“The Grand Budapest Hotel,” the 2014 visually stunning film directed by Wes Anderson, takes audiences on a captivating journey through the fictional European realm of Zubrowka in the early 20th century.
The story is recounted in a nested narrative, beginning in the present day as a young writer (Jude Law) listens to the tales of Mr. Zero Moustafa (F. Murray Abraham), the owner of the once-elegant Grand Budapest Hotel. As Mr. Moustafa reminisces, the story delves into the past, centering on the hotel’s heyday in the 1930s.
At the tale’s heart are Gustave H. (Ralph Fiennes), the charismatic and eccentric concierge of the Grand Budapest Hotel, and his young protégé, Zero (Tony Revolori), a newly hired lobby boy passionate about hospitality. When Madame D. (Tilda Swinton), one of the hotel’s wealthy and elderly guests, passes away mysteriously, Gustave and Zero find themselves embroiled in a whirlwind of intrigue and a battle over her vast fortune.
As they become entangled in a web of art theft, murder, and political unrest, Gustave and Zero embark on a zany adventure across Zubrowka’s picturesque landscapes. Pursued by the nefarious Dmitri (Adrien Brody) and his enforcer Jopling (Willem Dafoe), the unlikely duo must rely on their resourcefulness and camaraderie to navigate a series of misadventures.
Wes Anderson’s signature visual style is on full display, with meticulously crafted sets, symmetrical compositions, and a vibrant color palette that bring the world of Zubrowka to life. The ensemble cast delivers stellar performances, with Ralph Fiennes capturing Gustave’s charming wit and Ralph Revolori embodying Zero’s endearing innocence.
As the plot unfolds, viewers are treated to a delightful blend of humor and suspense, underscored by Alexandre Desplat’s enchanting musical score. “The Grand Budapest Hotel” is a tale of friendship, loyalty, and the fleeting beauty of a bygone era, all wrapped up in Anderson’s unique trademark vision. The impressive ensemble cast also worth noting are Saoirse Ronan, Edward Norton, Jeff Goldblum, Harvey Keitel, Mathieu Amalric, Jason Schwartzman, Bill Murray, and Owen Wilson.
The Other Cinema 