I picked an early Monday afternoon matinee to see “The Grand Budapest Hotel” at a cinema where parking is almost impossible, and the theatre was packed. The cashier told me most showings over the weekend were sold out.
As the closing credits began to roll, the audience showed its appreciation with applause, so based on early returns, the mov¬ie appears to have a broad base of appeal. Regardless, there are some who will not like this movie, and I’ll try to help with that decision.
This film is a decidedly “dark comedy,” with a wild and wooly plot, lots of mayhem, some violence, and a plethora of well-known Hollywood performers, although some are tough to recognize with the makeup. The sets, colors, and costumes are outstanding, and will grab your attention early on.
The Grand Budapest hotel is located in the fictional European country of Zubrowka, and most of the story takes place during the hotel’s heyday in the 1930s. Ralph Fiennes plays M. Gustave, the hotels concierge, who runs the place like a well-oiled machine. At Gustave’s side is a young “lobby boy” named Zero, who answers his every whim, beck and call. The obstacles and challenges they encounter trying to manage the hotel and its strange array of guests grow in complexity as the story progresses.
When Gustave and Zero find themselves drawn, as if in quicksand, into an unsolved murder, the pace quickens and our heroes find themselves not only avoiding the police, but a viscous henchman played by Willem Dafoe. If that weren’t enough, they also must con¬tend with a military entourage headed by Captain Henckels (Edward Norton).
As the duo weave their way through one close call after an¬other, Wes Anderson, who wrote and directed the movie, keeps us laughing with his whacky sense of humor. The sight gags and scripting both contribute, with the highlight an absolutely phenomenal high speed chase scene, with no CIA agents or automobiles involved. You’ll have to see it to appreciate it.
The backgrounds, sets, and costumes throughout are award-worthy, and the acting and cast are great. The key to enjoying “The Grand Budapest Hotel” will come down to whether a viewer likes off-beat comedy and sight gags as opposed to slapstick. I found the profanity needless, although there are many scenes without it. This film has had a lot of hoopla, and it’s certainly different … to say the least.
The Grand Budapest Hotel
Entertainment Rating:***
Rating: R; Profanity throughout, murder and mayhem, sexual references,
and one or two brief moments of nudity.
Possible Oscar nominations: Cinematography, Robert Yoeman;
Art Direction, Stephan O. Gessler; Set Decoration, Anna Pinnock;
Costume Design, Milena Canonero; and an outside chance for Best
Actor, Ralph Fiennes
• Questions or comments? E mail me at tsansom2002@ gmail.com.
