The French Dispatch

UK Release Date: 22 October 2021

Certification: 15
Director: Wes Anderson
Cast: Mathieu Amalric, Bob Balaban, Adrien Brody, Timothée Chalamet, Willem Dafoe, Lyna Khoudri, Frances McDormand, Bill Murray, Edward Norton, Tony Revolori, Saoirse Ronan, Stephen Park, Kiev Schreiber, Léa Seydoux, Tilda Swinton, Benicio Del Toro, Christoph Waltz, Owen Wilson, Jeffrey Wright, Henry Wrinkler

Rating: 55%

Review:

The French Dispatch saw Wes Anderson tell an accumulation of short stories through the technical lens of a magazine detailing events taking place in the fictional town of Ennui-sur-Blasé. 

Strictly, from a narrative standpoint this is the best way for Wes to convey his signature distinct style. There's an abundance of ambitious filmmaking flair on display. Constantly shifting between black and white and colour as well as aspect ratios - the film is a technical marvel. The trademark symmetry, the elaborate set-designs and the dynamic frames of vivid colour. The animated car chase stands out for its consistent breathtaking visuals - simply gorgeous - reminiscent of an episode of The Adventures of Tintin.   

Packed with a plethora of lovely, quirky pieces of music composed by Wes' long-time collaborator, Alexandre Desplat. A feverous nature accompanies his music as he provides a vibrancy to the third act. The film opens with the now renowned 'Obituary', a charming introduction to The French Dispatch. The piece is a sensational delight encapsulating the spirit of not only the way the film is laid out but of Wes' career in general 

However, structurally this is an apparent mess. Appearing increasingly repeatable as it progresses, the pacing feels commonly out of place making the film drag. The French Dispatch lacks clear focus. Without a real message or themes layered within the subtext of the runtime. In all honesty there is no real reason to watch The French Dispatch for its 'cohesive story' in the first place. 

A film with an abundance of mainstays in Hollywood amongst the cast is surely beneficial for the film's success. In The French Dispatch its the opposite. Timothée Chalamet, Benicio Del Toro and Jeffrey Wright all have significant roles that are performed to a fairly high standard. But then there are characters like Lyna Khoudri's Juliette who don't feel nearly as fleshed out as they should. It also plays as a negative simply because I wanted to see more of Willem Dafoe, Tilda Swinton and Owen Wilson. 

Despite the severe lack of purpose concerning The French Dispatch I would like to revisit it in the future and view purely as a work of art rather than a film. Yet, currently the film serves as one of Wes' weaker features.