Filmmaker Wes Anderson's Charisma (nearly) Wanes
Wes Anderson's Latest Film, "The Phoenix Miracle," Showcases Unique Style and Ensemble Cast
In the cinematic world of Wes Anderson, notable for his peculiar characters, unconventional storylines, and distinctive visual style, "The Phoenix Miracle" is a captivating addition. Mia Threapleton, a newcomer to acting, brilliantly shines alongside big-name celebrities.
Anderson's cinematic signature is unmistakable within the first few seconds, with the director's distinctive narrative and visual style epitomized in films such as "The Royal Tenenbaums," "Moonrise Kingdom," and "The Grand Budapest Hotel."
As fans eagerly anticipate his latest work, "The Phoenix Miracle" is set to hit theaters after the somewhat underwhelming offerings of "The French Dispatch" and "Asteroid City." This film maintains Anderson's signature elements, offering an absurd tale about quirky characters and a star-studded ensemble, many of whom are familiar from his previous works.
AComplex Father-Daughter Relationship Takes Center Stage
"The Phoenix Miracle" follows billionaire Zsa-Zsa Korda (Benicio del Toro), who is under imminent threat of assassination following a near-fatal plane crash. Korda designates his daughter Liesl (Mia Threapleton), a novice nun, as his successor and sole heir. Reluctantly, Liesl agrees to accompany her father and his insect-loving assistant Bjorn (Michael Cera) on a business trip.
For Liesl, this trip is a golden opportunity to investigate the circumstances surrounding her mother's death, which her father continues to deny. Meanwhile, Korda strives to secure funding for his newest infrastructure project, which is under attack by the heads of international finance markets, led by the enigmatic Excalibur (Rupert Friend). Throughout the journey, Korda narrowly escapes death multiple times.
A Striking Ensemble Cast Brings "The Phoenix Miracle" to Life
The audience follows the unlikely trio as they visit various locations, cleverly planned using nine shoeboxes, and run into familiar faces. Notable appearances in Anderson's comedic roles include Tom Hanks, Bryan Cranston, Scarlett Johansson, Benedict Cumberbatch, Jeffrey Wright, and Riz Ahmed. In the black-and-white biblical scenes, which depict several of Korda's near-death experiences, Bill Murray, Charlotte Gainsbourg, and Willem Dafoe make brief cameos.
"The Phoenix Miracle" offers a collection of bizarre moments instead of a cohesive narrative thread. However, the core of the film revolves around the long-awaited reunion between father and daughter. Watching Benicio del Toro and Mia Threapleton, the daughter of Kate Winslet, portray the gruff Zsa-Zsa and the devout Liesl, respectively, is nothing short of delightful. This central relationship sets the film apart from Anderson's previous works, which typically relied on interconnected narratives.
The Phoenix Miracle will be arriving in German cinemas on May 29.
Source: ntv.de
FilmCinemaHollywood
Other movies-and-tv productions might be interesting for those who enjoy Wes Anderson's unique style, as they could find familiar faces or intriguing storylines in various entertainment offerings.
Fans of Wes Anderson's work might also appreciate watching the ensemble cast of The Phoenix Miracle, which includes notable performers from both mainstream and indie cinema.
%20Wanes){kind=link}