There are not enough cliché compliments for me to fully capture my feelings about this film. I’m a sap for intelligent writing, fascinating characters, and colorful interpretations of family and love. I won’t beat around the bush, this movie is one of my all time favorites. The directing style of Anderson is dripping with such original ideas that you get lost in how much this is NOT your typical Hollywood flick. A subtle voice over (don’t be afraid, it’s not overly narrative or invasive) parallels the voyeuristic palette of characters who’s lives have been the center of attention, exposed to early achievement and fame. We are meant to observe and consider all of their idiosyncrasies, hurt, pain and struggles. This is not a literal reflection of reality, but a more colorful, more dramatic, stylishly designed image of life and all it’s imperfections. Quirky sets combined with interesting images of eccentric, amazing artwork draw you in visually while the people hook you emotionally. Anderson and Wilson are in a league all their own when it comes to attention to details. With illustrations displayed at every possible opportunity, shot after shot of brilliant drawings that tell the stories behind the stories of the characters you get a true storytelling experience.

A family of geniuses is how this film is billed, but these geniuses are left to squander their talents and potential in the wake of the profound dysfunction of their family. The father, who has no clue how to take care of his children. His choices include embezzling one son’s money, constantly reminding the adopted daughter, that she is in fact NOT a member of the family, and pampering one son who is plagued with a natural talent for tennis, an unwanted gift. The mother, a strong woman devoted to her children’s’ educations, but not prepared for infusing them with social skills to cope with the real world. Surrounded by culture, learning, an opulent lifestyle and no constraints of “normal” family interaction, the Tenenbaum’s give new meaning to the phrase “adult children”. Why am I so enthusiastic about this family, when obviously they are a fictional group of characters in a movie? That is why this film gets such a high score. I am involved in their lives, interested in their choices and motivations. THAT is proof of a true story teller.

Gene Hackman was approached two years before the movie ever got made. Wes Anderson wrote the script with the classic actor in mind. Hackman takes the role of Royal Tenenbaum and takes him to a level of believability that surpasses even the most outrageous behavior of this atypical character. As always, this Hollywood staple takes command of what is an ensemble movie full of remarkable talent.

Anjelica Huston is a natural class act. Her stoic presence and elegance is tailor made for the role of Etheline Tenebaum who has a quiet, sophistication about her. Huston is a seasoned professional, her style and approach to Etheline is reserved but packed with so much personality that the mostly manic family she is surrounded by is not always a distraction from her sublime presence.

Ben Stiller fits the profile for uncommon family member even before he comes steps up to the Role of Chas Tenenbaum. Chas has been neglected by his father, consumed by his own genius for finance and science, and he has become a slave to his fear of endangering his children. Stiller is, admittedly, a bit of a nerve ending in real life. So, Chas is basically a caricature of exaggerated nervous traits that Stiller brings to the screen perfectly.

Gwyneth Paltrow is working on her own class of pouting technique. I do like her as a performer, and this character is an amazing eclectic young woman with a deeply routed misery, but I wish Paltrow could escape the habit of over using her patented pout. Seven, The Pallbearer, Great Expectations, The Perfect Murder, and The Talented Mr. Ripley all showcase her ability to turn on the sad, pitiful face.. The Royal Tenenbaums is no place for leftover acting methods. Margot Tenenbaum is sad, repressed, defeated, so I can forgive the frown. Paltrow does deliver one of her best performances as the adopted daughter of Royal and Etheline. Her character is outrageous in ways that contrast perfectly with her subtle reserve. Definitely worthy of being added to a Paltrow DVD collection.

Luke Wilson and Owen Wilson are characters in and of themselves. The characters they play are, like all the other characters in the movie, edgy and hypnotic. Owen Wilson shares in the writing credits so he is doing double duty in this movie. Eli Cash, his character, is so over the top that he seems even out of bounds for the Tenenbaums. Like all the people in this story, the underlying emotions are ever present, even if buried beneath their neurotic behavior. Eli Cash seems to be a void of real human emotions in contrast to Richie Tenenbaum, played by Wilson’s brother Luke. Richie wears his struggles on his sleeve, we always know what is at the core of his unhappiness. Luke Wilson is a talent that I look forward to seeing a lot more of in the future. Between the Wilson brothers, this story has the benefit of superb writing with the bonus of quality performances as the icing on the cake. I love quality writing.. this one’s classic. Intelligent, observational, human, emotional, clever and so funny my face hurt from laughing and smiling so much.

In short, about the look of the movie:

Costumes, makeup, sets, camera work, art work and infinite detail make this one of the most believable environments in a movie I have ever seen…and I’ve seen a lot of movies!

I want more more more more of this kind of movie.. please somebody fill this empty spot I have where quality films need to live in my memory.