The Fantastic Mr. Fox

Wes Anderson is a very talented director. He seems to operate outside of Hollywood, but at the same time, exist so completely within it. His films are not independent in the traditional sense, but he has the status as one of the truest auteur filmmakers working today. His movies are also instantly identifiable as his having style, movement, and tone, that is totally his own. But I’m not huge on his movies. I always compare him to ballet, I know there is real talent going on, but I just can’t enjoy it that much. I get bored easily in Anderson’s world.

Fantastic Mr. Fox is more of the same. It was cute and the animation was fun, almost nostalgic, but it didn’t deliver as a great film for children or adults. This is film is based on the 1970 book written by the great Roald Dahl. Most great storytellers at one time or another sit down and read Roald Dahl’s novels, picture them in their minds eye and dream of a world so wonderfully crafted by the brilliant writer. Wes Anderson’s adaptation is not necessary bad, it just isn’t essential. James and the Giant Peach, by Henry Selick (who was also closely involved with this film), is essential. The two Charlie and the Chocolate factory are bland. Fantastic Mr. Fox probably exist somewhere in between.
The film follows Mr. Fox and his wife Felicity voiced by George Clooney and Meryl Streep, respectively. Mr. Fox loves stealing chickens, you could almost say he’s addicted, but his wife wants a better and safer life. He regretfully resigns to a quiet life in tree adjacent to three large facilities, which Mr. Fox subsequently decides to steal from. The plot is simple and the viewers know instantly that these farmers are not going to be happy about being stolen from. Notable voice overs also include Billy Murray, Michael Gambon, and Jason Schwartzman. I must mention that George Clooney once again proves that he is a wonderful actor, despite providing merely a voice-over. That is not to belittle voice over artists, but somehow Clooney was able to capture his charming, sarcastic swagger in the Mr. Fox character. If someone made a handsome little George Clooney fox, it might be this character.

Another thing to consider with every film is how much it costs. Not in judging how good it is, but because budget and revenue are the most important part of Hollywood. If a great film is expensive and does poorly, executives consider it a failure. Mr. Fox is not great and is budgeted at 30 million according to Wikipedia. It has only grossed 23 million dollars worldwide as of November 29^th 2009. Now, I don’t know how this movie cost 30 million dollars, probably the actors and special effects you’d say. Well, Sin City is all special effects and all stars. That only cost ten million dollars more.

I further read on Rotten Tomato that Wes Anderson choose not to record in a studio, but instead said in a Rotten Tomatoes interview that “For this film we recorded all the voices on locations. We went out in a forest, we went in an attic, we went in a stable. We went underground for some things. There was a great spontaneity in the recordings because of that, I think.” Doesn’t that cost more money than a studio? I’m not sure, but I have to imagine it does. This film is okay and should be credited for its weird, almost antiquated animation. However, if you really want to see a very good film for all ages go out and see Where the Wild things.

Release Date: November 2009

Collin Says: C+
You’ll Say: C+