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Thursday, October 18, 2012

"Moonrise Kingdom": A Stylized Vision of Violent Innocence


Childhood memories are a mixture of what really happened, and a big dose of magical visions taken from how we perceived the world at a certain age. A time in which all sensations and emotions were exponentially more relevant, when happiness was pure and sadness was devastating. The world seems like such a big place, and contrary to what one might think, when one is a kid, we tend to use this enhancement of emotions to make things seem more important than what they are. A fight with your best friend seems like the end of the world, your little brother stealing your toys its worthy of war-like retaliation. More importantly, when one is at the gray spot between childhood and adolescent, that prepubescent first encounter with love can, and usually is life changing. Having said this, I believe Wes Anderson in his latest film has captured such a unique perception of this childhood memories, one that is both beautifully and meticulously stylized, and also very heartfelt and true to its characters emotions. The magical realism in his films never seems out of place, and the quirkiness and such unique vision can only be compared to his own past films. Wes Anderson is really an American auteur, a voice that uses cinema vastly and consciously, to make the tiniest story seem like and epic, comedic, homage to pre-computerized childhood. The film in its visuals and approach its far from trying to be Cinema Verite, yet it captures layers of emotion in its characters, specially the children, that are usually avoided by most filmmakers. Anderson explores a certain violent innocence, this contained angst that only speaks of the kids inability to fully understand what they are going through. “Moonrise Kingdom” is destined to become an American classic. Approachable but still profound, visually delightful, funny and tenderly romantic, it is a film to be remembered with such nostalgia as one has for those sweet moments at the beginning of our lives. 
In the island of New Penzance, misunderstood orphan Sam Shakusky (Jared Gilman) has decided to escape his Khaki Scout troop to meet his soul mate, a troubled girl named Suzy Bishop (Kara Hayward) who lives with her emotionally distress parents and siblings in the other side of the island. These love-struck runaways unravel a search that includes most of the socially awkward adults in the film. Captain Sharp played by Bruce Willis, Edward Norton as naive but brave Scout Master Randy Ward, and Suzy’s parents Walt and Laura Bishop played by Bill Murray and Francis McDormand respectively. Sam and Suzy get to know each other in the wilderness of the island, where Sam gets to put his scout’s knowledge to the test, and Suzy tells him of the books she loves, and the sadness she feels even while having both of her parents. Never being portrayed as ideal kids, they are complex characters even if their flaws are shown through comedic episodes of violence. These lovebirds are in battle against a world that can understand their pure young love. As a storm approaches their plans to run away are ended as the initial search succeeds; however, enemies will turn into friends all in the quest for a bit of happiness for the young protagonist. An array of magical realism touches are found all over the film, some which involved lighting, or fireworks, or even the climatic scenes during the storm might seem a bit over the top, but not in a film like this. This childhood adventure becomes an eye-opening lesson for the adults here, and sure a bonding experience for all of the kids. 
The two young leading actors are just superb. There is this seriousness, and at the same time a nonchalant attitude in them. They are certain of the decision they are making and they abide by an unbreakable honesty and fervor for each other. Even the kid-like eroticism in the film feels natural, as it is never seen with the wrong views of adults, just as something innocent between those who are in love. The adult cast is also pitch perfect, even Tilda Swinton as “Social Services” reflects this childish and stereotypical view of authority we tend to have as kids. I honestly believe that both Willis and Norton tend to be more powerful as performers in roles like this when they are real people seeking acceptance just the young lovers. Wes Anderson has a magic touch when it comes to actors, the performances are so unique and nuanced that it seems like he implanted his vision onto each one of them to create such an amusing piece. 
Then if we talk about visual style and the peculiarities of the film, then it seems like an even more triumphant achievement. Every piece of clothing, maps, books, and set decorations where fictitiously crafted by Anderson and his team. The colors in the film added to this 16mm film aesthetics are just a visual feast. The camera is alive in every shot, closing in or dolling out to reveal or hide information from us, whip-panning, whip-tilting to follow the action, or at times remaining static to let us see the magic unfold. This is truly the work of an experience filmmaker that has nothing more to go on but his own thoughts. From the opening sequence one can tell this is like no other film, including the great "epicness" and grandeur of Alexandre Desplat which scores every “battle” like the most heroic deed ever conducted. All in all a complete package of a film, a masterwork from Anderson that requires multiple and furthermost enjoyable viewings. 
This is a crowd-pleasing film, enjoyable fro kids and adults alike I would say. It is a visual and fun fact fest for all movie buffs, and a great addition to the shelves of Anderson's fans who will not be disappointed. Set in the 60's in a time in which kids were kids and not an attachment to an electronic device,  "Moonrise Kingdom" is a rare film that comes ones in a blue moon, something so uniquely conceived and full of heart is a privilege to watch. For pure entertainment, for longing of times gone and first love, I highly recommend this film. By far one of the best of the year. Out Now in Blu-Ray/DVD. Grade A+



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