The Royal Tenenbaums

By Rick Curnutte

Richard A. Curnutte, Jr. is the Editor of The Film Journal. He has studied English and Film at Ohio University and The Ohio State University.

I didn't love Wes Anderson's third film when I saw it in theaters last fall. I liked it a great deal, but it felt like too much of a good thing, very aware of its own cleverness. Upon my second and third viewings, I realized that the above are still true: which is exactly why I love the film now.

Tenenbaums is too much of a good thing. Anderson, probably the finest American director of comedy, fills every frame with exquisite detail, from the elaborately designed sets to the ever-present costumes to the buyoant performances from one of the best comedic acting ensembles ever, at the head of which is Mr. Tenenbaum himself, the magnetic Gene Hackman, delivering one of the most effecting and driving performances of his career.

And, yes, the film is aware of its own cleverness. Which it should be. Its characters are all very aware of their own uniqueness, for better or worse. It is only fitting that the film of their lives should be as equally pompous and self-conscious as they.

Anderson is quickly becoming one of my favorite directors to watch. His sly wit (along with that of co-writer Owen Wilson) should endear him in the hearts of anyone who likes to laugh, but prefers a bit of soul with their chuckles.