New behind-the-scenes photos of Wes Anderson’s upcoming The French Dispatch have arrived with a twist: they’re taken by star Owen Wilson's mom. Anderson’s eighth live-action feature and tenth overall has fans eagerly awaiting its delayed release. With less than a month to go before it arrives, the film’s promotional campaign has been typically Andersonian in its understated but often elegant glimpses into the filmmaker’s world.
The last time Anderson was set to release a new film, it was 2018’s Isle of Dogs. The stop-motion hit about dogs in Japan received two Oscar nominations, but despite the film’s success, many Anderson fans couldn’t help feeling that they’d have preferred a live-action effort from the director. After all, hearing the voices of Anderson’s reliably impressive casts is one thing, but watching them perform is another altogether. With the success of 2014’s The Grand Budapest Hotel, audiences were primed to see what Anderson would do next. Now, with weeks to go before The French Dispatch is officially released, the first live-action Anderson film in almost 8 years is treating fans to some promotional offerings.
This most recent look into The French Dispatch comes courtesy of W Magazine and in particular, Wilson’s mother, Laura. Her photographs highlight the film’s behind-the-scenes action – from Anderson and Bill Murray chatting candidly off camera to Murray killing time in costume by doing a little putting. Filming took place in February inside an abandoned felt factory in Angoulême, southwestern France, and if Anderson’s scarf isn’t proof enough, the temperature on set was cold. Thankfully, Laura Wilson was able to capture just enough of the experience to keep fans guessing about the film and its shoot. Check out the photos below:
While Wilson's mother reportedly often takes photos on Anderson's film sets, Anderson’s brother, Eric, has appeared in several of his films and perhaps more importantly, has provided some of the artwork for the films. Eric’s work can also be seen as cover art for several of Anderson’s Criterion Collection releases. As for Laura, however, her photographs manage to make a large scale production with some of the most beloved actors in the world feel small and low key. The Wilson family clearly has plenty of talent, and these latest photos offer something more than standard promotional images.
So far, what reviews there have been of The French Dispatch have been encouraging, and it remains to be seen how the film will fare come awards season. But Anderson has already set off on his next adventure, with filming currently underway on the as-of-now untitled project. This time, the film looks to be even more star-studded than Anderson’s usual fare, with staples, Bill Murray and Jason Schwartzman, alongside newcomers Tom Hanks and Margot Robbie. For now, however, there’s more than enough to be excited for with The French Dispatch, and the coming weeks should reveal even more of the anticipated film.
Source: W Magazine
