The Phoenician Scheme: A Hilarious Return to Form for Wes Anderson
Wes Anderson makes a notable return to his signature deadpan style with The Phoenician Scheme, an entertaining romp that corrects the more abstract course he took with his previous film, Asteroid City, which was viewed as a challenging experience reserved for hardcore fans. The new film is a delightful mix of comedy and adventure filled with Anderson's trademark visual flair.
Leading the film is Benicio del Toro, who portrays Zsa-zsa Korda, a wealthy and duplicitous arms dealer, often referred to as "Mr. Five Percent." The story kicks off with an explosive plane crash over the Balkans in 1950, as Korda narrowly escapes yet another assassination attempt. This opening sets the tone for a narrative rife with dark humor and outrageous situations.
Korda summons his estranged daughter, Liesl (Mia Threapleton), back to their grand family estate after years apart, prompting tension-filled interactions rooted in a tragic past. Liesl, raised as a devout nun, grapples with her disdain for her father, especially with the shadow of her mother's mysterious death lingering over them. She struggles with her feelings as Korda reveals her as the sole heir to his fortune, presenting her with the convoluted details of his ambitious "Phoenician scheme" that could potentially reshape an impoverished Middle Eastern nation.
The duo soon embarks on a chaotic journey to Phoenicia, joined by Korda's quirky Norwegian tutor and assistant, Bjørn Lund (Michael Cera). The film cleverly unfolds in segmented narratives, introducing various characters each contributing to the madness, ultimately leading to a climactic showdown with Korda's worst enemy.
In addition to conventional humor, Anderson intersperses a black-and-white Biblical subplot illustrating Korda's visions of his divine judgment after each near-death experience. These scenes delve deeper into the character's insatiable greed and offer a critique of religious perspectives on sensitive subjects such as morality and faith. The film humorously reflects Liesl's own interpretation of her faith, exposing the absurdity in selective beliefs.
Visually, The Phoenician Scheme continues Anderson's illustrious use of tracking shots and whimsical aesthetics, underscoring his creative ingenuity. However, some moments may come off as excessively graphic, depicting an unexpected level of violence and a considerably higher body count than his past works.
Both Threapleton and Cera deserve commendation for their comedic chops, with Liesl's character embodying the empathy Korda subconsciously seeks while wrestling with deep-seated regrets. Meanwhile, Cera's Bjørn provides a significant comedic anchor, transforming from a seemingly innocent tutor into a character of depth and fascination as his affection for Liesl blooms.
Despite its many strengths, the film stumbles with pacing issues. At times, prolonged scene durations detract from the overall narrative flow, overshadowing the quick wit Anderson aims to deliver. There are moments where the camera's lingering gaze on mundane objects feels indulgent rather than purposeful. A tighter edit could have elevated the already engaging story into a truly outstanding cinematic experience.
The Phoenician Scheme is produced by Indian Paintbrush and American Empirical Pictures and will have a limited theatrical release on May 30th, followed by national distribution on June 6th by Focus Features.
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