It takes only a few frames to recognize his unique cinematic style. A perfectly symmetrical shot, pastel or vibrant hues, quirky miniatures with vintage tones, characters identifiable by an accessory... Welcome to the world of Wes Anderson, whose universe is celebrated at Paris' Cinémathèque Française through an exhibition dedicated to the American filmmaker until July 27.
The Houston-born director, who lives between France and Kent, United Kingdom, is known for working with meticulous precision, leaving nothing to chance. This methodical approach results in an aesthetic that is, frankly, splendid. But how does he do it? Le Monde's Les Décodeurs delved into his filmography to understand Anderson's filmic grammar and establish a non-exhaustive guide to his magic tricks, ahead of the release of The Phoenician Scheme on May 30.
The "central" characteristic of Wes Anderson's image composition is perhaps the first that comes to mind: Symmetry, which the Dutch philosopher Erasmus wrote was "the supreme harmony of the world."
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