A while back I mentioned I am a huge Wes Anderson fan, and while his films aren’t all necessarily set in a specific historical time period, they almost all have the same “retro” aesthetic that could be historical, even if it’s not explicitly stated. So, I figured I might as well showcase the current list of his films and we can all debate whether or not they’re historical or intentionally a-historical.
The Royal Tenenbaums (2001)
Wikipedia states the film is set in the 1970s, mainly going off the overall aesthetics of the costumes, set design, and general mood. Notably, Richie Tenenbaum (Luke Wilson) was based on Björn Borg, a tennis prodigy from the 1970s. And Margot Tenenbaum (Gwyneth Paltrow) is allegedly based on German singer Nico, who was at her height of popularity in the 1970s.
The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou (2004)
Like its predecessor, Life Aquatic … has no solid date but aesthetically it appears to be late-1970s.
Moonrise Kingdom (2012)
A coming of age story set in 1965, it’s the first Wes Anderson film with a specific date attached to it, rather than a vague “retro-nostalgic” era.
The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)
Set in 1932, this is probably my all-time favorite of all of Wes Anderson’s films. I should really do a full post about it.
French Dispatch (2021)
Set in 1975, but showing flashback scenes to the 1950s, this film is my favorite after The Grand Budapest Hotel.
Asteroid City (2023)
Set in the 1950s, I recently reviewed the film so if you want to know more, check out the post!
I’d love to hear what you all think about Wes Anderson films! Let’s talk in the comments!
Moonrise Kingdom is my favorite! I thought the two young actors who played Suzy and Sam were great. Haven’t seen too many of his other films, though. :)
What a fun post! I had not remembered Swinton’s costume that you show here from GBHotel. Boy, is it Klimt-y!
Oh my stars. Klimty is new favorite word.
Haha! I’m so proud!
Not to be annoying, but it’d have been nice to credit the costume designers who worked on these films. Though Anderson is the mastermind behind his unique cinematic visions, he’d be nothing without his creative team. Milena Canonero, Kasia Walicka Maimone, and Karen Patch deserve some recognition here.
Re the time period for Wes Anderson’s films, I always call to mind this quote from Beverly Cleary, “Quite often people will ask me, ‘What year do your books take place?’ And the only answer I can give is, ‘Childhood.'”
I haven’t seen all his films, but far and away my fave is The Grand Budapest Hotel due to RALPH FIENNES!!!!!!
I’ll never get over Tilda Swinton’s outfit as “Social Services” in Moonrise Kingdom, with the blue pillbox hat. Love that movie so much. But I haven’t yet see the French Dispatch and that orange gown, omg.
Having seen his performance in THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL I would dearly like to see Mr Adrien Brody given a chance to play Count Dracula – he can wear a moustache well AND has one heck of a Wickedly Aquiline face.
Frances McDormand played the journalist Lucinda Krementz in the French Dispatch; Lyna Khoudri (pictured with Chalamet) plays another student revolutionary named Juliette, who is Zefirelli’s secondary love interest.