EVERY WES ANDERSON FILM PLAYING AT DEPTFORD CINEMA – RANKED!
With a fantastic selection of cult classics, short films and the new releases, it can be hard to choose from what’s on at Deptford Cinema. We’re here to help by shining a light on a particularly exciting season that’s running all-yearlong: Wes Days. Wes Anderson is one of Hollywood’s most idiosyncratic auteurs, and his films attract devoted fans and curious movie-goers alike. Whichever you are, we’ve ranked all his films below to help you make the most of some of the best movies showing in Deptford.
9. BOTTLE ROCKET (1996)
The first ever Wes Anderson feature, it’s no surprise that his signature style was still a few years away from really coming into its own with Bottle Rocket. Watch it for a short-haired Owen Wilson before he became the unexpected it-boy of Hollywood rom-coms.
Bottle Rocket is showing at Deptford Cinema at 7:30pm on Wednesday, March 18, 2020
8. THE DARJEELING LTD. (2007)
Three estranged brothers take a train journey through India to reconnect after their father passes away. Those who can ignore the fact that the three leads look nothing alike will no doubt enjoy this one, not least for its vibrant South Asian scenery, as well as its sister short Hotel Cavalier.
Catch The Darjeeling Ltd. at 7:30pm on Wednesday, July 8, 2020
7. LIFE AQUATIC WITH STEVE ZISSOU (2004)
In this ambitious ode to Jacques Cousteau, Bill Murray leads an all-star cast. Yet by far and away the best thing about the film is Brazilian musician Seu Jorge’s gorgeous soundtrack, made up entirely of acoustic David Bowie covers. While the songs were over-shadowed at the time by endless press about the film being over-schedule and over-budget, they’ve gone on to make up one of the defining film soundtracks of the millennium.
Deptford movie lovers can see Life Aquatic at 7:30pm on Wednesday, June 17, 2020
6. FANTASTIC MR. FOX (2009)
Audiences were divided by Anderson’s first foray into animation in 2009. While critics raved about it, the problem lay in the fact that people couldn’t seem to figure out just who the film was for. It was a little too dark and edgy for kids, while George Clooney’s usual followers struggled with the film’s tweeness. Still, it’s a lovingly faithful adaptation of the Roald Dahl classic that laid the foundations for his later hit Isle of Dogs. But more on that later…
Fantastic Mr. Fox is screening at 7:30pm on Wednesday, August 12, 2020
5. RUSHMORE (1998)
After Bottle Rocket came Rushmore, a film brimming with almost as much confidence as its protagonist Max Fischer. Distracted by extra-curricular activities, Max’s grades fall short of reflecting the genius he believes himself to possess. How a 17 year-old Jason Schwartzman had the acting chops to carry the film like he did is a mystery, but what’s obvious is that every stylistic choice made by Anderson since can be traced back to this one, earning it a place in the top five.
See Rushmore at 7:30pm on Wednesday, April 15, 2020
4. MOONRISE KINGDOM (2012)
It’s hard to think of anyone who isn’t in this film. Bruce Willis, Edward Norton, Frances McDormand, Tilda Swinton – the list goes on. While his later films may be even more star-studded, this was the first-time viewers were treated to so many big names, and what’s more impressive is that they were all drawn to such minor parts. Jared Garman and Kara Hayward portray young Sam and Suzy, and their misguided decision to run away from home hit a chord with every adult who ever entertained the idea in their youth.
Lose yourself in Moonrise kingdom at 7:30pm on Wednesday, September 16, 2020
3. ISLE OF DOGS (2018)
It can be hard to know what to make of Isle of Dogs at first, but the more you look at Anderson’s body of work, the more obvious it becomes that this is the film that Anderson’s entire career was leading up to. It re-unites the stunning casts of his previous films and improves upon the stop-motion techniques first seen in Fantastic Mr. Fox. In less delicate hands, the film could read as orientalist and exploitational, but instead it’s a masterclass in homage as well as a championing of Japanese talent. Koyu Rankin voices young Atari, and will no doubt go on to great things.
Head down to Isle of Dogs at 7:30pm on Wednesday, November 11, 2020
2. THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL (2014)
Filmed in various rural parts of Germany and Poland to achieve the unique look of the fictional country of Zubrowka, The Grand Budapest Hotel has spawned a whole host of copycat photography pages and social media accounts and cleaned up at the Oscars in 2014. Nominated for 9 awards, it won 4 including best production and costume design. Quite right too. Only one film holds a candle to the beauty of The Grand Budapest Hotel…
Check in to The Grand Budapest Hotel at 7:30pm on Wednesday, October 14, 2020
1. THE ROYAL TENENBAUMS (2001)
Despite a slightly anomalous cast that includes of Danny Glover and Gene Hackman, this film is quintessential Wes Anderson. His signature humour has never been so masterfully delivered than by comedy titan Ben Stiller, supported by a suitably sultry Gwyneth Paltrow and Luke Wilson. The jukebox style soundtrack feels like a peek into the director’s very own record collection, while the vivid period sportswear will leave you craving an all-new and slightly ridiculous wardrobe.
Deptford Cinema proudly presents The Royal Tenenbaums at 7:30pm on Wednesday, May 20, 2020