Royal Tenenbaums, The

Director Wes Anderson

Cast Gene Hackman, Angelica Houston, Owen Wilson, Ben Stiller, Gwyneth Paltrow, Luke Wilson, Danny Glover, Bill Murray

A couple of years back, writer/director Wes Anderson gave us an incredible film. Loved by the few who saw it, but not seen by enough to make it a huge success, that film was one of the best films of that year. The year was 1998, the film was Rushmore.

Now, it is 2002, and Wes Anderson has presented another shot of pure brilliance towards our cinemas in the guise of The Royal Tenenbaums.

The story tells of a family of genius' who have lost their way. Chas went into real-estate at an early age, but since the death of his wife recently, he is starting to lose control. Margot wrote award winning plays from an early age, but has fallen into a deep depression, and cannot break out of it. Ritchie Tenenbaum was an international superstar on the Tennis circuit, until he has a complete breakdown, and is now sailing around the world. Their mother is Ethylene Tenenbaum, separated but not divorced from their father, Royal Tenenbaum...a no good father who has now used up his last drops of money.

When word comes that Ethylene wishes to marry someone else, Royal decides to try to win her back, and make something of himself...so he pretends to have cancer!

This is a brilliant tale of a dysfunctional family trying to pull together which only the hand of Mr. Anderson can write. Those few who have seen the sheer brilliance of Rushmore will know what to expect. It is a well crafted story with some subtle humor, and a few scenes of outright hilarity. All of this is presented in a perfectly directed package.

Wes Anderson is a rare breed. Not only is he an extremely gifted writer, but he is also a brilliant director. Every shot in the film is perfect, and sets the mood and tone of the scene. On top of this, his choice of music throughout the film is spot perfect, from orchestral numbers, to late 70s punk, each piece is fitting, and adds to the overall feel of the film.

However, and it pains me so much to say this, The Royal Tenenbaums is not for everybody! Some will look at it, and expect a rip-roaring comedy, then be upset that it is slow paced. Others will want a true life tale, but be upset by the poor taste of some scenes. It is the fact that I can see that some people will not like this film that it scores only a 7 on the scale.

If you were a fan of Rushmore, add 2 onto this number. It deserves a 9 for the pure feel and style of this lovingly crafted film. If you hated Rushmore, drop 2 to 5. Maybe you will enjoy it...but possibly not.

In either case, Tenenbaums is a masterpiece of film-making, and a welcome reminder of a time before 'popcorn happy films'.