Moonrise Kingdom (2012)

Directed by: Wes Anderson

Written by: Wes Anderson and Roman Coppola

Players: Kara Hayward, Jared Gilman, Bruce Willis, Edward Norton, Bill Murray, Frances McDormand, Tilda Swinton, Jason Schwartzman, Bob Balaban

Review: My favorite part about Wes Anderson movies are the attention, and study, of detail and order. Each of his films has had aspects and/or characters that are obsessed with detail also to a mathematical point. Scenes have a rhythmic flow to them, and combined with the score, dance naturally in front of your eyes. This movie immediately joins the endless argument of which Anderson film is the greatest, as well as the question of what his masterpiece will be—it seems as though every new film he makes it another hat thrown into the ring.

Like other Anderson flicks, the movie starts out with stylistic cinematography and unique character perspective. The movie is well paced and you quickly are thrown into the plot, which logically unfolds in the most engaging of ways.

It is set on a small New England island in the early 1960s; there are no roads, only well-worn dirt trails and footpaths. A member of the local Khaki Scouts, a young boy named Sam, has quit the troop and set out to meet up with his pen pal, Suzy. They met through chance earlier at a Church play and have been writing each letters which become more and more intimate until they ultimately decide to elope together. They are furiously searched after and the rest of the movie follows the story of two young lovers trying to be together, when every other force is trying to keep them apart.

The movie connects to me deepest when Sam and Suzy share their one moment of privacy together. They set up camp on an unnamed beach and innocently get to know each other. Both of them have no fear as they discuss their ideas and insecurities, they are confident that they are weak, they realize there is nothing to be ashamed of. They top this off with some dancing to a hip French singer and then kiss for the first time in their lives. It is sexual and a tad awkward, but very natural and filled with innocent curiosity. It sets the tone for the rest of the movie-- that the characters are going to be true to themselves, no matter the societal precedent.

I am still infatuated with this movie, it is a welcome surprise after the quiet letdown of The Darjeeling Limited and the understandable Fantastic Mr. Fox. The educated person will appreciate the movie, and the intellectually curious, especially those obsessed with the human condition, will love every minute of this film’s honesty.

Tidbit: Kara Hayward kept the kitten her character had after the shooting of the film. 

Drink of Choice:I would recommend for this film something smooth and calming, nothing that will make your tummy rumble… a nice Belgium beer that is heavy but mellow.