The Grand Budapest Hotel: My review

THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL for http://www.clubfashionista.com

At times I feel that my tastes are unnatural compared to the opinion of the majority of the people in this planet. Some call it having a rebel mentality in which I do not follow the trends and what everybody is hyping about. I call it being opinionated and sticking to my feelings. Such is the case with artists like Beyonce and Rhianna. I openly admit to NOT liking their music and I have been called crazy for it.

I went to see the movie The Grand Budapest Hotel with my hopes up. So many people have been raving about how great of a movie it is. Knowing that I was on my way to see a Wes Anderson movie, I knew to expect a well respected and talented cast ensemble. Such was the case with a great cast which consists of actors Ralph Fiennes, F. Murray Abraham, Adrien Brody, Bill Murray, Owen Wilson, Willem Dafoe, among others. I was not dissapointed as to the acting is considered. Perfect line deliveries and Anderson’s deep rooted love for symmetry in his compositions is what actually kept me awake throughout the movie.

This adventure-comedy-tragedy tells the story about a legendary concierge (Fiennes) at a famous European hotel on the verge of World War II and his protege, hotel boy and film narrator Zero Moustafa. It involves the theft and recovery of a priceless Renaissance painting and the battle for an enormous family fortune. Because of the lack of similarities between two actors playing the same character at different times, I became pretty confused at an early stage in the movie. Abraham (older Moustafa) and his early version, Tony Revolori, do not look like each other at all. By the time I figured it out it was already too late for me to catch up with the whole story. The crazy sped-up chase scenes added to my confusion. It became too chaotic and frantic. Even with the sections being introduced by titles with chapter readings, I was lost. Although I love comedy, I am not a fan of the caricaturistic technique used in some of it and this movie contained heavy doses of Anderson’s trademark gift which is making the most mundane look ridiculous.

On the other hand, I absolutely loved the photography, images, symmetry and color. The visuals were breathtaking and perfectly executed. It was beautifully designed with a gorgeous use of color and texture. The Costume Design department might be on their way to Oscar night. The uniforms for the soldiers and hotel bellboys were immaculately designed.

In conclusion, this quirky, fast paced, dark comedy is not on the list of my favorites. It takes more than engaging photography, list of a great cast, and people raving about it for me to leave the theater saying, “Wow, now that is a must see”. Still, it is all about perspectives and tastes!

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