The Grand Budapest Hotel

Wes Anderson is a polarizing filmmaker. It wouldn’t be too hard to find someone who loves his films, another who hates them and a third who has never heard of him at all. The unique vision that has led to such a split is on full display in his latest effort, The Grand Budapest Hotel. Tony Revolori plays a lobby boy at the titular hotel, who grows close to the well-known concierge there, played by Ralph Fiennes. A good amount of the film takes place outside of the hotel’s walls as the pair are involved in a jail break, encounters with Nazis and even a high speed sled chase.

What is a Wes Anderson movie without a bit of the bizarre? Since the story is told through a girl reading a book written by an author who is recalling a conversation he had with a man involved in the story, the bizarre is justified like in a game of telephone. Anderson’s usual cast of regulars all turn up throughout the story in roles of various sizes. If you go through the writer/director’s filmography that list seems to grow with every project. Grand Budapest is able to support such a large cast. Though I’m sure I’m not the only one who would have liked to see Bill Murray, Jason Schwartzman and others featured a bit more.

The story rides entirely on Fiennes, probably a bit more than was intended. His delivery is spot on throughout most of the film with moments of memorable schizophrenic comedy. Unfortunately, he is unable to effect the pacing in a positive way. It is by no means a long movie, but it sure feels that way while you are watching. Exciting events take place, but almost all of them are long winded. Look no further than the scene where Willem Dafoe’s character chases Jeff Goldblum’s through a museum. It took Goldblum less time to escape a T-Rex in Jurassic Park. Even with its flaws, not much comes as a surprise to those familiar with Wes Anderson’s work. This is his huge casted hotel chapter.

Each film earns either zero, a half or a full arrow in five categories. The categories are Acting, Writing/Directing, Emotion, Innovation and Overall Impression. The arrows are added up to equal the full score.