Wes Andersons use of colour is one of his most distinguished cinematic devices and makes his work instantly recognisable. This book takes you on a visual journey through Andersons filmography, decoding the secrets of his unparalleled use of colour and unravelling the symbolism woven into each carefully chosen hue.
From the whimsical charm of The Grand Budapest Hotel to the poignant aesthetics of Moonrise Kingdom, each chapter reveals the genius use of colour in specific scenes, costumes, sets and details. Rich with stills from the movies and vibrant infographic colour palettes, the book provides a visual feast that enhances the readers understanding of the meticulous thought process behind Andersons choices. Dive into stats and infographics, explore symbolism, and journey through cultural references that shape the captivating visual language of Andersons cinema.
This is the perfect follow-up to Colours of Film (Frances Lincoln, 2023) for fans of Wes Anderson and his aesthetic.
INTRODUCTION
A Short Biography
Timeline
Colour in Film
THE FILMS
Bottle Rocket, 1996
Rushmore, 1998
FEATURE: Anderson's Animal Kingdom
The Royal Tenenbaums, 2001
The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou, 2004
FEATURE: Colour Speaks
The Darjeeling Limited, 2007
Hotel Chevalier, 2007
Fantastic Mr. Fox, 2009
FEATURE: Anderson Adverts
Moonrise Kingdom, 2012
The Grand Budapest Hotel, 2014
FEATURE: Wes Wide World
Isle of Dogs, 2018
The French Dispatch, 2021
Aline, 2021
FEATURE: Wes and Yellow
Asteroid City, 2023
The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar
The Swan
The Ratcatcher
Poison
Hannah Strong is the digital editor at Little White Lies magazine. Her work has appeared in Vulture, GQ, the Guardian, The Times, and i-D, and she regularly appears on television and radio as a film critic. Hannahs first book Sofia Coppola: Forever Young was published by Abrams in 2022 and she is currently working on her second monograph. Her favourite Wes Anderson film is The Royal Tenenbaums, after which she named her cat.
