Anderson strikes again

Rating: 10/10 (10 December 2009)

When a director whose films have taken on a steady fan base decides to change direction with an entirely new genre, it's a risky move. None as risky as Wes Anderson's latest work Fantastic Mr. Fox, his animated feature film debut. I can't think of any filmmakers going behind the camera of an animated film having been this successful in live action.
Well, his risk has payed off and I am confident in saying that Fantastic Mr. Fox is one of the year's best. It is based on the classic children's book of the same name by famed writer Roald Dahl. It's the story of a fox who gets the idea of stealing from three of the meanest local farmers: Boggis, Bunce, and Bean. It has been many years since I have read the book, but it was an excellent read when growing up.
When I saw that Anderson was making this film, I was as anxious as ever. Then I saw the trailer and all my worries went away. Anderson is able to transfer his style to animation flawlessly. His use of tracking side shots, symmetric division of the screen with his characters, colorful sets, and his amazing soundtrack with both original tracks and carefully selected tracks from other artists like Burl Ives, The Beach Boys, and The Rolling Stones.
Rather than just getting a bunch of big name actors in a sound studio one at a time, Anderson devised a system where he actually the recorded the actors acting out what their characters are doing. Be it eating, rolling, or digging, the actors performed their actions along with their lines. The film features some of Anderson's stars from other films like Jason Schwartzman, Bill Murray, Owen Wilson, Willem Dafoe, Wallace Woldarsky, and Michael Gamdon, as well as two important lead performances by George Clooney as Mr. Fox and Meryl Streep as Mrs. Fox. I love the casting Anderson chose for each character. I don't think it could have gone any better.
Anderson uses stop animation wonderfully here. It gives the characters a certain edge to them and it makes them wacky enough and serious enough so that kids and adults can enjoy the whole production. It's rated PG and I think that parents will agree that some of the film just isn't for kids, and that is not a knock against the film. I just don't think kids will really get what Anderson is trying to accomplish here. It's not too graphic or inappropriate but some of the humor is a little over their heads. No worries though, kids will love it and will not be harmed by it in any way.
There is so much to enjoy here. The clever writing, the beautiful sets, and the, I hate to say it, fantastic story, all add up to an impressive film that shows Anderson is a filmmaker capable of doing whatever he wants. Perhaps a black and white, silent film starring only dogs. On second thought that might be right in his wheelhouse. I have to think of a real challenge for him.