In a surprising turn of events, acclaimed filmmaker Wes Anderson is pushing the boundaries of his career by maintaining an unprecedented pace. With his latest film, “Asteroid City,” receiving wide release this weekend and following closely on the heels of last year’s Cannes premiere of “The French Dispatch,” Anderson has proven his ability to deliver back-to-back cinematic gems. Adding to his impressive roster, he will soon release another project, “The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar,” exclusively on Netflix. While the latter is relatively shorter at 37 minutes, it promises to captivate audiences with Anderson’s signature touch.
But Anderson isn’t stopping there. In a recent interview with the French press, he revealed exciting details about his upcoming film. Set to star Benicio Del Toro, who previously collaborated with Anderson on “The French Dispatch,” the movie will take a more straightforward approach compared to Anderson’s recent works. It will be a family-centered spy film, exploring a father-daughter relationship with a slightly darker tone.
When questioned about the complexity of his recent films, Anderson explained his fascination with the anthology format and how it influenced his creative choices. “The French Dispatch” fulfilled his long-standing desire to create an anthology film, drawing inspiration from beloved classics like Max Ophüls’ “La Ronde” and “Le Plaisir,” as well as Vittorio De Sica’s “L’Or de Naples.” In contrast, “Asteroid City” intertwined theater and cinema, aiming to present a unified experience.
Additionally, Anderson disclosed that a significant portion of “Henry Sugar,” an adaptation of four Roald Dahl short stories, was shot on 16mm film. He mentioned his conversations with Dahl’s widow, who formerly oversaw his estate, and how they agreed years ago to bring “Henry Sugar” to life. Drawing comparisons to small-scale television productions like the BBC’s works or Jonathan Demme’s “Swimming to Cambodia,” Anderson highlighted the intimate nature of the film and its utilization of 16mm format.
However, in a subsequent interview with Cahiers Du Cinema, Anderson hinted at a shift in his creative direction. While initially intending to craft a dark film, his writing process has taken him in a different direction, suggesting that the upcoming project may be less somber than anticipated. Instead, he emphasized the film’s focus on family, delving even deeper than in “Asteroid City.”
The prospect of a semi-dark espionage film centered around a father-daughter relationship with the remarkable Benicio Del Toro is undoubtedly intriguing. Anderson’s unique vision promises a fresh and distinctive flavor that audiences eagerly anticipate. With his relentless dedication to his craft, he continues to push boundaries, surprising and delighting movie enthusiasts worldwide.