Asteroid City is a stunning example of Wes Anderson’s distinctive aesthetic. As with his previous work, Anderson’s attention to detail and busy choreography are evident throughout the entirety of the film. The story focuses on a reenactment of a playwright’s life, Conrad Earp, shot with a dreamlike logic that blurs the lines between mediums.
Absurdly Fussed-Over Dioramas
Anderson’s production design, cinematography, costume department, and performers work seamlessly together to create every shot as an absurdly fussed-over diorama, with nary an eyelash out of place. Every detail looks like it took forever to get right. But it pays off because it’s all done exceptionally well.
The Story Within The Story Within The Movie
The majority of the movie takes place inside the play, which is shot like a Wes Anderson film; in fact, it is possibly the most Wes Anderson movie ever made. The story follows a group of young stargazers who visit an isolated spot in the desert where an asteroid is the only thing worth looking at. But something Sputnik-era begins to happen while the kids are there.
The Poignant Story
However, this is merely a subtext for the poignant story about Augie Steenback, a newly widowed war photographer who faces his own grief as his father-in-law, a very Bill Murray-esque Tom Hanks, comes for a visit. They communicate with a deadpan frankness that is both absurd and touching at the same time. The otherworldly incident shifts everyone’s perspective but doesn’t change their typical neurotic obsessions.
The Cast of Characters
The cast is vast, including the likes of Scarlett Johansson, Maya Hawke, Jeffrey Wright, Rupert Friend, Steve Carell, and even Matt Dillon for a hot minute. Everyone is good, but each viewer can argue over which small role was their favorite. However, keep in mind that these are characters within the play. At times we see the “actual” actors too.
The Classic Wes Anderson Pulls-The-Rug-From-You Moment
The movie has one of those classic Wes Anderson-pulls-the-rug-from-you moments when Schwartzman approaches Brody and admits he doesn’t understand the play. Those who criticize him for merely having cool symmetrical framing and consistent fonts aren’t paying attention. The fussiness in design and story structure has a higher purpose.
Astroid City Pulls No Punches
While Anderson’s films end with a sense of hope, Asteroid City is similarly disquieting. It’s an emotional journey that pulls no punches. Asteroid City is not just another Wes Anderson film but a stunning example of the director’s unique vision and emotional storytelling. It’s a film that will capture hearts and minds and will continue to be talked about for years to come.