themselves in the crosshairs of foreign terrorists and determined assassins.
As I tried not to get distracted by the intricate settings I pondered:
- As we have come to expect a Wes Anderson movie contains a heavyweight cast. This time we get to indulge in Tom Hanks, Bryan Cranston, Riz Ahmed, Mathieu Amalric, Jeffrey Wright, Scarlett Johansson, Rupert Friend, Hope Davis, and Benedict Cumberbatch;
- Benicio del Toro is perfectly cast in the role of the eternally lucky entrepreneur and Threapleton matches his lead;
- Special mention must go to Richard Ayoade who’s a delight as leader of a terrorist group;
- Anderson movies are always a visual delight and this is no exception, the detailed settings are beautiful. I often wished I could pause the movie and take a moment to study the set;
- The movie also offers the best use of shoeboxes in a movie;
- After a few disappointments I was relived to find this Anderson movie fitting somewhere in the middle of his catalogue, not the best but certainly not the worst. Definitely worth seeking out. As one of the characters says “I suppose I’m moved by this absurd performance.”
For more information go to Luna Cinemas
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