Introduction
I tried a new (for me) format for this one, by time-stamping my thoughts as I had them, while watching the film. I probably won’t do this again, but I’m glad I did it because now I know. Interrupting the movie every time I had a thought and/or wanted to make a note was more disruptive to my viewing experience than I had anticipated. Regardless of that, here are my thoughts. Anything I added after the fact are encased in braces {}.
[0h 08m 33s] The way everybody speaks is so strange and interesting to me. I know the movie opens explaining that this writer has written about this story in a book, but I love how it’s narrated, like I’m reading a book. I guess it’s just not something I’ve seen very much if ever before and a movie.
(Perhaps that means I need to watch some more movies!)
[0h 09m 10s] I love how M. Jean pops his head into frame just as the old man {who I later learn this is Zero} says “mutual friends predecessor” 😂
[0h 09m 33s] How is it that I have absolutely no idea where the story is about to go, and yet I’m completely enthralled and can’t wait to learn?
[0h 35m 17s] Is it just me or when M. Gustave was walking down the stairs to see the police about the painting, were his footsteps in time with the music? If so, that’s an amazing touch!
[0h 47m 05s] Zero‘s poem to Agatha was so cute. Cease to ache my lonely heart! 😩
[0h 50m 00s] Did Willem Dafoe just throw a cat out the window!? 😂
[0h 59m 49s] Why did the guys slap zero?! 😂
[1h 34m 26s] That seemed something of an abrupt ending, but also not abrupt. I don’t know how to describe that.
Conclusion
I enjoyed this film. The humour, pacing, cinematography - it was all excellent. I feel like there’s a lot of hype around Wes Anderson, and for good reason, but my favourite part of the film was the cast. Especially Ralph Fiennes, I really admire his acting skills. I think he has really good range, and can easily make me either root for or against him.