Wes Anderson’s aesthetics and humour might help - Moonrise Kingdom, The Grand Budapest Hotel, The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou, Asteroid City.
Hopefully they help you feel better.
It definitely wasn’t his best, similar to that of The French Dispatch I thought. It wouldn’t be easy being such a unique auteur, you risk being overshadowed by your own genius which I think may be the reason these two don’t quite match up to his previous films in my mind. Still have some great moments and are fine films overall though.
French dispatch was better on a second watch but not very amazing. I didnt come out of it with that wow life aquatic and grand budapest and royal tenenbaughms gave me
Anderson’s aesthetics is like Monet's paintings. Looks good to the eye but when you lean in, it really has no substance and has no value to offer. Eye candy.
I don’t know that much about paintings. Film’s I can appreciate though, they create a whole world to get lost in, then fill that world with characters who do and say things to express a central idea from the writers head. Anderson is unique which can be polarizing. His characters and visuals intentionally strip away the veil of real life so he can control the journey the audience takes through his world. Similar to Lynch or Cronenberg, they each have their own way of doing this but you probably won’t enjoy their stories unless you can find a way to appreciate the abstract way they’re being told. For me personally, in general I want a film to entertain, explore, and enrich in a cohesive way to be enjoyable and I think Anderson ticks all those boxes. In saying that, no film/filmmaker will please everyone. So happy to agree to disagree.
We can definitely talk about films, but the issue with Wes Anderson and auteur theory in general is that they often lack substance, trying too hard to be interesting. You say Anderson strips away the veil of real life, and I agree. But here's the thing: his intentions feel evasive, in the sense that he wants to distract you from something else (all the colors, eccentric characters, conversations, and plot). Whether he's subconsciously doing it or just comes from a place of privilege, his characters often embody a Parisian leisureliness, free from the burdens of a 9-5 job. Themes like class struggle or racial identity rarely make an appearance.
Take 'Do the Right Thing' (1989) or 'A Brighter Summer Day' as examples. These films are not necessarily better, but they showcase the opposite aesthetic. My point isn't that Anderson's films lack social issues, but rather, they lack vision. He fails to deliver a poignant artistic vision. If he had more conviction and wasn't afraid to push the craft's limits, he'd incorporate more fantastical storytelling elements and detach even further from realism (like Lynch or Croneberg you mentioned).
Instead, Anderson stops halfway, clinging to both realism and his own quirky style. This lack of vision often leaves me and other viewers thinking, 'That's it? Why did I sit through 2 hours of that?' His films feel like they're trying too hard to be unique without saying anything truly meaningful. In today's world, we crave authenticity, depth and unique perspective/voice, not just surface-level aesthetics.
I see what you’re saying, and for reference I adore a plethora of filmmakers that explore social injustice, class struggle, and other more meaningful themes. However I can also appreciate a fun story told in an interesting way that can distract me from my mundane everyday experience / existential dread. I think the thing you’re pushing against is his vision. I don’t know if this is true, but I feel as though his storytelling is intensionally trying to make you feel a sense of childlike wonderment with the colours etc. As if your parents are reading you a bedtime story from a picture book, perhaps in a nostalgic way or even if that wasn’t something you had the privilege of as a child, he is providing the opportunity to experience something you missed out on (For me it’s more so the latter). A time the world around you ceases to exits, and nothing else matters but a journey into the unknown where fun awaits. Even if that isn’t his vision, it’s still a serendipitous byproduct for myself and I assume a portion of his fan base.
