The 1998 movie "Rushmore," directed by Wes Anderson, had an unforgettably confident co-protagonist, Max Fischer, who boasted, "I wrote a hit play." Despite his academic failures, Fischer maintained an unwavering positivity, which he used as a coping mechanism for confronting the more challenging aspects of adolescence, such as the loss of his mother.
See Also: Reality (2023) - Movie Review
Anderson's movies are known for their distinct stylization, a characteristic that has been criticized for taking away from emotional authenticity. However, his film "Rushmore," which was released 30 years ago, is considered to have effectively balanced visual appeal and emotion. Anderson's recent film, "Asteroid City," shot by cinematographer Robert Yeoman, stands out as a visually stunning masterpiece. It carries significant emotional weight, resembling a beautiful butterfly delivering an unexpected pinch.
In "Asteroid City," we are introduced to Conrad Earp. Earp is a fictional playwright portrayed by Edward Norton, who has written numerous successful plays. The film begins as a 1950s black-and-white TV documentary set in the United States, narrated by a suave Bryan Cranston. The narrative then transitions to vibrant color, showcasing Anderson's latest creation, a theatrical rendition of "Asteroid City."
If you think this seems complicated, rest assured it's not. "Asteroid City" ranks as Anderson's most innovative and seamlessly constructed multi-narrative film. Set in a remote western meteor crash site, the film introduces us to a Space Camp hosted by a small town. As with all of Anderson's movies, the geographical beauty and attention to design detail are mesmerizing.
The Space Camp gathers a group of exceptionally bright teenagers with futuristic inventions. It attracts the attention of the U.S. government, presented in a benign manner by Jeffrey Wright's General Gibson. Each of the gifted kids comes with their personal dramas. The oldest son of a war photographer has yet to learn about his mother's death three weeks prior. Other camp participants include a girl with an initially awkward connection with the aforementioned boy, a youth skeptical of authority, and a kid who enjoys provoking adults into daring him to do reckless acts. Anderson's knack for integrating characters with quirky traits into a consistently engaging narrative is truly impressive.
The human drama embedded in the Asteroid City storyline, which includes negotiating grief, is disrupted by two alien spacecraft visitations. The revelation of intelligent life elsewhere doesn't solve any issues; it just extends their stay in the desert. The film features heartfelt exchanges between two characters, revealing their struggle with personal tragedies.
Scarlett Johansson, playing the melancholic movie star Midge Campbell, delivers a captivating performance, while Jason Schwartzman, playing the war photographer Augie Steenback, shows a mature side. Schwartzman, a regular in Anderson's films, impresses with his portrayal of a man grappling with his vulnerabilities.
The film consistently delivers a myriad of actions, centered around the basic yet profound question, "What is the meaning of life?" However, this question is often expressed indirectly, through statements like, "I don’t understand the play," or questions like, "Am I doing it right?"
"Asteroid City" is a unique film that explores the concept of art and life. Its narrative, rich with characters striving to 'do it right,' draws inspiration from classics such as "Our Town" and "Citizen Kane." In conclusion, "Asteroid City" is a cinematic celebration of life, comparable to Jean Renoir’s "The Golden Coach." It is undoubtedly a masterpiece.
