Entering the Barbican Centre, known for extraordinary shows, such as Kiss Me, Kate and My Neighbour Totoro, I was excited to see how the Outdoor Cinema would turn out. The Barbican Outdoor Cinema is an event that takes place from the 21st August to 1st September 2024, it’s an event where you can ‘Enjoy the warm summer evenings filled with fantastic films ranging from cult classics to international gems on a giant screen in our Sculpture Court, plus mouth-watering street food and drinks’ and wants to provide ‘Film nights under city lights’. Despite having no expectations of the Barbican Outdoor Cinema, as it was unbeknownst to me, it impressed me immensely as it had lights draped all around the venue like fairy lights, noise cancelling headphones and cushioned acrylic chairs were provided and whilst be nearby a typical mundane metropolitan building. The venue successfully delivered the atmosphere of cinema under city lights and provided a comfortable ambiance to watch the film.
Viewing The Grand Budapest Hotel was surreal as it didn't feel like a decade had elapsed since the film was first released in cinemas in 2014. The film is a narrative detailing by Zero Moustafa, owner of Grand Budapest Hotel, adventures of Gustave, played by Ralph Fiennes, and Zero, played by Tony Revolori, in the fictional world of Zubrowka, an imitation of mid 20th century Eastern Europe under the rise of a Nazi-like fascist regime, as they try to fulfill the will of Madame D whilst being caught in a murder-mystery. The film had an array of captivating features: from the playful nature of Gustave and Zero’s relationship, the distinct colours used, dark comedy and deadpan humour to scenes containing scrutiny of but also hope for humanity.
Chemistry between Gustave and Zero is an integral part of the film as it contributes to providing the audience the sense of adventure and cartoonish-like behaviour to drive the narrative and its whimsical tone. Gustave and Zero’s relationship is presented by Anderson to be mentorship with a twist as Gustave’s meticulous attention to detail such as his insistence on the proper perfume (Parfume de L’Air) contrasts with the chaos surrounding them creating an almost comical level of seriousness and lighthearted tone and adds humour and charm to the film. Moreover, Anderson presents adventures in unlikely places to also highlight the playful nature of Gustave and Zero’s adventures such as the prison break sequence where their escape plan is both comically elaborate and executed with an almost childlike glee as their escapades are marked by a sense of whimsy and unpredictability; highlighting the playful nature of their adventures together. Lastly, the comedic contrast in personalities between Gustave and Zero creates many humorous interactions as it is filled with banter and moments of subtle humour; despite Gustave’s grandiose speeches and high standards, he relies on Zero’s quiet competence and loyalty which leads to moments of genuine connection that are both funny and heartwarming.
Anderson’s use of a distinct colour palette allowed for implicit representations but also help define the unique film’s aesthetic. Delving into the colours: gold, pink and purple; one can see how Anderson has constructed a film that uses colours to symbolize and emphasize important features within this film. Gold accents represented opulence, tradition and the old-world grandeur that the hotel embodies seen through ornate decorations and keys. Moreover, the signature colour of the soft pastel pink creates a warm, inviting and slightly surreal atmosphere which contributes to the overall nostalgic tone seen through the Mendl packaging, exterior of the hotel and the concierge desk. Additionally,the striking shade of purple used through the hotel staff’s uniform symbolizes loyalty, sophistication which aligns with the concierge’s dedication ton his work.
Usage of deadpan humour and dark comedy in the film provided the audience with genuine wholehearted laughter that could be heard through your noise-cancelling headphones. Gustave’s lines delivered in a dry, deadpan manner with a straightface and serious tone even when the content is absurd or ridiculous. This contrast between his serious, poetic but formal delivery even in the most mundane or absurd situation creates a humorous effect. Additionally, the darker themes of war, death and betrayal in the film are nicely accompanied with lighthearted elements to create a satisfying version of dark comedy. The macabre scenes involving murder-mystery mixed with tension and a characters nonchalant reaction to grim events keeps the film from ever feeling boring to watch; e.g. Jopling’s, played by Willem Dafoe, calm and composed manner of b picking up the severed fingers of Kovacs, played by Jeff Goldblum, was a nice addition to the many moments of dark comedy within the film.
Humanity is subtly put under question in The Grand Budapest Hotel. The train scene evokes satisfaction over the empathy and sympathy Gustave has for Zero as he defends and protects Zero from the oppressive forces of the fascist regime. E.g. Zero is granted a memorable ticket that says ‘Free and Unmolested Travel’ by the fascist officers after having been defended by Gustavo which emphasises the power that he has as a privileged white man who has seemingly fit into the upper class. Other moments occur such as when Zero states how he is a refugee who came to look for better opportunities which leads Gustave to confront his own negative preconceived notions of Zero and apologise for that - acknowledging how that was wrong of him. Anderson provides lovely heartwarming moments in the film to make us feel that there should be hope or humanity but doesn’t deem it optimum enough to leave without mentioning how despite there being ‘still faint glimmers of civilization left’, humanity can be seen as a ‘barbaric slaughterhouse that was once known as humanity’; humanity is put under question as its connoted to volatility and violence and so begs the question of whether we should reflect over how in reality war has caused our human sense for kindness and consideration to be numbed and to lead us to be apathetic to the plight of others.
Overall, undoubtedly it is fair to say that the Barbican Outdoor Cinema made a great decision to make this film its first selection as it started the event with an artwork that has a melting pot of fun elements to experience. Watching this film will leave you feeling wholeheartedly satisfied and amazed at the characters and plot lines.
0 Comments