Events - The Cinémathèque de Paris celebrates Wes Anderson's work with an exceptional exhibition

By Mulder, 22 may 2024

"I first visited the Cinémathèque 25 years ago, when it was still at the Trocadéro, but I had already walked through it in my imagination (through François Truffaut's letters) back in the days of the Avenue de Messine and the Rue d'Ulm - and in a way, I indirectly link my own film education to Henri Langlois and his acolytes - so it's a particular pleasure for me to take part in this exhibition, whatever we choose to present! " - Wes Anderson

The Cinémathèque de Paris is preparing a unique exhibition dedicated to the work of iconic director Wes Anderson. Produced in partnership with London's Design Museum, the exhibition promises a fascinating immersion in the filmmaker's singular universe, from his early days in the 90s to his latest Oscar-acclaimed film.

The Cinémathèque française will host this retrospective from March 19, 2025 to July 27, 2025, offering an unprecedented opportunity to discover Wes Anderson's artistic evolution. After its Paris run, a revised version of the exhibition will be presented at London's Design Museum, enabling an even wider audience to explore the director's work.

The exhibition was conceived in close collaboration with Wes Anderson and his production company, American Empirical Pictures. Curators Matthieu Orléan of the Cinémathèque Française, and Lucia Savi and Johanna Agerman Ross of London's Design Museum, have worked hand in hand with Octavia Peissel to create an immersive and comprehensive experience.

The exhibition traces the evolution of Wes Anderson's unique style, from early works such as Bottle Rocket and Rushmore to iconic films such as The Tenenbaum Family, Moonrise Kingdom and The Grand Budapest Hotel. Each of Wes Anderson's films is recognized for its distinct aesthetic, sumptuous sets and costumes, and recurring themes of loss, innocence and dysfunctional families. Visitors will be able to explore props, original costumes and rare documents from the director's personal collection, offering an unprecedented insight into his creative process and artistic influences.

This retrospective is the first ever to explore the aesthetic specificities of Wes Anderson's entire filmography. It also reveals his inspirations, his homages and the meticulous craftsmanship that characterizes his mise en scène. From the melancholy charm of The Tenenbaum Family to the teenage adventures of Moonrise Kingdom or the innovative stop motion techniques used in Fantastic Mr. Fox, the exhibition offers an opportunity to discover how Anderson's unique vision and attention to detail have created some of the most visually and emotionally compelling films of recent decades.

The exhibition highlights Wes Anderson's long-standing collaborations with actors and technicians, as well as his unwavering commitment to film. Through an abundant selection of props, original costumes and trade secret documents, mostly from his personal collection, this exhibition offers an unprecedented look into the world of Wes Anderson and celebrates his lasting influence on contemporary cinema.

Curated by :
Matthieu Orléan, Cinémathèque française, Paris
Lucia Savi, Johanna Agerman Ross, Design Museum, London
In collaboration with Octavia Peissel, American Empirical Pictures
The more men I see, the more dogs I love Wes Anderson

Filmography:
1996 - Bottle Rocket (Columbia Pictures)
1998 - Rushmore (Touchstone Pictures)
2001 - The Royal Tenenbaums (Touchstone Pictures)
2004 - The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (Touchstone Pictures)
2007 - The Darjeeling Limited (Fox Searchlight Pictures)
2009 - Fantastic Mr. Fox (20th Century Fox)
2012 - Moonrise Kingdom (Focus Features)
2014 - The Grand Budapest Hotel (Fox Searchlight Pictures)
2018 - Isle of Dogs (Fox Searchlight Pictures)
2021 - The French Dispatch (Searchlight Pictures)
2023 - Asteroid City (Focus Features)
2023 - The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar and Three More (Netflix)