I love director Wes Anderson’s films, but they are acquired taste in most cases. Love them or hate them, there is no denying that they always stand out as unique. His latest film The Phoenician Scheme once again brings together an impressive cast including Benicio del Toro, Mia Threapleton, Michael Cera, Riz Ahmed, Tom Hanks, Bryan Cranston, Mathieu Amalric, Richard Ayoade, Jeffrey Wright, Scarlett Johansson, Benedict Cumberbatch, Rupert Friend, and Hope Davis.

 

The Phoenician Scheme follows wealthy businessman Zsa-zsa Korda who appoints his only daughter, a nun, as sole heir to his estate. As Korda embarks on a new enterprise, they soon become the target of scheming tycoons, foreign terrorists, and determined assassins.

 

Of course, being a fan, I was obviously looking forward to this film. Per usual Anderson has once again put together an impressive cast with everyone fitting right into this strange world. The quirky and often pretend-looking world these characters inhabit instantly pull you into the brilliant and bizarre nature of it all. Much like his previous films, the story is engaging and unique, bringing performances that stand out in the best way possible.

 

From the opening sequence you are pulled right in as we learn about who and what Korda is played to perfection by Benicio del Toro. The surrounding characters and locals offer up an ongoing feast of the senses both visually and in their performances. The lack of movement and emotions in the performances in Anderson’s films like this is a work of art. It must be so much harder to pull these roles off with the long dialogues, quick banter and reactionless performances.