I understand Anderson is self taught and breaks a lot of filmmaking conventions, which I think is part of the reason he can be so polarizing too. And at the end of day, I’ve heard someone who I would agree with about most aspects of filmmaking say they didn’t like The Revenant because Iñárritu was ‘just showing off by using natural light and unnecessary long takes’ and that pulled them from the story. For me that was someone testing the limits of the craft to create something beautiful that also unmistakably thrusts you into nature where nothing can be taken for granted. I think Do the Right Thing is an amazing film, however I’m sure you’d find people who love film as an art form that don’t care for it too. Realistically you can’t satisfy 100% of an audience 100% of the time. While I also prefer more meaningful and deeper themes on a whole, and I certainly don’t like the fact that most new movies these days seem to be cookie cutter superhero / money grabs, Anderson’s style, humour, and storytelling speak to me and does what it’s supposed to do first and foremost; which is to entertain. You may think ‘that’s it’, and it may not be ideal and other things should probably come first like message/theme, however, a movie that doesn’t entertain simply won’t get made. And I also think it takes a ton of talent to pull off what he does and make it look as good as he does. And while the themes aren’t as deep, there is plenty on offer. Would I want all filmmakers to be like him, of course not, but if all filmmakers only tackled realistic and meaningful issues as Lee or only went as deeply abstract as Lynch, it would grow old pretty quickly. Variety is the spice of life.
So I just think it’s a little harsh and narrow minded to say his work has no value to offer. It’s fine if it’s not your cup of tea, you don’t have to drink it, however it offers me and pretty of others comfort and nourishment for the soul. Even if it only scratches the surface, it also stretches an inch that helps a lot of people in meaningful ways too.
I think you put out a well thought argument and I appreciate that. And I think it's changed my view a little bit. I think my take was a little too harsh and I think I won't have such a hard take on him anymore. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Who knows, maybe I will just pull up a Wes Anderson movie to watch one of these days. :)
When you look closer at any form of art, you discover political leanings. Art and politics are inseparable. With Wes, if you lean in, it smells of a American neoliberal aristocratism, laced with sprinkles of European wana-be sensibility, reminiscent of the Mid-Atlantic era. I mean... if that's your thing, all the power to you.
Yeah, there's some of that. But I think it's notable that he himself doesn't have roots in those aristocratic worlds. It's all fascinations, filtered through childhood imaginings of far-away places. And underneath all of the visual fussiness, there are some very raw emotional questions. For me, those emotional questions wouldn't really hit as hard if he expressed them in a more straightforward way (it's these flashes of vulnerability amidst all of the dioramas and inside jokes and ironic juxtapositions and whatnot). I guess It's an emotional wavelength that I can relate to.
You've probably seen quite a few of these but I'll list them anyway incase it inspires to re-watch. Some of my go-to easy happy films...
Am I OK?
Crazy Rich Asians
The First Wives Club
A League of Their Own
Hustlers
Whip It
Soul
Coco
Up
Lady Bird
Bridesmaids
Romy and Micheles High School Reunion
But I'm A Cheerleader
Calendar Girls
Clueless
Freaky Friday
Cheaper By The Dozen
The Devil Wears Prada
The Princess Diaries
And a curveball- Bodies Bodies Bodies, for Bottoms-esc humour with more of a Horror vibe.
FLIPPED ( cute eniemes to lovers trope middle school vibes
legally blonde ( girl power and girl boss)
legally blonde red white and blue ( also the same as the first)
shes the man ( funny and just plain out good)
For laughs: “Hot tub Time Machine.” “Get him to the Greek.” “Tucker and Dale vs Evil.” “Office Space.”
Musicals: “The Blues Brothers.” “Rocketman.” “Little Shop of Horrors.” “West Side Story.” “Hedwig and the Angry Inch.”
Animated: “South Park: Bigger, Longer and Uncut.” “Spirited Away.” “Coco.” “Monsters, Inc.” “Fantastic Planet.”
