Two books about Wes Anderson

And if I'm talking to you about it this morning, it's because two books have just been published on this absolutely unique filmmaker in the world cinematic landscape. Two very beautiful books with pink covers which, under the classic but perfectly effective framework of “film by film”, revisit each of Wes Anderson’s works. Among which obviously FANTASTIC MR FOX which we never tire of and for pleasure let's listen here to the French voice of the cunning fox, that of Mathieu Amalric:

The first book I want to talk to you about is in fact a revised and expanded reissue published by Gallimard under the very explicit title WES ANDERSON THE COMPLETE FILMOGRAPHY OF A GENIUS DIRECTOR. Translated by Hélène Borraz, the text by Ian Nathan focuses on the 11 feature films, from the first, BOTTLE ROCKET in 1996, to the most recent, ASTEROID CITY presented last year. It shows how for Anderson it is each time a matter of “spicing up reality” and achieving films that are, I quote, “brilliant, disconcerting, original and exciting”. With a single rule of conduct that the author aptly summarizes as follows: “At Anderson, the artistic direction and costume design are consubstantial with the plot. »

And the second book you want to tell us about…

Signed by my excellent colleague Christophe Narbonne and prefaced by Thierry Fremaux, it is perhaps even more abundant and complete. He thus adds to the eleven feature films, the seven shorts, thus justifying the chosen title WES ANDERSION LA TOTALE. Published by Editions E/P/A, and in a formula already proven for Hitchcock's films in particular, it analyzes in detail the genesis, production, distribution and reception of each of the films mentioned. While multiplying thematic highlights, like for example a long and fascinating spotlight on “handmade” about the wonderful GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL. Because, as Christophe Nartbonne reminds us in his brilliant introduction, Anderson is also “a passer who is part of the great movement of the arts and who perpetuates certain founding cinematographic myths such as film, the square format borrowed from silent films, or even special effects manuals. » In short, if you like Wes Anderson or if you want to discover his world, these two books are

essential and their respective beautiful models that meet Anderson's artistic requirements. We know the latter is very attentive to the musical universe of each of his films. In the very enjoyable LA VIE AQUATIQUE, he puts the spotlight on David Bowie, notably with tasty vocal-guitar covers by the Brazilian singer Seu Jorge. LIFE ON MARS? , For example :

WES ANDERSON by Ian Nathan at Gallimard
&
WES ANDERSON THE TOTALE by Christophe Narbonne at E/P/A