Ever since he released his first film Bottle Rocket in 1996, Wes Anderson has been a constant presence in the cinematic world.
In the course of 12 feature films and almost as many shorts, the American director has imposed his distinctive formula of eccentric aesthetics supported by ever-growing, star-studded casts.
His next picture, The Phoenician Scheme, should follow a similar path. The recently released trailer reveals familiar faces from Anderson’s universe, including Benicio del Toro, Scarlett Johansson and Bill Murray, as well as newcomer Mia Threapleton.
The Phoenician Scheme is scheduled for a theatrical release in the United States on 30 May 2025, but it is also expected to premiere at this year's Cannes Film Festival. The official selection for the festival will be announced tomorrow (10 April).
In the meantime, Wes Anderson aficionados can run to the Cinémathèque française in Paris to admire the first exhibition entirely dedicated to the eccentric filmmaker.
The exhibition runs through Anderson’s career from Bottle Rocket to his 2023 Asteroid City, in a joyful display of props, splendid set pieces and iconic costumes.
The most interesting part of the exhibition might be the one dedicated to Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009) and Isle of Dogs (2018), Anderson’s two stop-motion animated pictures. The section puts the spotlight on the team of craftspeople supporting Anderson’s vision. It also offers the most compelling foray into the politics within Anderson’s work.
As a bonus, viewers can watch an Isle of Dogs making-of in the form of a virtual reality experience. Who has not dreamt of listening to a dog with the voice of Liev Schreiber explaining the challenges of a leading role?
Hardcore Anderson fans probably won’t learn anything they didn't already know with this exhibition, but the whole thing remains a fun and aesthetically pleasant experience. Much like a Wes Anderson film, really.
The Wes Anderson exhibition runs until 27 July 2025 at the Cinémathèque française in Paris.