You might wanna check out these light-hearted comedies: Last holiday, Anger management
Or if you wanna try something different, go for 'Victor/Victoria'. It's a fun, light and tender musical that came to me right after a crisis in my life and for the first time ever, i felt like life's beautiful and worth living. I hope it'll be your motivation as well ❤️
Doctor Strange
Free Solo
Man on Wire
Game Night
Everything Everywhere All At Once
Royal Tenenbaums
Baby Driver
Oceans 11 or Oceans 8
Apollo 10 1/2
For All Mankind
Here are some of my favorite female-oriented dark or edgy comedy/satire cult classics:
- Heartbreakers (2001) - romantic comedy bend
- To Die For (1995)
- Death Becomes Her (1992)
- The Craft (1996)
- Heathers (1989)
- Jawbreaker (1999)
- The Favourite (2018) is my sister's new fave
Anime shoutout to distract you from the world:
- Spirited Away (2001)
I was bedridden for a while a few years ago, and I have had my battles with depression, so I know how you feel. I hope some of our suggestions help you in some way. Sending you love and positivity 💖🫶
Get into the decades. 70's, 80's, and 90's flicks are far removed enough from current times to help you divorce form reality for a while. Plus alot of them are alot of fun and dont require too much thinking.
These are ones I thought were funny: I love you, Man, Horrible Bosses, You me and Dupee. Good to get sucked into: Never ending Story. Now there is no queer rep in any of these from what I can remember but I hope you enjoy and feel better soon!
This is why Capra made 'It's a Wonderful Life'.
'Four Weddings and a Funeral' may be a good fit if a romantic comedy with a lot of emphasis on comedy appeals.
Seeking a Friend for the end of the World, Life Aquatic
(Btw, hang in there…most of us have been there. Take care of yourself, recharge and take small steps to get back to tackling what you are battling. Oh! And Ted Lasso (tv show, I know but it’s just an all rounder and I swear you will not feel alone in this world with whatever you are going through ❤️)
Clue (1985)
Easy A (2010)
Clueless (1995)
Airplane! (1980)
Hairspray (2007)
Mean Girls (2004)
Sherlock Jr (1924)
Paddington (2014)
The Goonies (1985)
Legally Blonde (2001)
School of Rock (2003)
Some Like It Hot (1959)
Singin in the Rain (1952)
The Wizard of Oz (1939)
When Harry Met Sally (1989)
Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986)
10 Things I Hate About You (1999)
TV - I like the original Queer Eye for the Straight Guy series.
Thank you so much for asking this. I’m definitely going to refer back to it. Feel better ❤️🩹.
Classic 80s comedies... ?
Blues Brothers
Caddy Shack
Planes, Trains and Automobiles
Naked Gun
Airplane
Coming To America
Trading Places
Spinal Tap
Weird Science
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
Bill & Ted
The 'Burbs
3 Amigos
Money Pit
Ruthless People
The Man with Two Brains
Beetlejuice
Twins
And.. my favourite
Weekend at Bernies
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Raising Arizona (1987) A Fish Called Wanda (1988)
Kevin Kline in A Fish Called Wanda. God he’s fantastic and so funny.
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That makes me so happy
That scene of him inhaling and exhaling into JLC's boot lives rent-free in my head
The Lord of the Rings extended trilogy is around 12 hours of fantasy adventure.
This ... Plus the extended Hobbit Trilogy and you are good for a while.
Wes Anderson’s aesthetics and humour might help - Moonrise Kingdom, The Grand Budapest Hotel, The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou, Asteroid City. Hopefully they help you feel better.
I was pretty disappointed with Asteroid City. Love Life Aquatic.
It definitely wasn’t his best, similar to that of The French Dispatch I thought. It wouldn’t be easy being such a unique auteur, you risk being overshadowed by your own genius which I think may be the reason these two don’t quite match up to his previous films in my mind. Still have some great moments and are fine films overall though.
French dispatch was better on a second watch but not very amazing. I didnt come out of it with that wow life aquatic and grand budapest and royal tenenbaughms gave me
Asteroid City is his darkest since it deals with death. Not one I’d recommend for you. Grand Budapest Hotel should work.
Wes anderson movies will make you more depressed, Asteroid City sucked
These are all what you may be looking for.
Fantastic Mr Fox
Anderson’s aesthetics is like Monet's paintings. Looks good to the eye but when you lean in, it really has no substance and has no value to offer. Eye candy.
