It might not quite reach the emotional core of Up but there is still something for everyone in Fantastic Mr. Fox

Rating: 8/10 (4 January 2010)

This animated adaptation of the children's book by Roald Dahl has Mr. Fox (George Clooney) living with his wife Felicity (Meryl Streep) and their moody son Ash (Jason Schwartzman) in a foxhole. Mr. Fox writes a column in the newspaper and provides for his family by regularly stealing chickens from crazy farmers. Yet because he has grown so unsatisfied with his life, he begins to question his own existence. Despite the objections of his lawyer Badger (Bill Murray), Mr. Fox decides to buy a new house on the most dangerous side of the river. Still not content with himself, he endeavours to perform one last master plan of stealing from three of the most dangerous farmers on the land. Through his constant scheming, Mr. Fox neglects Ash, who is desperate to gain his attention. Both of Ash's parents seem more interested in his more confident and talented cousin Kristofferson (Eric Chase Anderson), who is staying temporarily with the family.
Wes Anderson has consistently been a director interested in the dysfunctional family. The Royal Tenenbaums detailed the way that a selfish and scheming father became disconnected from his incredibly talented children and then eventually reunited his family. The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou continued with similar themes through the way a series of dangerous sea adventures initially separated but then brought together a man and the son he never knew he had. While Rushmore, one of the earlier Anderson films, was essentially about the way a schoolboy had to find his feet, amidst his own crazy and often reckless behaviour. The continuation of these same themes throughout this film carries an air of familiarity about it. Mr. Fox's continuous need for risk and danger, even in spite of the danger it brings to his family and neighbours, illustrates his arrogance and his ego, in a similar vein to the men in Anderson's previous films. While the use of Schwartzman's voice work here, whose big break came from playing the boy in Rushmore, further echoes the similarities between his roles in both films. Yet as with nearly all of Anderson's films, it is the charm and the humour that he brings to the material as a writer and director, which makes this familiar territory still engaging for adults and well worth visiting once more. The rapid pacing of the film though ensures that the narrative and its questions of self and existence are not overstated in a way that will isolate children from the film though. There is a very solid balance between action and more thoughtful moments in the narrative.
The way that Fantastic Mr. Fox has been visually constructed also reflects Anderson's appreciation for the offbeat and quirky tones of all of his films. This is a 2D film that uses both puppets and clay animation techniques as well. It may not have the sheer beauty and slickness of Pixar's Up, but it is certainly just as dynamic and exciting, particularly during its action sequences. The rapid variations in angles to a scene and the changes in perspective and depth, make this one of the most uniquely photographed animated pictures in several years. The level of detail in the houses and locations is splendid, reflecting the extraordinary amount of time and care that was taken to create this world. Much of the furniture in the film was apparently modelled on the pieces from Dahl's own home itself, suggesting there is still great intent to keep the spirit of the original author alive, in spite of the thorough expansion of the source material. The richness of the visuals is further complimented through the tremendous work of the voice cast. The use of an entirely American cast in a traditional English story is an initially skeptical decision. Yet George Clooney is a perfect fit as Mr. Fox because he is provided with sharp dialogue and focused characterisation that allows him to convey a sense of charm, arrogance and sneakiness throughout the film. Both Meryl Streep and Jason Schwartzman are thoroughly convincing supports too. Although Willem Dafoe is a bit creepy as a sleazy, kung fu fighting rat. It because of Anderson's script though, with his trademark deadpan humour, that he is able to really ignite the enthusiasm of a very strong, well-known cast.
This is a rather small film with common themes and relationships from Anderson, but because of the wittiness of the script, in providing such clever writing to the cast and the audience, it remains a real pleasure to watch. The more serious and complex subtext of the narrative might be overlooked by very small children, but they will still thoroughly relish the unique look and style of the film and the very inventive and well designed action sequences. It might not quite reach the emotional core of Up but there is still something for everyone in Fantastic Mr. Fox.