Wes Anderson’s latest is like a matryoshka doll, each narrative opening to reveal another nested inside. At the centre is the story of Gustav H., delivered with pontifical perfection by a flawless Fiennes.

The mix of sets, locations and models fits brilliantly into Anderson’s tableau staging and dolly shots, and his use of colour and composition remains sensational.

The offbeat humour and stylised staging is punctuated by dark moments of violence with unsettling results. Yet despite its emotional restraint, the performances and terrific script conjure up a compelling relationship between the central pairing and the ending is bittersweet.

While not as instantly likable as some of his work, this is further evidence of Anderson’s inventive imagination. The sometimes erratic tone and plot machinations mean it may not be perfect, but ignore your reservations and check in to The Grand Budapest Hotel.   

Rating: 4/5


INFORMATION

CAST: Ralph Fiennes, Adrian Brody, Jeff Goldblum, Willem Defoe, Jude Law, Tom Wilkinson, F. Murray Abraham, Edward Norton, Bill Murray, Tilda Swinton, Saoirise Ronan, Jason Schwartzman

DIRECTOR: Wes Anderson

WRITER: Wes Anderson

SYNOPSIS: In 1932, a crack concierge is sent to prison for a crime he didn’t commit. He promptly escapes from a maximum security stockade to the Los Angeles Underground and with the help of his trusted Lobby Boy sets out to clear his name and catch the real killer while his country descends into political turmoil.