Moonrise Kingdom, from the idiosyncratic mind of Wes Anderson is a story about two kids; a girl and a boy who falls for each other and decides to make a run for it in idyllic New England. This is a very quirky movie with a lot of subtle humor. I have been a long-time admirer of Anderson ever since I saw his second film, Rushmore. It was, and still remains one of my favorite movies. Perhaps the greatest compliment that Kingdom gets is that, it never veers off into childish territory. It is to the director’s credit that he maintains a firm grip on the narrative and makes sure that the film is coherent and enjoyable.
The two protagonists played by Jared Gilman (Sam) and Kara Hayward (Suzy) have acted with maturity beyond their years. What’s particularly impressive is the childlike quality that they imbibe into their characters without making them seem annoying. The film is also elevated by the outstanding support cast that comprises of stalwarts and Anderson regulars such as; Edward Norton, Bruce Willis, Bill Murray and Frances McDormand. There are also some really enjoyable cameos from Jason Schwartzman, Harvey Keitel and Tilda Swinton. Willis really shows what a great actor he can be, behind the usual image that is associated with him. It is one performance that I didn’t see coming. The tenderness in his character makes you feel for him.
The remarkable feature of the film, as in any Wes Anderson film is the attention to detail that is prominent in every frame. From the beautifully crafted camps to the fictional books that Suzy carries, the visuals are brimming with color and imagination. The film begins with a 12-year old girl packing and getting ready to run from her house and from her family whom she despises. Simultaneously, a 12-year old boy attending a ‘Khaki Scout’ camp leaves a note for the scout master (Norton) that he is quitting the scouts. Both these runaways meet in the forest nearby and decide to set up camp. From there on, the film goes on to describe the trials of the lovers as well as showing a failing marriage in Suzy’s family.
A wonderful side-story involves Willis’ character as we see the loneliness in his life and his yearning for company. None of the roles in the film seem one-dimensional. The writing done by Anderson himself along with Roman Coppola makes sure that all the actors get to display varied emotions of their characters. Another aspect of Kingdom that I personally loved was the delightful innocence that is shown in the love story between Sam and Suzy. The story moves at a pace that is not too fast which enriches the entire experience. The locations shown in Kingdom are incredibly beautiful; they resemble a bueatifully crafted postcard. The different hues of New England shown by the DOP Robert Yeoman, showcases the landscape of the region in all its might.
The reason I love the films of Wes Anderson is because; the humor that is prevalent in his movies, are not laugh-out-loud but have a subtlety to them. A special mention has to be made about the wittiness of the dialogues that Anderson and his collaborators, always come up with. It is quite heartening to see a director who is so unique, stay true to his style, after all these years. All in all, Moonrise Kingdom is a wonderful watch that has something for everyone.
Until next time, bye.
Films & Frames 