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The French Dispatch

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The French Dispatch
"Theatrical release poster": A group of about 50 people.
Theatrical release poster inspired by the album cover for Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles[1]
Directed byWes Anderson
Screenplay byWes Anderson
Story by
Produced by
Starring
CinematographyRobert Yeoman
Edited byAndrew Weisblum
Music byAlexandre Desplat
Production
companies
Distributed bySearchlight Pictures
Release dates
  • July 12, 2021 (2021-07-12) (Cannes)
  • October 22, 2021 (2021-10-22) (United States)[2]
Running time
103 minutes[3]
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Budget$25 million[4]

The French Dispatch of the Liberty, Kansas Evening Sun is a 2021 American comedy-drama film written, directed, and produced by Wes Anderson from a story he conceived with Roman Coppola, Hugo Guinness, and Jason Schwartzman. It stars an ensemble cast featuring Benicio del Toro, Adrien Brody, Tilda Swinton, Léa Seydoux, Frances McDormand, Timothée Chalamet, Lyna Khoudri, Jeffrey Wright, Mathieu Amalric, Stephen Park, Bill Murray, and Owen Wilson. The plot follows three different storylines, as the French foreign bureau of a fictional Kansas newspaper creates its final issue.

Additional cast members in The French Dispatch include Liev Schreiber, Edward Norton, Willem Dafoe, Saoirse Ronan, Elisabeth Moss, Jason Schwartzman, and Anjelica Huston. The project was first mentioned in August 2018 as an untitled musical set after World War II. That December, the film was officially announced, with Anderson calling it a "love letter to journalists." Filming took place between November 2018 and March 2019, with cinematographer Robert Yeoman, in the city of Angoulême, France. During post-production, editing was completed by Andrew Weisblum and the musical score was composed by Alexandre Desplat.

Following a delay, The French Dispatch had its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival on July 12, 2021. It is scheduled to be theatrically released in the United States by Searchlight Pictures on October 22, 2021.[5]

Premise and background

The film has been described as "a love letter to journalists set at an outpost of an American newspaper in a fictional 20th-century French city", centering on three stories.[6] It brings to life a collection of tales published in the eponymous The French Dispatch, based in the fictional French city of Ennui-sur-Blasé.[7] The film is inspired by Anderson's love of The New Yorker, and some characters and events in the film are based on real-life equivalents from the magazine.[8] One of the three stories centers on the May 68 student occupation protests, inspired by Mavis Gallant's two-part article "The Events in May: A Paris Notebook".[8][9] Another story, featuring Adrien Brody's character of Julien Cadazio, is based on "The Days of Duveen", a six-part feature in The New Yorker on art dealer Lord Duveen.[8][10]

When speaking to French publication Charente Libre in April 2019, Anderson said: "The story is not easy to explain, [It's about an] American journalist based in France [who] creates his magazine. It is more a portrait of this man, of this journalist who fights to write what he wants to write. It's not a movie about freedom of the press, but when you talk about reporters you also talk about what's going on in the real world."[11]

Cast

Fisher Stevens, Griffin Dunne and Wally Wolodarsky are set to play members of The French Dispatch staff,[8] while Mohamed Belhadjine portrays Mitch Mitch, a student revolutionary. Winston Ait Hellal portrays the Commissaire's kidnapped son. Additionally, Denis Ménochet, Benjamin Lavernhe, Vincent Macaigne, Félix Moati, and Anjelica Bette Fellini have been cast in undisclosed roles.[13] Jarvis Cocker voices a French pop singer, Tip-Top.

