STORY STUDY - CRITERION WEEK “776. Moonrise Kingdom”
Don’t underestimate children. They’re aware of everything their parents are going through, and they’re capable of making their own decisions if they feel you are not doing your part as a good parent.
Directed by Wes Anderson, and written by Anderson & Roman Coppola, Moonrise Kingdom is the love story of two 12-year-olds who have run away from home to live in a secluded cove on the island they live on, New Penzance.
The girl’s parents and the boy’s Khaki Scout troupe, along with the sole police officer/captain attempt to find them.
It’s hard to describe what makes this Wes Anderson film tolerable or what works for me with this film compared to others. I’ll admit I was too young and understand one of his previous films, The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou. The strange characters speaking awkward dialogue with deadpan delivery didn’t appeal to me. However, this film made all of what makes Anderson a unique voice in film changed that for me.
I think it’s because the film is ultimately a cute love story/coming-of-age story. It’s expected for the child characters to be “weird” so of course they have an attraction to each other. On the adults’ part, they all meant to be oblivious and clueless of everything around them to the point of frustration in the beginning. They do grow as the story goes.
The production design of the island of New Penzance pops with colors. Combined with Anderson’s trademark symmetrical shot framing, and you have a film that’s the equivalent of a painting: you just want to look at it.
I was aware of the film because I was aware of Wes Anderson as a filmmaker. He’s one of those people that it’s hard to not to hear he has a new movie coming out. I was aware of the film being nominated for Best Original Screenplay, but I took my time in finally giving it a chance, and I’m glad I did.
Moonrise Kingdom is a film about a sweet romance story that’s not completely blind to the darkness in the world. It’s cute, it’s quirky, a little sad but it’s filled with heart.
Climb a church, and check it out.
https://www.criterion.com/films/28757-moonrise-kingdom