Fans of Wes Anderson are anxiously anticipating his newest film, Asteroid City, which is anticipated to be yet another delightful addition to his unique collection of work. Known for his vintage flair, eccentric characters, and clever wit, Anderson has cultivated a loyal following who eagerly anticipate each of his new endeavors.
Anderson’s latest cinematic offering, a delightful blend of humor and emotion, will be hitting Singaporean theaters this Thursday. As is typical of his work, the film boasts a cast of 21 A-listers whose names are boldly emblazoned on the promotional poster. The lead actors include some of Hollywood’s most respected talents, including Tom Hanks, Scarlett Johansson, Tilda Swinton, Adrien Brody, Jason Schwartzman, and Edward Norton. In addition, Margot Robbie and Rita Wilson, Hanks’ wife, both make brief but memorable appearances. Set in a futuristic version of the 1950s, the plot revolves around a father who, still grieving over the loss of loved ones, takes his children to the quaint little town of Asteroid City, known for its massive meteor crater, to witness an extraordinary stargazing event.
When an alien showed up in town, everyone was in a frenzy. In a recent virtual press conference, Brody, Hanks, and Johansson shared their personal experiences working with Anderson, a seasoned filmmaker who’s been nominated for multiple Academy Awards. Anderson frequently collaborates with the same actors, which has allowed him to establish a unique connection with them. Johansson, who’s worked with Anderson before, believes that this is what sets his projects apart from others. Anderson, who’s 54 years old, has received acclaim for his work on The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014) and continues to push the boundaries of filmmaking.
The popular actress from America, recognized for her outstanding performances in Marvel films such as Black Widow (2021), as well as her notable roles in Oscar-nominated movies like Marriage Story (2019) and Jojo Rabbit (2019), has shown appreciation towards the remarkable acting portrayed in the film. She admires how each character’s performance is distinct but merges seamlessly to form an astonishing masterpiece. In the movie, Scarlett Johansson takes on the character of Midge, an actress who becomes friends with Augie, a mourning father played by Schwartzman. Unlike other movie sets where actors may experience boredom during breaks, Anderson’s sets are known for their lively environment, which helps eradicate any uncertainties regarding one’s career choice.
The cast of the film has described it as a lively and dynamic production. Tom Hanks, who plays the role of Stanley, Augie’s father-in-law, has commended the film for its vintage Hollywood charm where cowboys, showgirls, and gladiators all share the same screen time. As a renowned actor, who has won Oscars for his roles in Forrest Gump and Philadelphia, Hanks noted that the film set was a focused and dedicated environment where everyone was dressed up in their costumes and ready to perform. Adrien Brody, who portrays the director of the play based on Asteroid City, has been cast in four other Anderson films, including The French Dispatch and The Grand Budapest Hotel.
During the production of a movie in America and Spain, the team had a delightful and memorable daily routine. All of them resided in the same hotel and would frequently jump on a golf cart, driven by the director, Wes. They still dressed up in their movie costumes, which made passersby take a second look at the aliens, cowboys, and children hanging off the back of the cart as they moved through town. The experience of filming left one of the cast members, a 50-year-old American who previously won an Oscar for his role in The Pianist, with a lasting impression. The final version of the movie showcased the incredible beauty of the set.
Initially, many of the performers involved in Wes Anderson’s most recent production were hesitant to share their creative thoughts with him due to his reputation for being highly meticulous. Tom Hanks, who was not accustomed to Anderson’s methods, even sought guidance from more seasoned cast members. They assured him that Anderson was receptive to hearing suggestions from his colleagues. To Hanks’ delight, Anderson even accepted one of his concepts for their opening scene. Despite the amiable atmosphere on set, Anderson’s perfectionism is evidenced by the significant amount of takes he demands to achieve his desired outcome. While some directors may settle for a few takes, Anderson prefers to do as many as 60. The name of the film is Asteroid City, and it will be available in cinemas beginning on Thursday.