The French Dispatch Movie Review

This movie is a lot of fun but to maximize your pleasure of watching it, I have to suggest you do that in the comfort of your own home. I say this because as I sat viewing the film at the theater, I found myself, more than once, mind you, wishing I had a remote control in my hand so I could rewind and or pause.

Not having this option made me feel as if I missed out on so much. Subtitles frequently sped by, unable to be read. They were sometimes on one side of the screen, while at the same time, action galloped by on the other. What was most agonizing was when incredibly creative, often incontestably the most profound dialogue written in a while would rush past without my ever grasping what was said. This didn’t happen the whole time, but often enough that I thought it worth mentioning.

As expected, I found “The French Dispatch” a bit odd. The story will puzzle you, but you’ll find it delightful, nonetheless. If you’ve seen a Wes Anderson picture previously, you know to expect quirk, I’m sure that’s what you’re expecting. Since quirky and weird is in the forecast, prepare for it to be. Even the aspect ratio it’s presented in doesn’t make complete sense, but it works if you’re a speed reader.

The movie is made up of four stories. Each story is associated with the recently passed editor, Arthur Howitzer, Jr., of the magazine, The French Dispatch of the Liberty, Kansas Evening Sun. The cast is astonishing, the best he has put together. The characters are the most bohemian to date. Frances McDormand and the crazy-haired Timothee Chalamet’s scenes together are cleverly written and provocative. His revolution conducting student, Zeffirelli, falls in love with her writer, Lucinda Krementz, who helps him with a critical manifesto he’s composing. I can assure you that there’s really great stuff coming from everything having to do with these two.

Tilda Swinton’s art critic is fascinating and colorful during the storyline centered around Benicio Del Toro’s imprisoned artist. Adrien Brody plays the art dealer, trying to get his hands on the masterpieces before anyone discovers their worth. This story is probably the least interesting of them all, but still whimsical nonetheless. And each has tiers of innovative anecdotes, layered exchanges, gorgeous and aluminous set decorations, and amusing, inventive art direction.

The narration and movement coming from the story called ‘Tastes and Smells” is incredibly humorous, especially when it involves the cook, and the animated getaway is simply refreshing to see. I wasn’t expecting it to last so long, yet was pleased, as you will be, that it did.

“The French Dispatch” is bizarre but incredibly imaginative, colorful and definitely one to see. Again, try and watch it from your home. There’s just no reason to see this at the theatre and chance missing out on what would make this an even bigger delight for you.