The French Dispatch (2021)

The French Dispatch is a quirky anthology following several indulgent writers operating out of an American newspaper outpost in France. Wes Anderson writes and directs this delectable tribute to journalism! Let’s consider the pros and cons of The French Dispatch…

Pros: Firstly, this may be the most Wes Anderson film ever made! From the the distinct symmetry and long tracking shots, to the flat yet vivid backgrounds, it’s clear that Anderson has incredible attention to detail! Secondly, is the stacked cast of actors, many of whom have collaborated with Anderson before. Adrien Brody and Benicio Del Toro especially stood out to me, but Jeffrey Wright, Bill Murray and Tilda Swinton also give fantastic performances!

Cons: Although it gets points for originality and style, the frequent, fleeting subtitles make it a chore to keep up with the story. It’s not that I’m a bad reader, but the subtitles come rapid fire, and get stacked on top of each other, as opposed to scrolling downward. It’s a minor gripe in an otherwise magnificent looking film, but I also had an issue with the plot. The multiple stories are loosely tied together via The French Dispatch, however I would have liked to see more interactions between these characters across their respective stories.

I give The French Dispatch a B+. Whether you’re a fan of Wes Anderson or not, this movie is an artistic and technical masterpiece. Although most of the nuance is likely lost on me, if you have an eye for detail, this might be right up your alley! Happy Watching!

“Maybe with good luck we’ll find what eluded us in the places we once called home.”