The French Dispatch

The French Dispatch

The staff of an American magazine based in France puts out its last issue, with stories featuring an artist sentenced to life imprisonment, student riots, and a kidnapping resolved by a chef.

  • Released: 2021-10-21
  • Runtime: 108 minutes
  • Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance
  • Stars: Bill Murray, Benicio del Toro, Frances McDormand, Jeffrey Wright, Adrien Brody, Tilda Swinton, Owen Wilson, Timothée Chalamet, Léa Seydoux, Mathieu Amalric, Lyna Khoudri, Steve Park, Liev Schreiber, Elisabeth Moss, Edward Norton, Willem Dafoe, Lois Smith, Saoirse Ronan, Christoph Waltz, Cécile de France, Guillaume Gallienne, Jason Schwartzman, Tony Revolori, Rupert Friend, Henry Winkler, Bob Balaban, Hippolyte Girardot, Anjelica Huston, Denis Ménochet, Alex Lawther, Vincent Lacoste, Benjamin Lavernhe, Vincent Macaigne, Félix Moati, Wallace Wolodarsky, Fisher Stevens, Griffin Dunne, Stéphane Bak, Anjelica Bette Fellini, Lily Taïeb, Mohamed Belhadjine, Nicolas Avinée, Winsen Ait Hellal, Toheeb Jimoh, Larry Pine, Tom Hudson, Jarvis Cocker, Bruno Delbonnel, Grégoire Leprince-Ringuet, Damien Bonnard, Morgane Polanski, Antonia Desplat, Sam Haygarth, Pablo Pauly
  • Director: Wes Anderson
 Comments
  • totope-61583 - 9 April 2024
    I would love to adore this movie. Unfortunately, I am not French.
    This movie is amazing in aesthetics, style, story rythm, beautiful mid-century colors and a history that I couldn't fully comprehend because... i am not french. There are so many gags and facts that I felt like I have missed because I couldn't comprehend them. How could I? My knowledge of french history comes from my poor american school history knowledge and stops at world war two like most people's. And the students revolts were nothing but a funny little fact on cold war history. So I was really confused to what was going on throught all the film.

    The movie felt very french though!!

    ...if I knew what feeling french means.

    In short, I couldn't connect as much as I wanted, and you probably didn't as well. Which is why I give this movie a solid 7 out of ten. It overpasses six, but it's still not as good as an eight.
  • lenalabruna - 19 September 2023
    Groupie
    Is what you'll have to be to enjoy this. Those that like the slow paced abstract style of Wes will love it but everyone else with hate it.

    A more objective view would include details of great DP work, some image were lovely but the narrative had a plot that needed its own manual and commentary.

    The majority of film goers want to escape their difficult lives for 90mins not enter a labyrinth of thinking and interpreting. I might enjoy this in retirement but less thinking is better at the end of a long week.

    Good cast that was somewhat wasted on a plot-less series of vignettes, i didnt finish it and fell asleep so if it tied together someone how, Im sorry.

    ZZzzzz.
  • predragdilic - 8 July 2023
    Wonderfully absurd
    "The French Dispatch," directed by Wes Anderson, is an exquisitely crafted film that celebrates the art of storytelling through the lens of journalism. With its signature whimsical style, meticulous attention to detail, and a star-studded ensemble cast, Anderson once again delivers a visually stunning and intellectually engaging cinematic experience.

    Set in the fictional French city of Ennui-sur-Blasé, the film revolves around the final issue of a renowned American magazine, The French Dispatch. Divided into four distinct and interconnected vignettes, each depicting a story published in the magazine, "The French Dispatch" brings to life a diverse range of characters and narratives.

    One of the film's strongest aspects is its exceptional ensemble cast. With talents like Bill Murray, Tilda Swinton, Frances McDormand, Adrien Brody, and many more, Anderson gathers a group of actors who effortlessly bring their characters to life. The performances are nuanced, witty, and filled with the trademark dry humor that Anderson's films are known for.

    Visually, "The French Dispatch" is a work of art. Anderson's meticulous attention to detail is evident in every frame, with carefully composed shots, vibrant color palettes, and intricate production design. The film feels like a living painting, with each scene carefully curated to evoke a sense of whimsy and nostalgia. The meticulous set designs and the exquisite cinematography elevate the viewing experience, creating a world that is both fantastical and grounded.

    The storytelling structure of the film, with its four separate vignettes, allows Anderson to explore a range of themes and genres. From political satire to romance, from crime drama to absurdist comedy, each story offers a unique perspective on the world of journalism and the human condition. The dialogue is sharp and witty, filled with clever wordplay and memorable one-liners that elicit laughter and introspection in equal measure.

    While the film's stylistic choices and narrative structure are undeniably captivating, they may not resonate with all viewers. Anderson's idiosyncratic style, characterized by its precise symmetry and quirkiness, can be polarizing, and some may find it overwhelming or detached from reality. Additionally, the film's episodic nature may result in a lack of cohesive narrative flow for those who prefer a more traditional storytelling approach.

    "The French Dispatch" is a love letter to the art of journalism and storytelling, paying homage to the printed medium in an era dominated by digital platforms. It explores the power of words, the importance of human connection, and the impact of journalism on society. With its visually stunning aesthetics, exceptional performances, and thought-provoking narratives, the film is a testament to Wes Anderson's unique vision and his ability to create immersive cinematic experiences.

    In conclusion, "The French Dispatch" is a must-see for fans of Wes Anderson's distinctive style and those who appreciate the artistry of filmmaking. It may not appeal to everyone, but for those willing to embark on Anderson's whimsical journey, the film offers a delightful and intellectually stimulating experience that lingers long after the credits roll.
  • hakuthedragon - 19 November 2022
    A cinematic ode to journalism
    Seeing many negative reviews on here about how each story feels "disconnected" and the movie is just "too much". I'm not sure where this hatred is coming from, as I've watched the film twice and personally loved it.

    I really enjoyed the different stories, and how each section brought out the distinctive flavour and style of writing of that particular contributor. Being a magazine, I didn't see the need for each story to somehow link or feel connected? Each section was meant to be distinctive.

    As always, the film was shot beautifully and Anderson's storybook style works so well since the theme is journalism. I loved the inclusion of the animated scene as well. I'd say my only gripe is that there were some amazing actors that weren't as utilised as I would've hoped, like Willem Dafoe's character.
  • bobbsaunders - 27 August 2022
    Hollow, Indulgent with Callous Disregard for Audience
    Anderson used to be a visionary, playful artist of the screen but he has slipped back into indulgent self-regard. To employ so many top names, then only give them less than 2 minutes screen time each, but feature them heavily in trailers - well thats just callous gouging of loyal viewers. Then to almost completely re-stage multiple scenes from Budapest Hotel tells us that 'Big Wes' has run out of ideas. Anderson's auteur visual style is attractive, but it needs solid content to back it up. This film was devoid of that. He is going to have to re-invent himself big-time for his next film or he will be dead in the water. My advice, avoid this film, it is a waste of time.
  • LeSaigonnais - 25 July 2022
    What a disappointment!
    That's the opposite of "The Grand Budapest Hotel". The filming is a piece of art but the plot is completely unacceptable, plus weirdo, what a waste of so many movie stars. And lastly, the storyline is liked reading The Newyorker: trying to convince nonsense to make sense.