Wes Anderson Roald Dahl Project
Wes Anderson masterfully adapted four Roald Dahl stories into short films, featuring his unique style and top-notch storytelling. With a star-studded cast including Benedict Cumberbatch, Dev Patel, Richard Ayoade, Ralph Fiennes, Rupert Friend, and Ben Kingsley, these films, ranging from 20 minutes to one hour, offer a delightful cinematic experience, earning critical acclaim.
- “Henry Sugar”
This narrative revolves around Henry Sugar, a wealthy man lacking a true passion in life. During a small gathering at a friend’s place, he stumbles upon a notebook containing the story of Imdad Khan, an Indian man with the extraordinary ability to see without his eyes. Intrigued, Henry embarks on a journey to acquire this unique skill.
- “The Swan”
Narrated by Rupert Friend, “The Swan” tells the story of Peter Watson, a bright schoolboy with a deep love for birds. His encounter with bullies, his determination to break free from their grasp, and his inner strength lead to a poignant and haunting tale, setting it apart from typical Wes Anderson movies. This 17-minute film unfolds with increasingly heart-wrenching shots.
- “The Rat Catcher”
Also spanning 17 minutes, “The Rat Catcher” is narrated by Richard Ayoade, who portrays a newspaper correspondent. Alongside his mechanic friend, they meet a peculiar-looking rat catcher, a man who bears a striking resemblance to a rat himself. This eccentric yet terrifying character becomes increasingly obsessed with maintaining his image, resorting to shocking party tricks. The short film builds suspense and incorporates stop-motion animation, distinguishing it from the others.
- “Poison”
Narrated by Dev Patel, “Poison” is set in India, where a man named Henry finds himself paralyzed due to a venomous snake. Woods, played by Dev Patel, rushes to the scene to aid his terrified friend and seeks help from a doctor portrayed by Ben Kingsley. The story unfolds as a series of activities aimed at saving Henry, all while the elusive snake remains unseen. Like “The Rat Catcher,” this film thrives on suspense, vividly portraying the tension reflected in Henry’s pale face.
All four films bear Wes Anderson’s signature yellowish tint and exhibit a theatrical quality with ever-changing set pieces, pantomime-style performances, and visible crew members. The stories are narrated by fast-talking characters who vividly recount events while they unfold on screen. These adaptations stay remarkably faithful to their source material, capturing every detail.
Ralph Fiennes, portraying writer Roald Dahl in his study, serves as the narrative anchor seamlessly guiding us through the captivating stories with his engaging narration. “Henry Sugar,” the longest at 40 minutes, was the series’ debut, setting the stage for unique adaptations of Dahl’s lesser-known, mature-focused works. Each short concludes with a note on its origin and the writer’s attachment.
With a total runtime of 91 minutes, these films are a worthy investment, marking Anderson’s delightful second project inspired by Roald Dahl’s works coming to life.
Rating - Full 5 Stars!
