The French Dispatch

Movie Trailer

Release Date
October 22, 2021

Genre
Comedy, Drama, Anthology

Cast & Crew

• Benicio del Toro as Moses Rosenthaler
• Adrien Brody as Julian Cadazio
• Tilda Swinton as J.K.L. Berensen
• Léa Seydoux as Simone
• Frances McDormand as Lucinda Krementz
• Timothée Chalamet as Zeffirelli
• Jeffrey Wright as Roebuck Wright
• Bill Murray as Arthur Howitzer Jr.
• Owen Wilson as Herbsaint Sazerac
• Mathieu Amalric as The Commissaire

Director
Wes Anderson

Other Movies Director is Known For

• The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)
• Moonrise Kingdom (2012)
• The Royal Tenenbaums (2001)
• Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)
• Isle of Dogs (2018)

Producer
Wes Anderson, Jeremy Dawson, Steven Rales

Writer
Wes Anderson

Budget
Estimated at $25 million

Production Company
Indian Paintbrush, American Empirical Pictures, Searchlight Pictures

Running Time
108 minutes

Languages
English, French

Maturity Rating
R

Content Advisory

• Nudity
• Sexual content
• Some language

Movie Story
The French Dispatch is a whimsical and intricately crafted anthology film from director Wes Anderson, celebrating the art of storytelling and journalism. The film is set in the fictional French town of Ennui-sur-Blasé and is presented as the final issue of an American magazine called The French Dispatch of the Liberty, Kansas Evening Sun. The film is divided into three main stories, each one representing a different article from the magazine, along with a brief prologue and epilogue.

Prologue: The Cycling Reporter
The film opens with a segment featuring Herbsaint Sazerac (Owen Wilson), a roving reporter who provides a lively tour of Ennui-sur-Blasé. His observations capture the quirky charm and peculiarities of the town, setting the stage for the stories to come.

Story 1: The Concrete Masterpiece
The first story, narrated by J.K.L. Berensen (Tilda Swinton), follows the tale of Moses Rosenthaler (Benicio del Toro), a criminally insane artist serving a life sentence in prison. Rosenthaler creates abstract art inspired by his muse and prison guard, Simone (Léa Seydoux). His work catches the eye of art dealer Julian Cadazio (Adrien Brody), who plans to make Rosenthaler a sensation in the art world. The story explores the relationship between art, commerce, and the complexities of creative genius.

Story 2: Revisions to a Manifesto
The second story, narrated by Lucinda Krementz (Frances McDormand), focuses on the events of a student revolution in Ennui-sur-Blasé, led by the passionate Zeffirelli (Timothée Chalamet). Lucinda becomes personally involved in the movement, despite her journalistic neutrality, and forms a connection with Zeffirelli. This segment satirizes both the romanticism of revolution and the blurred lines between personal and professional ethics.

Story 3: The Private Dining Room of the Police Commissioner
The final story, narrated by Roebuck Wright (Jeffrey Wright), is a crime thriller about a famous chef, Nescaffier (Stephen Park), who works for the local police commissioner (Mathieu Amalric). The story takes a dark turn when the commissioner’s son is kidnapped, and the chef must use his culinary skills in a most unexpected way to resolve the situation. This segment reflects on themes of cultural identity, loyalty, and the power of food as a universal language.

Epilogue: The Obituary
The film concludes with the death of Arthur Howitzer Jr. (Bill Murray), the editor of The French Dispatch. His obituary is read by the staff, reflecting on his influence and dedication to the magazine. The epilogue serves as a poignant tribute to the fading era of print journalism and the eccentric characters who brought it to life.

Special Effects
Wes Anderson’s signature visual style is on full display in The French Dispatch, with meticulously composed shots, symmetrical framing, and vibrant color palettes. The film also uses a mix of live-action, black-and-white sequences, and animated scenes to create a unique visual experience. The special effects are used to enhance the whimsical and surreal atmosphere, complementing the narrative’s shifts in tone and style. The film’s attention to detail in set design and costume further immerses the viewer in Anderson’s meticulously crafted world.

Box Office Performance
The French Dispatch was released theatrically and was well-received by both critics and audiences, particularly fans of Wes Anderson’s work. The film grossed over $46 million worldwide, making it a modest success given its limited release and arthouse appeal. Its ensemble cast, intricate storytelling, and visual flair attracted widespread acclaim, solidifying Anderson’s reputation as one of contemporary cinema’s most distinctive filmmakers.

Filming Locations

• Angoulême, France
• Paris, France

Notable Quotes

• “No crying.” – Arthur Howitzer Jr.
• “What you do is art, Mr. Rosenthaler, but it’s also commerce.” – Julian Cadazio
• “The world of journalism is a world of pretend.” – Lucinda Krementz

Behind-the-Scenes
The French Dispatch was a passion project for Wes Anderson, who drew inspiration from his love of The New Yorker magazine and his admiration for the golden age of journalism. The film’s structure, divided into separate stories, allowed Anderson to experiment with different narrative styles and tones, while the ensemble cast brought a diverse array of characters to life. The film’s production took place in France, with Anderson paying close attention to the authenticity of the locations and the period details.

Awards

• Nominated for 3 Academy Awards (Best Production Design, Best Costume Design, Best Original Score)
• Nominated for 4 BAFTA Awards (Best Production Design, Best Costume Design, Best Original Score, Best Cinematography)
• Nominated for the Golden Globe Award (Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy)

Final Verdict
The French Dispatch is a cinematic love letter to journalism and the art of storytelling, brought to life by Wes Anderson’s unique vision. The film’s anthology format allows for a rich exploration of different themes, all tied together by Anderson’s distinct style and wit. While it may not be accessible to all viewers due to its quirky and episodic nature, it is a must-watch for fans of Anderson’s work and those who appreciate visually inventive and narratively ambitious films.

IMDb Rating
7.2/10