Production

Development

In August 2018, it was reported Wes Anderson would write and direct an untitled musical film set in France, post World War II.[14] In November 2018, it was announced Jeremy Dawson would produce the film, with Tilda Swinton and Mathieu Amalric starring in the film. Dawson also confirmed the film is not a musical.[15] Additionally, Natalie Portman, Brad Pitt, and Léa Seydoux were rumored for roles in the film.[16] In December 2018, it was announced Anderson would write and direct the film, with Frances McDormand, Bill Murray, Benicio del Toro, and Jeffrey Wright; Seydoux was confirmed to star in the film alongside Swinton and Amalric, with Steven Rales producing under his Indian Paintbrush banner and Fox Searchlight Pictures distributing.[17] Timothée Chalamet's role was written with him in mind.[18]

Later that month, Lois Smith and Saoirse Ronan joined the cast.[19][20] In January 2019, Owen Wilson, Adrien Brody, Henry Winkler,[21] Willem Dafoe, Bob Balaban, Steve Park, Denis Ménochet, Lyna Khoudri, Alex Lawther,[22] Vincent Macaigne, Vincent Lacoste, Félix Moati, Benjamin Lavernhe, Guillaume Gallienne, and Cécile de France were cast.[23][24] Robert Yeoman served as the film's cinematographer.[25] In February 2019, it was announced Wally Wolodarsky, Fisher Stevens, Griffin Dunne, and Jason Schwartzman had joined the cast of the film.[26] In April 2019, Christoph Waltz, Rupert Friend, and Elisabeth Moss were cast.[27][28]

Initially, Kate Winslet was also part of the cast, but had to exit the project to prepare for her next role in Ammonite.[29][30]

Filming

Principal photography began in November 2018, in the city of Angoulême (South-West France) and wrapped in March 2019.[31] Murray and Ronan, who have small roles in the film, recorded their scenes over the course of two days.[32][33]

Release

In September 2019, Searchlight Pictures acquired distribution rights to the film.[34] It was set to premiere at the Cannes Film Festival on May 12, 2020, and get a wide release on July 24, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the festival was cancelled and the film was pulled from the schedule on April 3, 2020.[35][36] The film was rescheduled for release on October 16, 2020, before being pulled from the schedule again on July 23, 2020.[37][38] It had its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival on July 12, 2021.[39] The film will be screened at the 59th New York Film Festival on October 2, 2021, and is scheduled to be released in theaters on October 22, 2021.[5][40][41]

Reception

On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 86% of 37 critics' reviews are positive, with an average rating of 7.60/10. The website's critics consensus reads: "A loving depiction of the vibrant spirit of journalism, The French Dispatch is another meticulously arranged delight from director Wes Anderson."[42] On Metacritic, the film has a weighted average score of 82 out of 100, based on 15 critics, indicating "universal acclaim".[43]

David Rooney of The Hollywood Reporter wrote: "While The French Dispatch might seem like an anthology of vignettes without a strong overarching theme, every moment is graced by Anderson's love for the written word and the oddball characters who dedicate their professional lives to it."[44] Writing for The Guardian, Peter Bradshaw said: "It might not be at the very zenith of what he can achieve but for sheer moment-by-moment pleasure, and for laughs, this is a treat."[45]

