Anderson Again!
Fourteen years after his triumphant creation of Fantastic Mr. Fox, Anderson returns with yet another Roald Dahl adaptation – or should I say, four of them! Following the resounding success of The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar at the prestigious Venice International Film Festival, Anderson is now gracing Netflix with not just that remarkable short film, but also three other captivating tales – The Swan, The Rat Catcher, and Poison.
The cast of these films is undeniably remarkable, highlighting the exceptional skills of Ralph Fiennes, Benedict Cumberbatch, Dev Patel, Ben Kingsley, and Richard Ayoade. These highly esteemed actors have garnered immense critical acclaim for their exceptional performances in numerous films and television shows.
It’s worth noting that both Roald Dahl and Wes Anderson share a unique ability to utilize deception to mask the underlying themes of melancholy, which are shrouded in whimsy. Their ingenious approach to weaving the plot into something utterly melancholic is indeed remarkable. Wes Anderson possesses a truly unique and unparalleled approach to the world of cinema. With his distinct aesthetic and captivating style, he effortlessly captivates viewers, leaving them in awe and uttering the words, “A Brilliant Film,” by the time the credits roll. Unlike many films of today, Anderson’s works boast a deeper narrative and a hidden sub-text that adds an extra layer of complexity and intrigue. His ability to meticulously craft each character, complete with their own hidden agendas, serves as a powerful tool to shed light on the flaws of our wretched world. Anderson fearlessly plays with the audience’s expectations, effortlessly breaking the fourth wall and creating an intimate connection.
The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar (Now an Oscar winner)
In this film, we follow the story of Henry Sugar, a wealthy and self-obsessed man (Benedict Cumberbatch), who steals a book from a friend’s library titled “The Man Who Can See Without His Eyes”. The book contains the writings of Dr. Z.Z. Chatterjee (Dev Patel), who recounts the journey of Imdad Khan (Ben Kingsley), who mastered the power to see without his eyes from a Yogi in Haridwar. Despite being warned about the potential negative consequences of using this power for selfish gain, Imdad continues to use it for his performances. Henry, driven by an insatiable desire for wealth, tenaciously embraces the technique elucidated by Dr. Chatterjee and recounted by Imdad, persistently honing his ability to read cards without relying on his eyes. With his newfound skill, he fearlessly ventures into a casino and emerges victorious, amassing an immense fortune. Yet, despite his triumph, an unfulfilled void lingers within him. Undeterred, Henry resolves to utilize his gambling prowess for the greater good, vowing to donate every penny of his hard-earned winnings to charitable causes. For him, this represents the sole source of his self-made prosperity, as the remainder of his wealth was merely inherited.
This 41-minute film, which received the highest Rotten Tomatoes score in Anderson’s career, is a remarkable achievement in live-action filmmaking. It flawlessly captures the essence of storytelling, utilizing rapid changes in outfits, facial hair, and scenes to create a visually stunning and captivating experience. The film unfolds like a mesmerizing one-act play, immersing the audience in a world straight from the pages of Dahl’s writings.
This narrative radiates the destructive aftermath of greed and the emptiness that accompanies wealth. While one may accumulate material possessions through wealth, it only provides temporary satisfaction. No amount of riches can ever replace the importance of love, friendship, and human connections. At first, Henry is a self-absorbed individual, but a fortuitous encounter with a police officer opens his eyes to the fact that life encompasses more than just amassing wealth; it also involves emotions and empathy. This realization sparks a profound metamorphosis within him, shaping him into a better individual.
The Swan
Ernie receives a powerful gun for his birthday and goes bird-hunting with his loyal companion Raymond. They encounter Peter, an innocent bird-watcher, and assert their dominance by displaying their rifle and pressuring him. They restrain Peter and place him on dangerous railway tracks. His atrocities don’t end here. They then kill a swan, removing its wings and forcing Peter to wear them. Ernie compels Peter to jump from a willow tree, but Peter resists. Ernie shoots Peter in the leg, causing him to cling to a branch. Peter eventually falls into a lake, holding onto hope, his only solace being a distant glimmer of hope.
Despite the ambiguous conclusion, it is confirmed that Peter did not meet his demise. Instead, he regains consciousness in his own backyard, having fainted from the harrowing ordeal. This story is an indication to the strength of the human spirit and the resilience of those who refuse to be broken by the cruelty of others.
Adam Stockhausen has confirmed that this remarkable 17-minute film was exclusively shot in a parking lot. The sets he designed were undeniably-geometrically-spectacular, evoking a nostalgic sense of memory lane of Peter. The scenes were meticulously captured in a continuous loop, showcasing Peter’s profoundly traumatized state through his emotion-deprived countenance.
The swan plays a crucial symbolic role, serving as a poignant reminder of the dangers associated with bullying and the innate cruelty that exists within humanity. It represents not only purity and innocence, but also reveals the hidden complexities and darker aspects of human behaviour. This story sheds light on the regrettable truth that humans frequently exhibit a lack of empathy towards both their fellow beings and animals. Nevertheless, it also highlights Peter’s extraordinary courage as he fearlessly stands up to those who torment him.
Conclusion
In Wes Anderson’s captivating stories, we explore worlds where light and darkness mix, where characters face their desires, flaws, and consequences. From Henry Sugar’s lesson on greed and redemption to Peter’s bravery against cruelty, each tale teaches us about life. Anderson’s fantastic storytelling, paired with Dahl’s timeless tales, draws us in and makes us think. These films remind us to be kind, to connect with others, and to be strong when things get tough. They leave us pondering long after the screen fades, prompting us to think about our own choices and values. In the next post, we’ll dive into the remaining two live-action short films, “The Rat Catcher” and “Poison.” Get ready for more captivating tales spun by Wes Anderson, where we’ll explore intriguing characters, unexpected twists, and thought-provoking themes.
cont’d…
