Vivid and artistically directed

Rating: 9/10 (9 April 2014)

I've never been one for art films, seeming as I'm an art student this is quite odd. However, The Grand Budapest Hotel caught my attention and changed my opinion on art films for the better. It is understandable and easy to follow, being divided into chapters or 'parts'. It is laid out like a book, pacing the story well. As someone who has a poor attention span this was a great thing!
The colours in this film are amazing! I found myself pointing excitedly to my other art student friends the complimentary colours and colour schemes used. As sad as I've made myself sound, it makes a change from the old doom and gloom, post-apocalyptic, unsaturated brown we often see in the cinema now days.
There is a lot of humour hidden within what could be a dark plot, so rather contrasted in look when the story is taken into consideration. With plenty of casual swearing and sarcastic comments, it struck a cord with my British sense of humour.
I do not particularly have any complaints about the film besides it was rather short. I was left wanting more but only because I was enjoying it so much, almost didn't want it to end. One thing that was a little confusing was the mix of British, French and American accents. However, no fuss, it gave it character.
Overall, it is an astonishingly colourful film, full of character and life (or maybe not so in poor Tilda Swinton's case). The artistic direction gave way to beautiful scrapbook like scenes with what seems to be paper cut outs. Each part has a title card that features embroidery from what I remember. Also, it has an old fashion feel to the methods of filming. Editing is intended to look bad with obvious green screen and other 1970s-esque effects, making the film more zany than it already is.
Definitely one worth watching!