There are few filmmakers working today with such distinct style as Wes Anderson. And because his movies are so identifiable and enjoyable for certain characteristics, if you like his past work then chances are you'll like his latest, The Grand Budapest Hotel, which opens in limited release this weekend. If you don't like his movies, maybe it's safe to say you won't like this one, either.
But Anderson hasn't just been repeating himself for the past 20 years. He does often surprise us, whether it's with a focused short film tied to a new feature (Hotel Chevalier, an appendix/prequel to The Darjeeling Limited) or with a venture into stop-motion animation (The Fantastic Mr. Fox) or by making a whole movie without a single Rolling Stones or Kinks song on the soundtrack.
And many will point out that he's continually getting stronger as a filmmaker, although many others will argue that his best works are way behind him.
Some people still can't distinguish enough between the eight features and handful of shorts' individual qualities to side with either camp, and that's fine. Anderson has never made a bad movie, nor has he ever made a severely disappointing or drastic departure, and so for a lot of fans there is indeed a matter of loving them all equally.
Are you one of those die-hards who couldn't pick a favorite Wes Anderson movie any more than you could pick a favorite of your own children? Or are you someone who will always go back to Rushmore or The Royal Tenenbaums as his peak pictures? Have you seen The Grand Budapest Hotel already and can claim it as his greatest achievement?
We polled users on Twitter this week to find out which movie they chose as the filmmaker's best. Below are the results followed by a few select tweets.
Rushmore: 4
The Royal Tenenbaums: 4
The Fantastic Mr. Fox: 2
The Life Aquatic with Steve Zizou: 1
Bottle Rocket: 1
All of them: 2
@thefilmcynic I don't know if I'd call it his best work, but Life Aquatic is my favorite (film & soundtrack). Best work, probably Tenenbaums
— Chad Elkins (@ratpack) March 7, 2014
As much as I love The Life Aquatic, I honestly think that The Darjeeling Limited is Wes Anderson's best movie. The story is just so so good.
— Jid (@Jid_the_M) March 7, 2014
Is it possible, or cheating, that “Hotel Chevalier” is Wes Anderson’s best movie?
— Sam Adams (@SamuelAAdams) March 7, 2014