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| Of the 3 feature stories told in The French Dispatch, 'The Private Dining Room of the Police Commissioner' is by far the best. |
The French Dispatch Expertly Mixes Intellectual Comedy and Pathos; Tells the Story of a Family of Eccentric and Talented Journalists
"What will normal reality be next week, next month? Whenever we get the chance to experience it again. Anyone's guess." - Lucinda Krementz (Frances McDormand) The French Dispatch - Revisions to a Manifesto
Director Wes Anderson has a real knack for telling stories about dysfunctional, loving families. Whether it's The Royal Tenenbaums (2001) or The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2004), Anderson uses his skills and unique visual style to bring to life stories about lovable weirdos.
His most recent film, 2021's The French Dispatch, is no exception. It tells the story of the titular publication through 3 feature articles by the writers of said publication. Anderson has made it clear that The French Dispatch is meant to pay tribute to The New Yorker magazine.
Having studied Journalism at Ryerson University, and graduated from that institution with my Bachelors Degree in 2008, I feel a strong connection to this movie.
The stories told, in order, are: The Concrete Masterpiece, Revisions to a Manifesto, and The Private Dining Room of the Police Commissioner.
The Concrete Masterpiece is narrated by veteran Actor Tilda Swinton. She plays the role of Journalist and Art Curator J.K.L. Berensen. This part of the movie focuses on making fun of the conventions of Modern Art. Its' Protagonist is Moses Rosenthaler (Benicio Del Toro) a convicted murderer who becomes world famous for his painting Simone Naked, Cellblock J Hobby Room.
For people 'in the know' about how the value of all Art is an invented thing, you will have a good laugh. My favourite part of this story is when Rosenthaler meets Prison Guard Simone (Léa Seydoux) at the Prison's 'Clay Pottery & Basket Weaving' course.
In a black and white flashback we see Rosenthaler introducing himself, and then inscribing the first letter of Simone's name onto a newly made Clay pot.
J.K.L. Berensen's narration enlightens us as to the significance of this moment:
"Certain women do gravitate toward incarcerated men. It's a recognized condition. Something about the captivity of others enhances the experience of their own freedom. I assure you, it's erotic." Swinton underplays the dialogue in a way that I found quite funny.
Moments like the one described above illustrate Anderson's talent for capturing human interactions in a warm and empathetic way.
In the second story Revisions to a Manifesto we find Anderson poking fun at the May 1968 Protests in Paris, France. Timothée Chalamet plays the student movement's leader, Zeffirelli B. The story's best moments involve Zeffirelli's relationship with French Dispatch Reporter Lucinda Krementz (Frances McDormand).
At one point in the story we see Zeffirelli and Mrs. Krementz in bed together. It is implied that they have just had sex. As they converse, Mrs. Krementz is writing her article on the student movement. She also has a hand in the 'polishing' of Zeffirelli's Manifesto. At one point while they are in bed together she remarks that, "I should maintain Journalistic neutrality." The humor is deadpan and very effective.
The third and final feature article, The Private Dining Room of the Police Commissioner, is my favourite. Written by Roebuck Wright (Jeffrey Wright) it tells the story of an epic Dinner / Kidnapping that begins in the Police Commissioner's Private Dining Room. The character of Wright is based on real life Author and Essayist James Baldwin. The character's homosexuality and its' impact on his relationships (the movie is set in 1960s' France) is expertly woven into the tale.
Wright describes the experience of being a gay foreigner, alone, in his adopted home of Ennui-sur-Blasé France (where the film is set).
"I have so often shared the day's glittering discoveries with... no one at all. But always somewhere along the Avenue or the Boulevard there was a table set for me. A Cook, a Waiter, a Bottle, a Glass, a Fire. I chose this life. It is the solitary feast that has been very much like a comrade. My great comfort and fortification."
This theme about being a foreigner living abroad is returned to at the piece's end in a bit of dialogue that Wright has with Lieutenant Nescaffier (Stephen Park) the Police Commissioner's Private Chef. It's another of the movie's many warm, human moments.
The French Dispatch gets a full 5 out of 5 Stars from me. Highly recommended.
For all my readers I wish you a Merry Christmas and a 2022 that brings you much joy.
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