References

  1. ^ Stolworthy, Jacob (August 5, 2021). "The French Dispatch: Wes Anderson's most impressive cast yet revealed in Sgt Pepper's-inspired poster". The Independent. Retrieved September 1, 2021.
  2. ^ Sharf, Zack (May 27, 2021). "Wes Anderson's 'French Dispatch' to Open in Theaters October 16, Plus Cannes and NYFF". IndieWire. Retrieved May 27, 2021. {{cite web}}: |archive-date= requires |archive-url= (help)
  3. ^ Wiseman, Andreas (June 3, 2020). "Cannes Film Festival Reveals 2020 Lineup: Wes Anderson, Steve McQueen, Kate Winslet & Pixar". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on November 13, 2020. Retrieved June 3, 2020.
  4. ^ Croll, Ben (January 15, 2020). "Angouleme Delivers for Wes Anderson's 'The French Dispatch' Shoot". Variety. Archived from the original on March 8, 2021. Retrieved January 15, 2020.
  5. ^ a b Rubin, Rebecca (May 27, 2021). "Wes Anderson's 'The French Dispatch' Sets New Theatrical Release Date". Variety. Retrieved May 27, 2021.
  6. ^ Thompson, Anne (December 2, 2018). "Wes Anderson Is Shooting 'The French Dispatch' in France — Exclusive". IndieWire. Archived from the original on December 2, 2018. Retrieved December 2, 2018.
  7. ^ Reilly, Nick (September 20, 2019). "Wes Anderson reveals cast of new movie 'The French Dispatch'". NME. Archived from the original on December 16, 2019. Retrieved December 16, 2019.
  8. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l "A Look at Wes Anderson's New, New Yorker-inspired Film". The New Yorker. February 11, 2020. Archived from the original on January 2, 2021. Retrieved February 11, 2020.
  9. ^ Martoccio, Angie (February 12, 2020). "Bill Murray, Timothée Chalamet, Saoirse Ronan and More Star in Wes Anderson's 'The French Dispatch' Trailer". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on January 10, 2021. Retrieved February 12, 2020.
  10. ^ Behrman, S.N. (September 21, 1951). "The Days of Duveen". The New Yorker. Archived from the original on December 1, 2019. Retrieved February 14, 2020.
  11. ^ Sharf, Zack (August 23, 2019). "'The French Dispatch': Everything You Need to Know About Wes Anderson's New Movie". IndieWire. Archived from the original on November 25, 2020. Retrieved February 3, 2020.
  12. ^ "The French Dispatch". Cannes Film Festival. Retrieved June 28, 2021.
  13. ^ "The French Dispatch Cast". letterboxd.com. September 19, 2019. Archived from the original on May 26, 2021. Retrieved September 19, 2020.
  14. ^ Trumbore, Dave (August 15, 2018). "Wes Anderson's Next Film Could Be a Post-World War II Musical Set in France, Obviously". Collider. Archived from the original on August 15, 2018. Retrieved August 15, 2018.
  15. ^ Barfield, Charles (November 21, 2018). "Producer Gives Plot Details About Wes Anderson's Upcoming Film & Says It's Not A Musical". The Playlist. Archived from the original on December 3, 2018. Retrieved December 2, 2018.
  16. ^ "Tilda Swinton Joins Wes Anderson's French Musical; Brad Pitt, Natalie Portman Rumored". November 16, 2018. Archived from the original on December 4, 2018. Retrieved December 3, 2018.
  17. ^ Multiple sources:
  18. ^ Sharf, Zack (October 16, 2020). "Why Wes Anderson Cast Timothée Chalamet: He Belongs in the French New Wave". IndieWire. I had seen Timmy in 'Lady Bird' and 'Call Me by Your Name' and I never had the inconvenience of ever thinking of anybody else for this role even for a second.
  19. ^ Lang, Brent (December 10, 2018). "Wes Anderson's 'French Dispatch' Adds Lois Smith". Variety. Archived from the original on December 10, 2018. Retrieved December 10, 2018.
  20. ^ Sharf, Zack (December 24, 2018). "Saoirse Ronan Joins 'The French Dispatch,' Reuniting With Wes Anderson and Timothée Chalamet". IndieWire. Archived from the original on December 25, 2018. Retrieved December 24, 2018.
  21. ^ Kit, Borys (January 10, 2019). "Henry Winkler Joins Wes Anderson Movie 'French Dispatch' (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on January 10, 2019. Retrieved January 10, 2019.
  22. ^ Grater, Tom (January 31, 2019). "'The End Of The F***ing World' star Alex Lawther joins Wes Anderson's 'The French Dispatch' (exclusive)". Screen International. Archived from the original on January 31, 2019. Retrieved January 31, 2019.
  23. ^ "Adrien Brody, Benicio del Toro, Owen Wilson, Willem Dafoe: Pluie De Stars Sur La Ville!". Charente Libre. January 8, 2019. Archived from the original on January 10, 2019. Retrieved January 10, 2019.
