Roald Dahl x Wes Anderson.
'The Wonderful Story Of Henry Sugar'. 39 Mins. Starring: Benedict Cumberbatch, Ralph Fiennes, Dev Patel, Ben Kingsley, Richard Ayoade & Rupert Friend. Director: Wes Anderson. On: Netflix.
Comedian and 'The Daily Show' host Trevor Noah in his brilliant biography 'Born A Crime' remarks that when he was growing up the work of great British author Roald Dahl inspired him. "Give me Roald Dahl. That was my fix", he wrote. Citing the children's classic stories, 'James and the Giant Peach', 'The BFG', 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory', and for those who don't know it, 'The Wonderful Story Of Henry Sugar'. Which whilst reading this book I now see this wonderful story on Netflix, starring the 'Strange' Benedict Cumberbatch as Sugar, alongside Dev Patel, Richard Ayoade, Rupert Friend, Sir Ben Kingsley and our narrator by the turning on and off heater (or darling Dahl, so it would seem), Ralph Fiennes. All amazing actors starring across these four new short films based on Roald's royal collection of short stories. Directed by the one and only Wes Anderson. Following the 'Asteroid City' year that has seen the cinematic and photographic landscape of his work 'Accidentally' captured across the world in gallery exhibitions (it's coming back to Tokyo this fall) like an Instagram worthy trend. One that you can now see clearly united with the kingdom of Great British aesthetic, from black iron gates to marble arches. Nothing phoned in on the big red box for this decadent directorial technique tradition from the amazing Anderson.
'The Swan'. 17 Mins. Starring: Rupert Friend, Ralph Fiennes & Asa Jennings. Director: Wes Anderson. On: Netflix.
True story. At a school's parents evening when I was a teenager, a psychology teacher once compared me to a swan. Saying (much better than I'm about to, and I claim to be a writer for crying out loud) that I effortlessly and seemingly glide across the surface, all whilst hiding the hard work that hurries beneath. Honestly, that's quite possibly the nicest thing anyone's ever said about me and the pride on my parents faces will stay with me forever. Now, why am I saying this, just because a story here is called 'The Swan'? To show off? To ego boost? Or to give it up for my teacher who inspired my degree (respect, Mr. Liddle)? Maybe, it's because this stirring story is so heartbreaking (classed as Mr. Anderson's first horror by some), we need some positive respite. You can find it in the friend that is 'Asteroid City' charm stealer Rupert, like yellow checked trousers. His fourth wall breaking (as Anderson) narrating is nicely nuanced to the inspired impressions of Brit kids and with the amazing Asa Jennings behind him this story of brutal bullying, which feels all too heartbreakingly familiar (if you grew up in England in the 1990s especially, you'll know exactly what we mean), this will stay with you. Sadly, just like bullying always does.
'The Ratcatcher'. 17 Mins. Starring: Ralph Fiennes, Richard Ayoade & Rupert Friend. Director: Wes Anderson. On: Netflix.
'Isle Of Dogs' (oh hey, Parker!) and 'Fantastic Mr. Fox' (another delightful bit of Dahl) rejoice. If you missed the stop-motion animation of the wonderful Wes (another underrated hallmark ode to his cinematic genius, resting in his back pocket), then never fear. Anderson gets his teeth back into it with animatronics of 'The Ratcatcher' that has Ralph Fiennes as you've never seen him before. All looking familiarly like the one man you always see in town, avoiding his gaze, but he's probably actually alright. Rupert Friend finding his Anderson rhythm and 'The IT Crowd's' Richard Ayoade changing neck ties like Homer taught Bart how to in 'The Simpsons' owns the telling of this story behind the author's typewriter. In four small shorts becoming a new Wes Anderson favourite like Friend, or the Cumberbatch's, Kingsley's and Patel's that populate these picture like a Fiennes fine 'Budapest Hotel'. It's all so grand, like spotting the Pulp of Jarvis Cocker behind a concierge's desk. The Brit pop icon who provided 'Asteroid City' with its soundtrack and subtle and simple, moving message. 'You Can't Wake Up If You Don't Fall Asleep'.
'Poison'. 17 Mins. Starring: Benedict Cumberbatch, Dev Patel & Ben Kingsley. Director: Wes Anderson. On: Netflix.
Roald Dahl, of course, has been no stranger to controversy recently. Despite being no longer with us to defend himself. Claims of racism and his depiction of Jewish people in 'The Twits' is as critically concerning as some of the claims made at 'Harry Potter' author J. K Rowling and 'The Cat In The Hat' himself, Dr. Seuss. No matter if we've grown up with these childhood favourites or not. Yet, in reading the autobiographical 'War' work journals of Roald last year, a different man emerged from what was making press. Despite the time and tide in which he grew up in as a young soldier, whilst battles commenced and all sorts of inner turmoil and wars in the trenches waged. There was also a pretty funny story about a snake which I can't quite catch. Yet this reptile released the same day as the new Netflix Benicio del Toro crime thriller of the same name is a different kind of 'Poison'. One that will strike you still cold to the core like Benedict Cumberbatch in his cot, despite his friend Dev Patel and the bedside banner of Dr. Ben Kingsley being right there with him. The real venom that seeps into your skin is one that we still don't have an antidote for and relates to all kinds of messages trying to be made in this writing. To get our teeth into it would be to spoil the ending that ruins everything like these sharp fangs always do. Yet it's one of the most profound prose from the vaults of a complicated man who compelled just as much in his life's work. There was no one like Roald Dahl, and there remains nobody like Wes Anderson. It's a collaboration made in cinematic heaven. What better way to keep these stories short and sweet? For bitter or worse. TIM DAVID HARVEY.
Further Filming: 'Asteroid City', 'The French Dispatch Of The Liberty Kansas Evening Sun', 'Wonka'.
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