The Grand Budapest Hotel (April 2014)

Official Australian release date: 10/4/14. Viewed: 19/4/14.

Director: Wes Anderson

Actors: Ralph Fiennes, Tony Revolori, F. Murray Abraham, Jude Law, Jeff Goldblum

Genre: Comedy

Rating: M

I’m not sure I can say much more about Wes Anderson that hasn’t already been said – he’s definitely one of the most singular filmmakers of our generation. Needless to say, if you liked ‘The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou’, ‘The Darjeeling Limited’ and ‘Moonrise Kingdom’ (which I did), then you’ll enjoy ‘The Grand Budapest Hotel’. It’s got a huge ensemble cast, but the usual faces (Murray, Schwartzman, Norton, Wilson) are only given bit parts, with Gustave (Fiennes) the undisputed central character here.

Even though it’s named after the hotel, only about half the film takes place there – and when it does, it looks fantastic, with the colour and framing. They do a great job of telling the film as a back story, allowing Zero (Revolori/Abraham) to be our eyes and ears into the hotel’s – and Gustave’s – past. It’s a fascinating story, with plenty of laughs, but also a decent murder-mystery/chase film packed in there. This is aided immensely by Adrien Brody & Willem Dafoe playing the “badguys”.

Everything flows nicely, there’s precise dialogue (as always), a great score and great set/costume design. Goldblum’s great as the lawyer and used really effectively. I can’t really say much more – it’s a really well-made and enjoyable film!

Overall: Another exceptional addition to Anderson’s cannon.

Gav's Rating: 4 stars.