In the vast diasporas of filmmakers, Wes Anderson, among a few others, have carved out a niche for themselves as visual directors. The American filmmaker is distinctly known for his love for all things pastels and floral, a love that seeps into his films, making every frame look like a painting.
But that’s not it. Anderson’s films are not just confined to pretty frames and perky costumes. The filmmaker pairs his visual sensibility with contrasting subject matters, creating a balanced synergy between visual harmony and the absurdities of everyday life. Unlike their pristine contour, Anderson’s visually stimulating worlds are often inhabited by characters going through cathartic moments, creating a perfect contrast between perfect visuals and imperfect emotions.
10 Dmitri - The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)
Despite being a symbol of evil, the easily-triggered, fascist-minded mad man, has some saving grace to him. Dmitri (Adrien Brody), from The Grand Budapest Hotel, externally projects himself to be a megalomaniac, but internally eludes the vibes of a spoiled child who hasn't gotten his way. Brody and Anderson play on these layers of Dmitri and seep into him a childlike perseverance, despite his externally aggressive demeanor.
9 Peter - The Darjeeling Limited (2007)
The middle child of the Whitman family, Peter is positioned as ‘normal’ when compared to his wannabe younger brother and overly manipulative older brother. As the three siblings journey into a world of soul-searching, the flaws in Peter’s alleged normalcy rise to the surface. Sandwiched between his brothers’ two extreme personalities, Peter sadly joins the siblings' shared catharsis and reveals that he’s left his pregnant wife at home and is unsure whether he loves her.
8 Dignan - Bottle Rocket (1996)
Anderson’s breakthrough film saw frequent collaborator Owen Wilson help him with writing the film, explaining the character's layers and contours. Wilson’s Dignan is the most shrewd and charming members of the Bottle Rocket dreamers, approaching reality with incredible ambition while being totally heavy-handed in all things.
7 Max Fischer - Rushmore (1998)
A delusional fool that uses humor to circumvent his overly wild pretension, Max Fischer is a round peg in a square hole. Despite being extremely talented in all aspects of school, barring academics, Max is brimming with relentless regard for his ability and disregard for the ability of his evaluators.
6 Margot Tenenbaum - The Royal Tenenbnums (2001)
Highlighting Anderson’s propensity for juxtaposing beautiful visuals with flawed characters, The Royal Tenenbaums plays on the thematic elements of a dysfunctional family operating under the vast umbrella of an eccentric father. Margot Tenenbaum (Gwyneth Paltrow), the adopted daughter of the family, stands out among the group of damaged adults, as she’s desired by everyone but understood by no one.
5 Mr. Fox - Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)
Based on Roald Dahl’s 1970s novel of the same name, Fantastic Mr. Fox is an animated film that Anderson co-wrote with Noah Baumbach (Marriage Story, Frances Ha). The titular role of Mr. Fox, brought to life by George Clooney’s voice, lends it a healthy dose of wit and charm. Fox is a charismatic larger than life figure, pretending to be Mr. Know It All, making it through in life on the back of his sheer sense of charm.
4 Royal Tenenbaum - The Royal Tenenbaums (2001)
Gene Hackman’s role of Royal Tenenbaum is often deemed to be one of his best performances before finally letting the curtain fall on his acting career in 2004. The patriarchal figure of the Tenenbaum household carries himself with an air of importance and assertion, despite being at the sharper end of affection from his family.
3 Steve Zissou - The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou (2004)
In a perfect marriage between a character and actor, Steve Zissou would become Bill Murray’s extension had the actor decided to be an oceanographer. It’s through Zissou’s character that Anderson brings important issues such as loneliness and existential crisis to the surface and addresses them through humor and a false sense of bravado.
2 Scout Master Ward - Moonrise Kingdom (2012)
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From playing the delusional narrator in Fight Club to the overly enthusiastic, often gimmicky Scout Master Ward, Edward Norton’s range is impeccable. The actor hasn’t tapped into his comic sensibilities on many occasions, but when he has, he has been incredible. Joining Anderson’s elite company of actors, Norton plays the role of a scout master that’s ludicrously outfitted with emotions, as he is with his costume. Norton’s impression of Master Ward is full of winsome charm and endearing sincerity, making him one of the best characters in the Anderson universe.
1 M. Gustave - The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)
For those that have seen Anderson’s The Grand Budapest Hotel and the Harry Potter film series, it's hard to believe that the actor playing the charming M. Gustave is played by the same actor who played the terrifying Lord Voldemort. An anomaly in Anderson’s world of dysfunctional characters, M. Gustave has a depth to him that’s anchored in his sense of duty to his job and responsibility towards his colleagues. Despite being crucified for stealing Madame D's painting, Gustave's sense of pathos is rooted in justice and morality.