Colors, symmetry, and fascinating narrative:Why you should watch Wes Anderson’s new film adaptations

In late September, Wes Anderson returned with four short film adaptations of stories by British writer Roald Dahl. The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar, The Swan, The Rat Catcher, and Poison combine Anderson’s signature aesthetics: soft pastel colors and symmetry in every frame. However, this time Anderson also astonished viewers with a new narration method. If you haven't seen these movies yet, then this article might convince you to change your plans for tonight.

Anderson is an American filmmaker who is known for his obsession with symmetry and the use of warm, even "sweet" colors. His films can combine both eccentric comedy and serious drama. Some of his famous works are The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014), Isle of Dogs (2018), and Moonrise Kingdom (2012).

Being a fan of Dahl's work, Anderson has already adapted one of his novels, which was called Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009). This time he came to work with a new, unique approach. The director wondered how he would be able to create an adaptation without losing the author’s picturesque words and found a solution:

“When I finally had the moment of inspiration, the idea was: ‘I am equally interested in the way Dahl tells the story as I am in the story itself,’ ” said Anderson in an interview for Netflix. “If I do it using his words, his descriptions, then maybe I know how to do it.” In that way, viewers can see how the characters quote Dahl word for word while acting out these words. It was definitely something unusual not only for Anderson but for many films in general. This gave the movies theatricality: when watching, it felt like you were seeing a solo performance.

The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar is about a rich man who wants to master the skill of seeing without using his eyes to cheat in gambling. This is an exciting story about a slick man, whose long years of training lead him to unexpected thoughts.

Watching this story, you will not only enjoy an aesthetic picture and an interesting plot, but also a talented acting ensemble. Benedict Cumberbatch, who played the main character, perfectly fit into Anderson's film. Ben Kingsley and Dev Patel fully emerged themselves in their characters and were able to involve viewers even more in the story.

Benedict Cumberbatch, Ben Kingsley, and Dev Patel in The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar

The Swan told the story of two bullies armed with a rifle, who mercilessly mock the talented and withdrawn Peter Watson. This is a dynamic film that will keep you on your toes until the very end. Despite the fact that we sometimes do not see what is about to happen on the screen, thanks to the hero's narration, everything can be vividly imagined. The picture of a lightning-fast approaching train, shots at birds, and much more will be in your imagination thanks to the lively language of Roald Dahl.

The impressive part about The Swan is that it was based on real events. Dahl kept the real newspaper article in his book of ideas for 30 years before writing the story in October 1976.

Scenes from The Swan

The Rat Catcher tells a story about (you won't believe it) a professional rat catcher. This movie will tickle your nerves like a horror story by a campfire.

Even though we do not see any poison or rats fight under the clothes of the Rat Catcher, thanks to the colorful descriptions of the narrator, we can clearly imagine it. Some moments of the movie will make you tense up and hold your breath.

Scenes from The Rat Catcher where the character holds “poison” and “two animals” who are about to fight.

Poison, the final story from the collection tells about a man who discovers a poisonous snake in his bed. This story will also inflame your tension with the expectation that something terrible is about to happen. And at the most unexpected moment, it will make you jump in surprise.

Benedict Cumberbatch also played in this film, whose acting is worth noting. You should definitely look at Cumberbatch lying in his bed with a scared face for 17 minutes of the film, sometimes pulling the corners of his mouth from tension.

Scenes from Poison with Cumberbatch lying tensely on his bed.

Wes Anderson constantly repeats himself with his style, whether it's symmetry, colors, or actors. But every time he manages to add something unique to it. This time, Anderson surprised everyone with an unusual method of narration, turning the film into a theatrical production.

I recommend you to familiarize yourself with these four short films, as by watching them you will be able to see a colorful performance, discover the work of writer Roald Dahl, and most importantly get acquainted with Anderson's extraordinary style.

Reference

Anderson, W. (Director). (2023). The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar. [Film]. Indian Paintbrush; American Empirical Pictures.

Anderson, W. (Director). (2023). The Swan. [Film]. Indian Paintbrush; American Empirical Pictures.

Anderson, W. (Director). (2023). The Rat Catcher. [Film]. Indian Paintbrush; American Empirical Pictures.

Anderson, W. (Director). (2023). Poison. [Film]. Indian Paintbrush; American Empirical Pictures.

Anderson, W. (Director). (2014). The Grand Budapest Hotel. [Film]. Indian Paintbrush; American Empirical Pictures; Fox Searchlight Pictures; TSG Entartainment; Studio Babelsberg.

Anderson, W. (Director). (2018). The Isle of Dogs. [Film]. Indian Paintbrush; American Empirical Pictures; Studio Babelsberg.

Anderson, W. (Director). (2012). Moonrise Kingdom. [Film]. Indian Paintbrush; American Empirical Pictures.

Anderson, W. (Director). (2009). Fantastic Mr. Fox. [Film]. Indian Paintbrush; American Empirical Pictures; Regency Enterprises.