At the ripe, young age of 39, Wesley Wales Anderson, better known as Wes Anderson, has already established a prominent name for himself in all aspects of film production including writing, directing, cinematography, music selection, and producing. Beginning with his first film Bottle Rocket in 1996 until his latest film The Darjeeling Limited in 2007, Anderson has known little else besides praise and acclaim for his offbeat, dark comedies. Anderson’s relatively quick rise to fame is partially attributed to his quirky trademarks and his unique style and perspective. 

Anderson developed a unique style early in his life due to numerous strong influences. He grew up in Houston, Texas and attended St. John’s School which eventually became the set and inspiration for his film Rushmore. Anderson has said that some of his main influences are from French New Wave directors such as Francois Truffaut and Louis Malle. Anderson has also said that he went to India to film his latest movie, The Darjeeling Limited, partly to pay tribute to Indian filmmaker Satyajit Ray. Anderson said “Ray’s films have also inspired all my other movies in different ways.” He dedicated the film to Ray’s memory, proving the influence he has had on his films. 

One of Anderson’s most noticeable trademarks is his frequent use of the same actors and actresses in each of his films. His regular collaborators include Waris Ahluwalia, Owen Wilson, Luke Wilson, Andrew Wilson, Bill Murray, Anjelica Huston, Jason Schwartzman, Jumar Pallana, Cate Blanchett, and Seymour Cassel. In addition to repeatedly casting these actors, Anderson often collaborates with writer Noah Baumbach in writing scripts. While Anderson’s films are not limited to these actors, the regularity in which they appear in his movies adds something to the film that could not otherwise be achieved. Their familiarity and ease with one another is perceptible by the audience. After years of working together, the actors are able to collaborate in ways only allowed by time and give stellar performances. They have a clear knowledge and understanding of what Anderson is trying to achieve in each film and they are able to deliver this. 

Wes Anderson has said that his films “point out the beauty in flaws and vice versa.” This quote speaks to his films in many ways, however it specifically draws upon the way he creates characters. Anderson rarely uses what we would consider to be a villain. Instead, he crafts characters that are damaged and often destructive and strives to portray them in a somewhat positive manner. These characters tend to be respected middle-aged men who are frauds and are striving to overcome their flaws. In each of his films there is at least one character that smokes, drinks, or does drugs excessively. While the basic outline of characters have been repeated in his films, Anderson always differentiates between each character and adds peculiar and eccentric touches to each film. 

A characteristic that cannot help but be noticed throughout Anderson’s films are the vivid and stunning primary colors and sets that are a work of cinematography genius. The similarity between each of his films in this regard adds continuity and a link between each piece of work. The sets that Anderson utilizes seem to accentuate each character’s traits and flaws. While the location and set obviously contribute to the plot and development of the film, it quite honestly makes the movie difficult to stop watching. The spectacular colors and props captivate viewers and further the intensity of the film. 

Anderson takes great care when choosing music for his films. He often works with composer Mark Mothersbaugh to create a unique sound for each movie. However, he sometimes uses songs that have not been generated specifically for the film. Anderson tends to utilize folk and very early rock along with foreign music as well. Each song is chosen to help craft the perfect mood and vibe for each scene, which is done extraordinarily well. The music delves into characters and gives us insight into the film that we would not receive otherwise. Anderson uses music to evoke whatever feeling he desires upon the viewer. Soundtracks from each of the films have become quite popular in their own right due to the fantastic selection of music. 

Wes Anderson has ended each of his films with a slow motion sequence, generally starting with a close up and gradually panning out. This is one of Anderson’s trademarks that has a significant impact on the feeling and attitude at the end of the film. He is able to control how the audience reacts by his choice of music, which tends to be on the epic side. By slowing down a grand moment, the viewer is able to take in each aspect of the film including the plot, the cinematography, as well as the music. This allows the audience to reflect on the movie while it is still playing. The slow motion sequence adds a feeling of finality and resolution regardless of what ended up happening. The final sequences of each of Anderson’s films are brilliantly put together. 

Anderson has received a great deal of acclaim for his films throughout his relatively short career. His second film Rushmore was praised by many including Martin Scorsese who chose Anderson as the “Next Martin Scorsese” in an Esquire magazine article. The Royal Tenenbaums, which was his first high profile success, was a favorite among the critics earning him an Academy Award nomination for best original screenplay in 2002. Anderson has received few negative critiques however he has been accused of harboring “artistic malaise.” However, the overwhelming attitude of audiences is generally one of great admiration and respect. 

Wes Anderson’s newest project Fantastic Mr. Fox will be released November 6, 2009. It will be a stop motion animated film based on the book by Roald Dahl. It will be the first stop motion animated film Anderson has ever directed. Fantastic Mr. Fox will feature the voices of George Clooney, Cate Blanchett, Bill Murray, Jason Schwartzman, Anjelica Huston, and Meryl Streep. There is currently little known about the production of the film except for the knowledge that Anderson chose to do voice recordings outside of the studio. Anderson has said that Great Missenden, where Roald Dahl lived, has a major influence on the films look. All are waiting with baited breath for the release of Anderson’s Fantastic Mr. Fox.

Wes Anderson has risen to stardom from obscurity in less then a decade. While his films have been shaped by many along the way, the tables are now turning and Anderson has proven to influence many films and artistic creations since he first began his career as a writer, producer, director, and cinematographer. However, no one will ever be able to recreate the artistic brilliance that Anderson has dreamed up. His unique and rare eye for dry, witty, and often dark comedy has set him apart from all other filmmakers of our time. While we can look back upon Anderson’s passed films and comment on the way he has grown and changed as a filmmaker, we can only imagine what he will come up with next, and I have no doubt that we will not be disappointed.