Estimated read time: 5-6 minutes
Wes Anderson is a filmmaker with a style so distinct that it has practically become its own genre. His use of quirky characters, symmetrical shots, offbeat humor, and meticulous set design has earned him a dedicated following.
"The Phoenician Scheme" is no different. It's quintessential Anderson through and through. And while I appreciate his unique approach to filmmaking, there are moments in this movie that feel a bit too Wes Anderson for their own good.
It's a film that teeters on the edge of parody. It succeeds in many areas, but it doesn't quite hit the high notes of some of his best works.
The good
Some brilliant performances and Anderson's signature style
One of the biggest strengths of "The Phoenician Scheme" is the performances. The movie has a stacked cast who some may expect to just show up for a paycheck, the actors deliver in spades.
Benicio Del Toro is fantastic. I'm not used to seeing him in comedic roles, but he absolutely nails his part as Zsa-zsa Korda. His timing is impeccable, and his deadpan delivery is the perfect tone for an Anderson film. He's a standout here, bringing a levity and charm to the role that makes him a joy to watch.
Michael Cera also adds his usual brand of quirky humor as the eccentric Bjorn, and his scenes with Del Toro are among the most fun in the film. Their oddball interactions are a highlight, showcasing Anderson's knack for pairing unlikely characters in hilarious, sometimes awkward situations. It's an odd duo that works beautifully.
And then there's the scene with Bryan Cranston and Tom Hanks. Yes, just a scene — and yes, it's a bit of a spoiler, but it's easily one of my favorite moments in the film. It's strange, unexpected and quintessentially Anderson. These A-list actors don't need a ton of screen time to leave an impact. Sometimes, a quick, quirky cameo is all it takes to make the moment memorable.
Anderson's mastery of color and set design
As expected from Wes Anderson, the set design and use of color in "The Phoenician Scheme" are nothing short of expert. Few filmmakers can use color as a character in their films the way Anderson does.
The movie is filled with rich, vibrant hues that express mood and personality with precision. You can feel the tension, the comedy and the character growth through the palette of colors Anderson chooses, making the visuals not just beautiful but meaningful.
That being said, there's an interesting juxtaposition in the production design. Some of the set pieces are clearly expensive, high-end designs that look like they could be from a big-budget blockbuster; others have a decidedly more DIY feel, almost like a junior high stage crew put them together for the upcoming production of "Oklahoma, Jr." Yet, this contrast somehow works. It gives the film a certain charm. This visual storytelling technique says just as much about the characters as it does the setting they inhabit.
There's so much to take in here — from the tiniest details to the grand sweeping sets — and each viewing will likely reveal something new.
A masterclass in movement and symmetry
Wes Anderson is known for his love of symmetry and unique camera movements, and "The Phoenician Scheme" is no exception. While many of these techniques are familiar to Anderson fans, there's one particular use of camera movement that stands out.
In a back-and-forth between Del Toro and Jeffrey Wright, Anderson executes a brilliant piece of camera work that's among the best in his entire catalog. It's fluid, captivating and serves the narrative in a way that enhances the performances rather than distracts from them.
It's moments like this that remind you why Anderson is regarded as one of the best directors working today.
The not-so-good
Too many quirks and an uneven pace
While I admire Anderson's style, "The Phoenician Scheme" occasionally feels like it's trying too hard to be quirky. The rapid-fire dialogue, the whimsical tone and the eccentric characters can sometimes verge on overkill.
For Anderson fans, it's familiar territory. But for those who aren't as accustomed to his films, it might come across as a bit too much. There are moments where the quirkiness detracts from the story rather than enhancing it, and it can feel like the movie is trying to live up to its own sense of whimsy.
Additionally, the pacing is uneven. The film starts off strong with a witty script and an engaging plot, but then it hits a lull. The pace picks back up again, only to dip once more.
Some scenes are brilliantly funny, while others feel like a chore to get through. It's as if Anderson is trying to balance his signature humor with a deeper narrative, but the result is a film that doesn't quite maintain consistent engagement throughout.
Conclusion
At a tight 1 hour and 40 minutes, "The Phoenician Scheme" doesn't overstay its welcome — but there are moments where it comes close. It's not a bad film by any means. It has its laugh-out-loud moments, and the performances are top-notch. However, it doesn't quite reach the heights of Anderson's best works, like "Fantastic Mr. Fox," "Rushmore," or "The Grand Budapest Hotel."
Is it worth seeing? If you're an Anderson fan, absolutely. There are enough moments of brilliance to make it worth your time. If you're not as familiar with Anderson's style, however, I'd suggest starting with one of his more iconic films before diving into this one. It has all the ingredients that make his movies great, but it doesn't quite gel into the memorable classic I was hoping for.
"The Phoenician Scheme" is officially rated PG-13 for some thematic elements, mild language, and brief violence.