  24. ^ Sarreau, Lea Andre (January 31, 2019). "A luxury French casting for Wes Anderson's "The French Dispatch"". Les Inrockuptibles. Archived from the original on January 31, 2019. Retrieved January 31, 2019.
  25. ^ Tyler, Jacob (January 10, 2019). "Wes Anderson's 'The French Dispatch' Casts Henry Winkler and Hires Stunt Coordinator Dominique Fouassier". thegww.com. Archived from the original on January 11, 2019. Retrieved January 11, 2019.
  26. ^ Dunne, Griffin (February 15, 2019). "Boxes in the wardrobe department for Wes Anderson's "The French Dispatch" where the brilliant costumer Milena Canonero keeps the belongings of the characters. The only time I'll get top billing over Bill Murray so I'd better get a pic of it". Instagram.com. Retrieved February 15, 2019.
  27. ^ Barfield, Charles (April 15, 2019). "Wes Anderson Says Christoph Waltz Has Small Role In 'The French Dispatch' & Reveals More Details Including Possible Late-2019 Release". The Playlist. Archived from the original on April 15, 2019. Retrieved April 15, 2019.
  28. ^ Davids, Brian (April 25, 2019). "Elisabeth Moss on 'Her Smell' and a Feminist Take on 'The Invisible Man'". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on April 25, 2019. Retrieved April 25, 2019.
  29. ^ "Saoirse Ronan Reveals Kate Winslet Is Latest Actor To Join Wes Anderson's 'The French Dispatch'". The Playlist. Archived from the original on January 30, 2019. Retrieved January 29, 2019.
  30. ^ Siegel, Tatiana (August 26, 2020). "Oh F***, I've Forgotten How to Act": Kate Winslet, Back in the Awards Race With Same-Sex Romance 'Ammonite,' on Getting Back to Work". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on August 27, 2020. Retrieved August 26, 2020.
  31. ^ "Untitled Wes Anderson Project". Backstage. Archived from the original on March 27, 2019. Retrieved December 2, 2018.
  32. ^ Barfield, Charles (April 15, 2019). "Wes Anderson Says Christoph Waltz Has Small Role In 'The French Dispatch' & Reveals More Details Including Possible Late-2019 Release". The Playlist. Archived from the original on April 15, 2019. Retrieved April 15, 2019.
  33. ^ Radish, Christina (November 16, 2020). "Saoirse Ronan on Taking Control of 'Ammonite' and Wes Anderson's 'The French Dispatch'". Collider. Archived from the original on November 16, 2020. Retrieved November 16, 2020.
  34. ^ Wiseman, Andreas (September 19, 2019). "Fox Searchlight Acquires World Rights To Wes Anderson's Upcoming Movie 'The French Dispatch'". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on December 17, 2019. Retrieved December 17, 2019.
  35. ^ Roxborough, Scott (June 3, 2020). "Cannes 2020 Lineup Unveiled". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on June 3, 2020. Retrieved June 3, 2020.
  36. ^ Welk, Brian (January 29, 2020). "Wes Anderson's 'The French Dispatch' Gets July 2020 Release". TheWrap. Archived from the original on January 29, 2020. Retrieved January 29, 2020.
  37. ^ Welk, Brian (April 3, 2020). "'Black Widow' Moves to November as Other MCU Films Shift Back to 2021, 2022". TheWrap. Archived from the original on April 3, 2020. Retrieved April 3, 2020.
  38. ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (July 23, 2020). "'Mulan' Off The Calendar; Disney Also Delays 'Avatar' & 'Star Wars' Movies by One Year as Studio Adjusts to Pandemic". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on December 16, 2020. Retrieved July 23, 2020.
  39. ^ Keslassy, Elsa (May 26, 2021). "'The French Dispatch' to World Premiere at Cannes (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Archived from the original on May 26, 2021. Retrieved May 26, 2021.
  40. ^ Lewis, Hilary (August 19, 2021). "NY Film Festival Adds 'Dune,' 'French Dispatch' to Lineup". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved August 19, 2021.
  41. ^ "The French Dispatch". New York Film Festival. Retrieved August 20, 2021.
  42. ^ "The French Dispatch (2021)". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango Media. Retrieved August 5, 2021.
  43. ^ "The French Dispatch Reviews". Metacritic. Fandom, Inc. Retrieved July 16, 2021.
  44. ^ Rooney, David (July 12, 2021). "Wes Anderson's 'The French Dispatch': Film Review | Cannes 2021". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved July 12, 2021.
  45. ^ Bradshaw, Peter (July 12, 2021). "The French Dispatch: Wes Anderson's ode to newspapers is a periodic delight". The Guardian. Retrieved July 12, 2021.
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