There are few directors I consider essential to watch as soon as humanly possible. Tarantino was the first filmmaker on such a list though he is in danger of being removed. Robert Eggers and Ari Aster are recent additions; I firmly believe ‘Nosferatu’ and ‘Beau Is Afraid’ are two of the greatest films of the decade. However, the most deserving name, I believe, is Wes Anderson. Admittedly, I’m not an original fan from his ‘Bottle Rocket’ and ‘Rushmore’ days, but a child of the ‘Fantastic Mr Fox’ era. In anxious times, I can always count on Anderson’s filmography to help me feel at ease and recognised. When times are distressing, I can always play ‘Aline’ by Jarvis Crocker or ‘Freight Train’ by The Chas McDevitt Skiffle Group and imagine life in symmetrical cinematography.
‘The Phoenician Scheme’ released today, and from the first scene it’s clear Anderson has evolved. This new Anderson uses more violence, less restrictive cinematography, and more vibrant colours. This new Anderson uses more foreboding, threatening music rather than the whimsical and quirky soundtracks we’ve become accustomed to. ‘The Phoenician Scheme’ is the product of what feels like a darker, more serious, but much more exciting style of the man who helped shape my adulthood.
Zsa-zsa Korda is a dirty businessman who has dodged 6 separate attempts on his life. In response, he promptly places his most costly, but most rewarding deal into action: The Phoenician Scheme. When a group known as Excalibur attempts to sabotage the scheme by skyrocketing the price of materials he needs, Korda travels to each of his five partners to convince them to pay more and protect the plan. On the way, Korda’s attempts are threatened by a Che-Guevara lookalike, the investigation of his wife’s “suicide” and (in classic Wes Anderson fashion) heartfelt epiphanies of the main characters.
Benecio Del Toro plays Zsa-zsa Korda and portrays the image of a soulless businessman tremendously. His carefree, bored attitude, paired with Del Toro’s charming deep voice, is perfect for the Wes Anderson universe. It’s oddly reassuring and respectable to see such fearlessness as well as zero-fucks-given bravado as Korda, in his private plane, walks away from his assistant’s bombed corpse, fires his pilot and picks himself up after surviving a crash. Perhaps that’s why I imagine myself in Wes Anderson films? Because when these characters hold it all in, it works out a hell of a lot better than real life.
Mia Threapleton plays Sister Liesl, Korda’s estranged daughter. I can admire the acting work done by Threapleton, but unfortunately, Liesl doesn’t seem to take on much character development. Liesl attempts to be Korda’s moral voice, but often fails. Her main purpose is to potentially become her father’s heir and convince him to be a better man, however, when the latter goal is achieved, it feels as if credit should go to the assassination attempts instead. Liesl just doesn’t feel significant enough to warrant a co-lead role.
Michael Cera plays Bjorn Lund, an entomologist and Korda’s new assistant. Cera’s performance here feels reminiscent of Cera’s 2000s comedies (‘Juno’, ‘Superbad’, ‘Scott Pilgrim’). Lund could easily be any of his past characters in disguise, just a decade older. That’s not necessarily a flaw – far from it – but it could be a warning sign that he’s fallen under the typecast curse.
A special mention goes to Benedict Cumberbatch as well for his performance of Uncle Nubar. Though his screentime is miniscule, his facial expressions make the portrayal unforgettable. During a fight scene between Korda and Nubar, there were times when he matched the ferocity of the models used in ‘Fantastic Mr Fox’. His rage and wrath shocked me when he tore a ladder in half and threw Korda down the stairs. Perhaps Cumberbatch’s ‘Grinch’ film should have been live-action as well…
Is it Wes Anderson’s best film? No. I don’t think there is a best in his filmography. If you’re a longtime fan of his, this review shouldn’t even be needed. Wes Anderson is one of the few directors today that consistently keeps the winning standard. I believe ‘The Phoenecian Scheme’ is an entry that meets that standard, while also experimenting with new ideas. Go watch it and escape reality for a little.
Mason’s Top 3 Reasons to Watch ‘The Phoenician Scheme’
- It’s a Wes Anderson film. Of course it’s bloody amazing.
- An interesting new turn of style. Violent, haunting, but still keeping a cheerful tone.
- You get to see Tom Hanks and Bryan Cranston absolutely annihilate in basketball.
