The Wes Anderson Collection

Who doesn't love a Wes Anderson film?  OK maybe that's a rhetorical question since I brought it up at work and only one person knew who/what I was talking about.  Come on, Nashville.  Nevertheless, amongst our circle of friends, Wes Anderson is regarded as the director of our generation.  His films are highly stylized (both visually and thematically) yet Anderson's characters are faced with pure emotions and turmoil that any audience can find relatable.  In addition, his films are short and sweet; he's been known to tell friends, "shoot me if I ever make a film over 100 minutes."  Our love of Wes Anderson is no secret and we were both really excited when Justin's father gave us The Wes Anderson Collection last weekend.

The book is a behind-the-scenes look at all of Anderson's films as well as a lot of really great pictures of his many influences.  The book is "narrated" by an interview between Matt Zoller Seitz and Anderson and is actually really great.  I tend to get bored reading interview transcripts but Seitz's informed questioning leads to a very layered discussion of Anderson's films.  Justin and I have seen every Wes Anderson film but after flipping through this book, we were both eager to rewatch the films with new insight.  I was really excited to find out that Anderson's distinctive visual style is heavily influenced by classical fine art.  Justin was excited about the filmaking process and pondered how the films would feel if Anderson could "correct" the way his films were shot.  It's decided then; as we make our way through the Criterion Collection, we will also rewatch every Wes Anderson film and I will review every film...somehow (maybe).

Presentation of The Lord by Hans Holbein the Elder was a visual influence for Rushmore