How to Watch Wes Anderson’s Films Like a Pro: A Movie-Lover’s Guide
A Quick Look at Wes Anderson
Wes Anderson, born in Houston, Texas, to an archaeologist mom and a marketing dad, seems like he was destined to create worlds that feel both meticulously structured and uniquely imaginative. His early years, mainly his parents’ divorce when he was eight, had a lasting influence on his films. Themes of family and seeking parental approval are central. I mean, it's hard to miss the fact that many of his characters are on personal quests to find themselves and their relationships.
Anderson’s college days were just as formative. He attended the University of Texas in Austin, where he met his future collaborator, Owen Wilson. Together, they wrote Bottle Rocket, a quirky little crime caper that would mark the beginning of Anderson’s directorial journey. This movie was so well-received at the Sundance Film Festival that it led to the funding of his first feature film—and it’s a must-watch for any Anderson fan who hasn't seen it yet. It may not be his best work, but it’s a fun, stylish debut that made directors like Martin Scorsese sit up and take notice.
Owen Wilson, of course, went on to star in multiple Anderson films, from Rushmore to The Royal Tenenbaums. If you didn’t know that, it’s time to revisit those classics and appreciate how their collaborations shaped both their careers.
The Signature Wes Anderson Style
Now, if you’ve watched any of his films, you’ll notice the visuals are always spot-on. And one thing that stands out is symmetry. Almost every frame in an Anderson movie feels perfectly balanced. Seriously, once you notice this, you’ll never unsee it. His brother, an illustrator, has heavily influenced Anderson’s sense of color, character design, and overall aesthetic. Anderson looks at the screen as a two-dimensional canvas, not just a 3D world that we live in. This is why his shots often have such a unique, stylized feel.
Another hallmark of his camera work is the rostrum camera effect. This is something typically used in animation, where the camera moves over a flat surface to give it a sense of depth. In films like The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou, Anderson uses this technique in live-action, often to create comedic moments or add artistic flair.
If you’re paying attention, you’ll also notice his love for slow-motion shots. They’re practically a signature for the end of most of his movies, often paired with a final track of music that lingers, just like the moment itself.
Music and Fonts
And let’s not forget about his music choices—Anderson often picks tracks that are as iconic as his visual style. His favorite movie, Rosemary’s Baby, is a dark choice, but if you think about it, you can see how it might influence his own filmmaking. The minimalistic, monochromatic feel of Rosemary’s Baby mirrors a lot of the visual styling Anderson uses, though, of course, his films aren’t quite as grim. Still, I’d love to see how Anderson would handle a darker subject matter like that—it’d be fascinating.
Lastly, those bold, minimalist Futura Bold fonts in his credits? They’ve become another iconic element of his work. You can almost hear the music playing when you see them flash on screen, right?
Wrapping It Up
So, how should you watch Wes Anderson’s films? With an appreciation for the details, the symmetry, and the oddball charm. And if you’re diving into his world for the first time, or revisiting his classics, don’t miss out on Bottle Rocket—it’s the perfect entry point into Anderson’s filmmaking universe.
If you’re a fan of unique movie-inspired designs (who isn’t?), check out some of my latest merch at our Teespring store. I’ve got some rad designs, including a Paul Thomas Anderson tee, that you can’t miss.
Keep watching, keep enjoying, and I’ll catch you in the next one. Peace out, movie lovers!
