THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL - Review

The Grand Budapest Hotel

Dramatic Comedy, 2014
1 hour, 39 minutes
Written and Directed by Wes Anderson
Rated R for "language, some sexual content and violence"

Starring
Tony Revolori
Ralph Finnes
F. Murray Abraham
Willem Dafoe
Adrien Brody
Saoirse Ronan
Jeff Goldblum
Mathieu Amalric
Jude Law
Harvey Keitel
Edward Norton
Tilda Swinton
Bill Murray
Jason Schwartzman

"I don't know what sort of cream they've put on you down at the morgue, but I want some."

Everybody loves Wes Anderson. I don't think I've met a single person who has told me otherwise. He's a prolific and intelligent auteur and he's got the power to do anything he wants. Thankfully, The Grand Budapest Hotel almost delivers on everything it promised.

The film takes place primarily in flashback told by an elder version of the main character, Zero Moustafa (the elder Zero played by F. Murray Abraham). Zero (the younger played by Tony Revolor) was once a lobby-boy in training at the beautiful Grand Budapest hotel when it was in his prime. He works hard under the tutelage of M. Gustave H (Ralph Fiennes) and learns the ways of being a lobby-boy. When Gustave receives word that a close and wealthy companion, Madame D. (Tilda Swinton) has died, he travels with Zero to pay his respects. Soon after, he inherits a priceless painting called "Boy With Apple." However, Gustave is framed for the murder of the Madame, and Zero is sent on a wild adventure to prove Gustave's innocence.

The Grand Budapest Hotel is rather ambitious for Wes Anderson. While most of his films are based around relationships, Hotel is a witty and delightful crime-caper. Despite being somewhat convoluted in execution, plot threads are tied up nicely, like any Wes Anderson picture. In addition, it's basically what you would expect from Anderson's films. His very distinct visual style is very, well, distinct. Two-dimensional cinematography (shot mostly in a 1.33 aspect ratio) and muted colors bring wonderful life to the gorgeous set pieces. The pacing is rather quick, but is only strengthened by the use of sharp dialogue. The film is also rather funny, even if it does take a few unexpected turns. There are actually a few moments that are rather shocking, and yet, these moments might just leave you in stitches.

There are very few issues with the film. I was mostly unsatisfied with how the film plays with aspect ratios, seeing as the 1.85 is only used briefly at the opening and finale, and the 2.35 is hardly used for scope. That being said, the use of 1.33 for the majority of the film actually works quite well. It becomes unnoticeable since it hardly stops Anderson's style from shining through.

As for the actual plot, there were a couple of threads that I would have liked to see through to the end. A few emotional beats, while touching and thoughtful, just didn't get a proper conclusion. And, probably my biggest complaint, is that the stellar cast is hardly used. On paper, this is one of the finest casts assembled in recent memory. And yet, so few of these characters are used to their fullest extent. Bill Murray has maybe two minutes of screen time, but he boats the most impressive mustache in the entire movie. And there are many impressive mustaches in this one.

I personally felt as though the film could have done more. While I absolutely loved the main story arc and the writing and the visuals and the characters, I felt that perhaps I set my expectations too high. I went in expecting a huge ensemble piece, but I walked away with a simple yet well executed caper. I don't think that the film quite exceeded my expectations. They merely met them at a slightly different junction. And that's okay!

The Grand Budapest Hotel is exactly what you should look for in a Wes Anderson movie. There really isn't much else to say about it. If you like his movies, then there's no reason not to love his latest outing.

9.1/10