Asteroid City
In an American desert town circa 1955, the itinerary of a Junior Stargazer/Space Cadet convention is spectacularly disrupted by world-changing events.
- Released: 2023-06-09
- Runtime: 105 minutes
- Genre: Comedy, Romance
- Stars: Margot Robbie, Tom Hanks, Rupert Friend, Liev Schreiber, Tilda Swinton, Jeff Goldblum, Bryan Cranston, Jason Schwartzman, Willem Dafoe, Steve Carell, Adrien Brody, Tony Revolori, Matt Dillon, Sophia Lillis, Hope Davis, Fisher Stevens, Ethan Josh Lee, Edward Norton, Hong Chau, Rita Wilson
- Director: Wes Anderson
Comments
- theffernan-36685 - 10 June 2024
I Couldn't Understand the Dialogue
Am I the only one who has difficulty picking up the dialogue in Wes Anderson's movies? I have been a fan of Andersons work for many years. Rivers of ink have been spilled by critics in describing his unique mise en scene, use of desaturated colour and endlessly inventive camera angles. He is an auteur. I get it. I agree.
But the trademark Anderson rapid monotone delivery of dialogue which seems required of most characters in his work is beginning to look like a parody of itself. Worse still, it is often spoken too rapidly to catch what is being said, let alone to soak up and appreciate the carefully wrought references and ironies it contains. And the gag is no longer fresh. In Asteroid City, Anderson has delivered a movie which has all of the outstanding production qualities we have come to expect of his work, and yet it plays like Wes Anderson doing some old Wes Anderson shtick. Which is a real shame given how typically well crafted his writing is here. For the first time after seeing an Anderson film I was left feeling that the whole was less than the sum of the parts.
Anderson creates films with beautifully nuanced cultural references that can add enormously to appreciating the fun on screen. Surely his scripts are the result of some pretty hard work? What sense is there in making such epically crafted micro universes if the audience has to constantly strain to pick up the dialogue and misses a good proportion of it? It is a real shame that Anderson has allowed his signature style to overpower undoubted gift for storytelling. - sfbnqrb - 2 May 2024
The crossover between theater and cinema
Visually stunning, as expected from a Wes Anderson film. The framing is spectacular, filled with artistry and color. The contrast between the theatrical stage and the black-and-white backstage is striking.
However, the plot falls short due to the large number of characters and subplots that hinder emotional attachment. Anderson's characteristic of creating cold and distant characters doesn't quite work with so many protagonists, resulting in a disconnect with the audience.
Despite this, the film stands out for its excellent cast and handling of the absurd, adding a hilarious touch to the narrative. In summary, it's a visually and compositionally brilliant film, innovative in its theatrical approach, but it falters in its narrative development. - ConditionsOfUse - 1 April 2024
Asteroid City: A Cinematic Odyssey Stalled in Orbit
Steroid City: Navigating Familiar Orbits in Wes Anderson's Cinematic Universe"
In "Asteroid City," Wes Anderson embarks on another whimsical journey through his meticulously crafted universe, replete with his trademark symmetry, tableau-style compositions, and a color palette so sparse and deliberate it could be considered an additional character. As a longtime admirer of Anderson's work, from the early days of "The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou" to the elaborate tapestry of "The Grand Budapest Hotel," I've witnessed the evolution of his storytelling and visual style.
Anderson's journey from "The Life Aquatic" to "The Grand Budapest Hotel" represents a zenith in his artistic expression, marked by a discernible growth in his cinematic language and thematic depth. However, in recent years, with films like "Moonrise Kingdom" and "Isle of Dogs," there's a sense that Anderson may have become ensnared in the intricacies of his own universe, traversing familiar paths without venturing into uncharted territories.
With "Asteroid City," Anderson continues to indulge in his penchant for nostalgic settings, quirky characters, and meticulously designed sets. The film boasts an impressive ensemble cast, each member contributing to the quirky tapestry of Anderson's world. Yet, for all its visual splendor and whimsical charm, "Asteroid City" struggles to escape the gravitational pull of Anderson's established aesthetic.
While Anderson's dedication to his craft is admirable, one can't help but yearn for the innovation and narrative depth that once defined his work. "Asteroid City" feels like a high-budget high school play, with repeating motifs and visual flourishes that, while undeniably charming, fail to elicit the same sense of wonder and awe as Anderson's earlier masterpieces.
As an admirer of Anderson's work, I find myself torn between admiration for his artistic vision and a desire for something more. "Asteroid City" is a testament to Anderson's unparalleled talent as a visual storyteller, but it also serves as a reminder of the dangers of artistic complacency. In an industry that thrives on innovation and risk-taking, Anderson's reluctance to push the boundaries of his artistry may ultimately prove to be his greatest obstacle.
Final thoughts, "Asteroid City" is a visually stunning and thematically rich addition to Wes Anderson's cinematic universe. However, it also highlights the need for Anderson to break free from the constraints of his own aesthetic and venture into uncharted territory. As Anderson continues to navigate the complexities of his craft, one can only hope that he finds the courage to embark on new creative adventures and push the boundaries of his artistry once more.
