There are few films these days that are able to accurately capture the feeling of young love. Your first love, the person that you will forever be intertwined with stemmed from a mutual attraction and experience. Moonrise Kingdom, sets out to capture this concept and does an outstanding job of allow those in the audience to relive these complex emotions. In the film, we are introduced to two young lovers who simply wish to be together and decide to run away together. They are confronted with a variety of obstacles throughout the film, which try to separate them and must overcome them if they are to truly be together. The premise of the film is simply, yet there are many aspects to the film, which give the narrative depth and will leave audience members completely satisfied, and wishing to relive their first loves upon leaving the theatre.
Director Wes Anderson, has always grounded himself in a sense of simplicity on the surface of his films, yet it is when you begin to dissect and remove the layers that you are presented with a truly complex work. Mise-en-scene through the film, gives it a truly antique look. The film takes place during the 1960’s and the audience automatically feels as if they have been transported back to a simpler time. Costumes, set pieces, and even hairstyles completely recreate the 1960’s. There are far more subtle aspects, such as the cinematography, which emphasizes the use of a yellow tint. This allows the film to have a classic feel, which is audience can automatically pick up on and enjoy. Set pieces have been artistically created and look as if they have come straight out of 1960s painting. Yet, the most amazing aspect is some of the locations that the film takes place in. These locations are secluded and give a peaceful, tranquil feeling to everything that takes place in the film. They can also be used to bring out the tension that is created, towards the films climax. Anderson, has made a complete experience that visual will captivate all those who watch.
The cast of Moonrise Kingdom, is superb. There is true Hollywood talent, in forms of Bruce Willis, Bill Murray, Edward Norton, Jason Schwartzman, Harvey Keitel, and Frances McDormand. Bruce Willis performance in the film, is one of the best his best. While his role starts off pretty simple, he quickly becomes one of the most in-depth characters in the film. The most interesting cast member is Bob Balaban, who depicts the narrator. Many of his sequences, accent the sequences in the film and breaks down the fourth wall between audience members and the film.The cast brings together the film, thorough their ability to bring depth to these characters.
Moonrise Kingdom, is a great film. One of this year’s very best. In a year, in which big Hollywood studios have thrown hundred of millions at other projects, it is good to see a simple project with a fraction of the budget, totally eclipse them all in overall quality and emotion.
- Israel Lattiboudeaire
Twitter: @IzzyLatti
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