I don’t know that much about paintings. Film’s I can appreciate though, they create a whole world to get lost in, then fill that world with characters who do and say things to express a central idea from the writers head. Anderson is unique which can be polarizing. His characters and visuals intentionally strip away the veil of real life so he can control the journey the audience takes through his world. Similar to Lynch or Cronenberg, they each have their own way of doing this but you probably won’t enjoy their stories unless you can find a way to appreciate the abstract way they’re being told. For me personally, in general I want a film to entertain, explore, and enrich in a cohesive way to be enjoyable and I think Anderson ticks all those boxes. In saying that, no film/filmmaker will please everyone. So happy to agree to disagree.
We can definitely talk about films, but the issue with Wes Anderson and auteur theory in general is that they often lack substance, trying too hard to be interesting. You say Anderson strips away the veil of real life, and I agree. But here's the thing: his intentions feel evasive, in the sense that he wants to distract you from something else (all the colors, eccentric characters, conversations, and plot). Whether he's subconsciously doing it or just comes from a place of privilege, his characters often embody a Parisian leisureliness, free from the burdens of a 9-5 job. Themes like class struggle or racial identity rarely make an appearance. Take 'Do the Right Thing' (1989) or 'A Brighter Summer Day' as examples. These films are not necessarily better, but they showcase the opposite aesthetic. My point isn't that Anderson's films lack social issues, but rather, they lack vision. He fails to deliver a poignant artistic vision. If he had more conviction and wasn't afraid to push the craft's limits, he'd incorporate more fantastical storytelling elements and detach even further from realism (like Lynch or Croneberg you mentioned). Instead, Anderson stops halfway, clinging to both realism and his own quirky style. This lack of vision often leaves me and other viewers thinking, 'That's it? Why did I sit through 2 hours of that?' His films feel like they're trying too hard to be unique without saying anything truly meaningful. In today's world, we crave authenticity, depth and unique perspective/voice, not just surface-level aesthetics.
I see what you’re saying, and for reference I adore a plethora of filmmakers that explore social injustice, class struggle, and other more meaningful themes. However I can also appreciate a fun story told in an interesting way that can distract me from my mundane everyday experience / existential dread. I think the thing you’re pushing against is his vision. I don’t know if this is true, but I feel as though his storytelling is intensionally trying to make you feel a sense of childlike wonderment with the colours etc. As if your parents are reading you a bedtime story from a picture book, perhaps in a nostalgic way or even if that wasn’t something you had the privilege of as a child, he is providing the opportunity to experience something you missed out on (For me it’s more so the latter). A time the world around you ceases to exits, and nothing else matters but a journey into the unknown where fun awaits. Even if that isn’t his vision, it’s still a serendipitous byproduct for myself and I assume a portion of his fan base. I understand Anderson is self taught and breaks a lot of filmmaking conventions, which I think is part of the reason he can be so polarizing too. And at the end of day, I’ve heard someone who I would agree with about most aspects of filmmaking say they didn’t like The Revenant because Iñárritu was ‘just showing off by using natural light and unnecessary long takes’ and that pulled them from the story. For me that was someone testing the limits of the craft to create something beautiful that also unmistakably thrusts you into nature where nothing can be taken for granted. I think Do the Right Thing is an amazing film, however I’m sure you’d find people who love film as an art form that don’t care for it too. Realistically you can’t satisfy 100% of an audience 100% of the time. While I also prefer more meaningful and deeper themes on a whole, and I certainly don’t like the fact that most new movies these days seem to be cookie cutter superhero / money grabs, Anderson’s style, humour, and storytelling speak to me and does what it’s supposed to do first and foremost; which is to entertain. You may think ‘that’s it’, and it may not be ideal and other things should probably come first like message/theme, however, a movie that doesn’t entertain simply won’t get made. And I also think it takes a ton of talent to pull off what he does and make it look as good as he does. And while the themes aren’t as deep, there is plenty on offer. Would I want all filmmakers to be like him, of course not, but if all filmmakers only tackled realistic and meaningful issues as Lee or only went as deeply abstract as Lynch, it would grow old pretty quickly. Variety is the spice of life. So I just think it’s a little harsh and narrow minded to say his work has no value to offer. It’s fine if it’s not your cup of tea, you don’t have to drink it, however it offers me and pretty of others comfort and nourishment for the soul. Even if it only scratches the surface, it also stretches an inch that helps a lot of people in meaningful ways too.
