I had already seen this film last year, but it came up again as a pick for one of our Saturday Movie Nights- and I could truly watch it over and over. It’s clever, slightly offbeat in the best way, visually vibrant and supported by an excellent storyline. I have a real appreciation for Wes Anderson’s work, and with Ralph Fiennes perfectly portraying M. Gustave, the film becomes an absolute delight to watch. The cast also deserves full credit: Willem Dafoe is brilliantly menacing as a ruthless hitman, Tilda Swinton is memorable as the wealthy aristocrat, and Adrian Brody excels as her determined son. In short, this film remains a timeless pleasure – one that never loses its charm, no matter how many times you watch it.
“I must say, I find that girl utterly delightful. Flat as a board, enormous birthmark the shape of Mexico over half her face, sweating for hours on end in that sweltering kitchen, while Mendl, genius though he is, looms over her like a hulking gorilla. Yet without question, without fail, always and invariably, she’s exceedingly lovely. Why? Because of her purity.”