ENTERTAINMENT

Wes Anderson's Latest: A Quirky Adventure in the Desert

France, CannesSun May 18 2025
The latest film by Wes Anderson has just been shown at Cannes. It stars Benicio Del Toro, Michael Cera, Scarlett Johansson, and many others. This movie is a comedy that is filled with strange and funny moments. It is a story about a rich businessman named Zsa-zsa Korda. He is a character inspired by real-life wealthy figures like William Randolph Hearst and Howard Hughes. Korda is a man who has made his fortune through arms dealing and other shady businesses. He lives a life full of danger and drama, always dodging assassination attempts. The film starts with a wild and exciting scene. Korda is on his private jet, enjoying a cigar, when he narrowly escapes an assassination attempt. This sets the tone for the rest of the movie, which is filled with similar high-energy moments. However, after this thrilling start, the film settles into a more grounded story. Korda meets with his daughter, Liesl, a 20-year-old nun. He wants her to inherit his fortune and help him with a big project in the Middle East. Liesl is not interested in his money, but she agrees to stay to investigate a rumor about her mother's death. The project Korda is working on involves building a railway and a dam in the desert. However, it has been sabotaged by a secret agent working for governments that dislike Korda. This means Korda has to travel around the region, trying to secure the funding he needs. Along the way, he meets a variety of colorful characters, including two railway tycoons, a prince, and a nightclub owner. He also has several near-death experiences, during which he visits a black-and-white heaven. The film is a mix of humor and emotion. On one hand, it is a funny and lighthearted comedy. On the other hand, it touches on serious themes, such as the consequences of a wealthy man's actions. However, it does not delve too deeply into these themes. Instead, it focuses on the strange and funny moments, which might not appeal to everyone. The story is episodic, with each scene feeling like a separate adventure. This can make the plot feel random and hard to follow at times. Despite its flaws, the film has its moments of brilliance. There is a Tom-and-Jerry style fight between Korda and his half-brother, played by Benedict Cumberbatch. This slapstick humor serves as a reminder that the film should not be taken too seriously. It is a fun and entertaining movie, but it might not be for everyone. Some viewers might find it too random and disjointed. Others might enjoy the strange and funny moments. It is a film that is sure to spark conversations and debates among viewers.

questions

    If the cast and crew were making up the plot as they went along, how did they manage to keep the film cohesive?
    Could the film's random plot points be a deliberate attempt to hide a deeper, more sinister message?
    What role does the film's cast and crew play in shaping the audience's experience of the narrative?

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