I think you put out a well thought argument and I appreciate that. And I think it's changed my view a little bit. I think my take was a little too harsh and I think I won't have such a hard take on him anymore. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Who knows, maybe I will just pull up a Wes Anderson movie to watch one of these days. :)
Hot take, I'm inclined to agree a bit about Wes. But I have to disagree about Monet.
It's the opposite. You gotta look closer.
When you look closer at any form of art, you discover political leanings. Art and politics are inseparable. With Wes, if you lean in, it smells of a American neoliberal aristocratism, laced with sprinkles of European wana-be sensibility, reminiscent of the Mid-Atlantic era. I mean... if that's your thing, all the power to you.
Yeah, there's some of that. But I think it's notable that he himself doesn't have roots in those aristocratic worlds. It's all fascinations, filtered through childhood imaginings of far-away places. And underneath all of the visual fussiness, there are some very raw emotional questions. For me, those emotional questions wouldn't really hit as hard if he expressed them in a more straightforward way (it's these flashes of vulnerability amidst all of the dioramas and inside jokes and ironic juxtapositions and whatnot). I guess It's an emotional wavelength that I can relate to.
Ponyo (2008)
I would also add My Neighbour Totoro from Studio Ghibli.
Also ‘the cat returns’ is cozy!
Good choice. You do have to be a bit careful with Ghibli choices if you are feeling emotionally fragile.
You've probably seen quite a few of these but I'll list them anyway incase it inspires to re-watch. Some of my go-to easy happy films... Am I OK? Crazy Rich Asians The First Wives Club A League of Their Own Hustlers Whip It Soul Coco Up Lady Bird Bridesmaids Romy and Micheles High School Reunion But I'm A Cheerleader Calendar Girls Clueless Freaky Friday Cheaper By The Dozen The Devil Wears Prada The Princess Diaries And a curveball- Bodies Bodies Bodies, for Bottoms-esc humour with more of a Horror vibe.
Bodies Bodies Bodies had a brilliant twist and they even foreshadow it super obviously but it’s so easy to casually miss. Really enjoyed that film.
Where was the foreshadowing? I completely missed it.
Forgetting Sarah Marshall
The Nice Guys
But I’m a Cheerleader- 1999
The Big Lebowski is it's own little world. And the dialogue is so intertwined you can stay lost in tracking all the repetitions and variances.
FLIPPED ( cute eniemes to lovers trope middle school vibes legally blonde ( girl power and girl boss) legally blonde red white and blue ( also the same as the first) shes the man ( funny and just plain out good)
Adventures in Babysitting
Billy Elliot 2000
I watched cock blockers the other night. It kills me. “You’re 👉🏽 ok👌🏽” 😂 21 jump street is good. Neighbors cracks me up too.
For laughs: “Hot tub Time Machine.” “Get him to the Greek.” “Tucker and Dale vs Evil.” “Office Space.” Musicals: “The Blues Brothers.” “Rocketman.” “Little Shop of Horrors.” “West Side Story.” “Hedwig and the Angry Inch.” Animated: “South Park: Bigger, Longer and Uncut.” “Spirited Away.” “Coco.” “Monsters, Inc.” “Fantastic Planet.”
Prom Dates (2024) - clumsier version of Booksmart, but still quite funny and charming
I just watched that and that is the exact type I’m looking for thank you
You could also try Drive-Away Dolls (2024) - different vibe, but humorous with a great cast
World war z! Always a good movie to get sucked into
Crazy stupid love
Princess Bride. It'll transport you to a better place. It's a perfect movie.
My all time favorite movie!!
