Ranking Wes Anderson's Films (Worst to Best)
It started with Darren, and we continued with Paul. Now it's time to take a look at Wes Anderson's filmography! The great thing about Wes is you're either in or you're out. Which is to say, you'll find something to like even if you don't like everything once you're a Wes Anderson fan. There is no confusing a Wes Anderson joint for anyone else. Even when he switches it up for animation. Word to Isle of Dogs!
So without further distractions, lets get into Wes Anderson's output and see which of his 8 films was most succesful for me.
Film/Rank:
#8- The Darjeeling Limited (2007)
Reason Why:
As I already stated, there is a very specific feel to a Wes Anderson film. There is always some element of a heightened reality where the characters seem way more matter of fact about things than you'd expect normal people to be. Yet and still, I'm here for it! Unless you're forcing Jason Schwartzman and Adrien Brody down my throat as the main characters. I'm sorry but I can't get into these two actors in large amounts and this movie gets "DERAILED" because it's too comfortable just meandering with these three brothers.
Film/Rank:
#7- Bottle Rocket (1996)
Reason Why:
I was on board for this movie, since I'm all for heist films. Especially if there are quirky people who might not be fully connected to reality at the helm. Much like Darjeeling, though, this movie loses steam. I think both films just suffer from curious pacing issues.
Film/Rank:
#6- Rushmore (1998)
Reason Why:
The first movie on this list that I like all the way through! I wish I could say I was a bigger Bill Murray fan, but I do like him just fine and do like how he goes up against Jason Schwartzman. The trick here was a premise that didn't nescessarily have to build up to something like meeting a mother or pulling off a heist. Just a kid and an older man both acting childish till something gives. I'm down for that.
Film/Rank:
#5- The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2004)
Reason Why:
I've gotta say that the cast of this movie is what sells it. There are too many people I like, or think work really well in this film for me to place this movie any lower. I do like the father/son aspect to this movie but do feel that I tended to check my clock a lot with this movie. Overall, I enjoyed the adventurous feel to the movie and the hook that Bill Murray was going to get revenge for his friend. That's always an element I enjoy with a film. I just don't think the film came together for me overall.
Film/Rank:
#4- Moonrise Kingdom (2012)
Reason Why:
Somehow the only Wes Anderson film I discussed on the LDF Podcast! Not only was I blown away by the lead child actors, but they had a deep bench to pull from including Lucas Hedges playing my favourite scout! I think what makes this movie stick out from the other quirky Wes fair is that it focuses on the kid's point of view long enough to feel like a new mode for Wes.
Film/Rank:
#3- Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)
Reason Why:
The fact that this movie is only number 3 is indicative of how much more I enjoy the next movies and not an indictment on this film. I LOVE THIS MOVIE! There is something about the animation and often times self aware dialogue that makes Fantastic Mr. Fox, a book I read (or had read to me) way back in the day, feel original. My favourite scene is definitely when George Clooney and Bill Murray fight and use the word "cuss" instead of any real swear word then devolve into true animalistic rage.
Film/Rank:
#2- The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)
Reason Why:
I just re watched this movie to make sure. Yep! This movie goes hard. It looks amazing, makes great use of its cast and has an unexpected edge to it. I legitimately like Adrien Brody in this movie. The animosity he has towards Ralph Finnes' character is always great to see on screen. The only down side to this movie is that Tony Revolori turns into F. Murray Abraham. It feels like when Marvel swapped out Terrence Howard for Don Cheadle. Just too visually different to not get caught up on. Otherwise I love all the performances. I even like the narration throughout.
Film/Rank:
#1- The Royal Tenenbaums (2001)
Reason Why:
I guess my appreciation for this film is tied to the time in my life that I saw it. I was moved by the Luke Wilson arc. I'm sure I'd find something wrong with the way it plays out if I saw this film for the first time today, but, that's not how the cookie crumbled. I genuinely enjoyed watching how Royal affected all of his children and ex wife. It's also interesting to learn that Wes used Bill Murray as a hybrid of bodyguard and emotional support system since Gene Hackman was too scary on set. I don't think any of that came out in the movie which adds to my enjoyment.
-YG