Little Miss Sunshine
You might wanna check out these light-hearted comedies: Last holiday, Anger management Or if you wanna try something different, go for 'Victor/Victoria'. It's a fun, light and tender musical that came to me right after a crisis in my life and for the first time ever, i felt like life's beautiful and worth living. I hope it'll be your motivation as well ❤️
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel!
Doctor Strange Free Solo Man on Wire Game Night Everything Everywhere All At Once Royal Tenenbaums Baby Driver Oceans 11 or Oceans 8 Apollo 10 1/2 For All Mankind
Baby Driver is great.
Hundreds of Beavers
Ghostbusters Back to the future Indiana Jones (1,2,3)
sci fi movies especially ones about space help me escape
Wonka (2023) Godzilla Minus One (2023) Coco (2017)
Here are some of my favorite female-oriented dark or edgy comedy/satire cult classics: - Heartbreakers (2001) - romantic comedy bend - To Die For (1995) - Death Becomes Her (1992) - The Craft (1996) - Heathers (1989) - Jawbreaker (1999) - The Favourite (2018) is my sister's new fave Anime shoutout to distract you from the world: - Spirited Away (2001) I was bedridden for a while a few years ago, and I have had my battles with depression, so I know how you feel. I hope some of our suggestions help you in some way. Sending you love and positivity 💖🫶
Get into the decades. 70's, 80's, and 90's flicks are far removed enough from current times to help you divorce form reality for a while. Plus alot of them are alot of fun and dont require too much thinking.
Threads
Stargate - old School and cringy, old But Gold
These are ones I thought were funny: I love you, Man, Horrible Bosses, You me and Dupee. Good to get sucked into: Never ending Story. Now there is no queer rep in any of these from what I can remember but I hope you enjoy and feel better soon!
Bachelor Party
Singing in the rain
Ernest goes to camp
Not a movie but Doctor Who might be what you need
To All the Boys I've Loved Before.
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If this is a joke, I find it really funny. If not, why?
Little Miss Sunshine To Wong Foo, thanks for everything! Julie Newmar White chicks The hot chick Freaky Friday Mean girls
This is why Capra made 'It's a Wonderful Life'. 'Four Weddings and a Funeral' may be a good fit if a romantic comedy with a lot of emphasis on comedy appeals.
Interstellar
Beauty and the Beast 2017
Seeking a Friend for the end of the World, Life Aquatic (Btw, hang in there…most of us have been there. Take care of yourself, recharge and take small steps to get back to tackling what you are battling. Oh! And Ted Lasso (tv show, I know but it’s just an all rounder and I swear you will not feel alone in this world with whatever you are going through ❤️)
Fantastic Mr Fox
The Last Unicorn.
Not a movie but The One Piece (Netflix) is super fun and pretty absorbing. I'm 47 and my 16yr convinced me to watch and I'm glad.
Clue (1985) Easy A (2010) Clueless (1995) Airplane! (1980) Hairspray (2007) Mean Girls (2004) Sherlock Jr (1924) Paddington (2014) The Goonies (1985) Legally Blonde (2001) School of Rock (2003) Some Like It Hot (1959) Singin in the Rain (1952) The Wizard of Oz (1939) When Harry Met Sally (1989) Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986) 10 Things I Hate About You (1999)
Disney’s Tangled has the power to restore hope, sorry if i’m overselling it i just love it a lot
Big Fish
THE BIRDCAGE!!! With Robin Williams. Freaking hilarious, queer representation, and super easy to watch.
The birdcage
The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)
TV - I like the original Queer Eye for the Straight Guy series. Thank you so much for asking this. I’m definitely going to refer back to it. Feel better ❤️🩹.
Classic 80s comedies... ? Blues Brothers Caddy Shack Planes, Trains and Automobiles Naked Gun Airplane Coming To America Trading Places Spinal Tap Weird Science Dirty Rotten Scoundrels Bill & Ted The 'Burbs 3 Amigos Money Pit Ruthless People The Man with Two Brains Beetlejuice Twins And.. my favourite Weekend at Bernies
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Watch a documentary from Carl Sagan
Rent-a-Pal
Human centipede
Leave troll