Feel Good Film: The Grand Budapest Hotel

With most of my previous ‘Feel Good Film’ posts, I’ve focused on films that stir up certain emotions and responses, namely laughter and the warm and fuzzies. But I think films have the ability to initiate other reactions and a big one for me is inspiration. We’ve all been inspired by a film, be it to learn a new skill, explore the world or take a chance on a relationship.

And it was when watching The Grand Budapest Hotel that I was inspired to be more creative.

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Wes Anderson is one of the most stylish, recognisable and creative filmmakers today. He’s a true auteur.

In an age where we’re forced into being more adaptable, to be able to tick the boxes on a job application form, we often have to put our own original signatures to one side. We’re not free to be ourselves; and it is easy to lose our own ‘brand’. With The Grand Budapest Hotel, you know right away that you’re getting a Wes Anderson film:

– It’s darkly comic with a dry sense of humour. Here, a hotel concierge (Ralph Fiennes) steals a priceless piece of art after an elderly guest (Tilda Swinton) kicks the bucket.

– It has that distinctive Wes Anderson aesthetic. The cinematography is filtered with the kind of hues that Instagram addicts can only dream of and the shots primarily consist of wide angles and tracking shots, making the most of his incredible sets.

– The cast. Wes Anderson is one of the few filmmakers working today who assembles the same reliable group of faces for each film, whilst also offering a platform for newcomers. Tilda Swinton, Bill Murray, Edward Norton, Owen Wilson and Adrian Brody are just some of the names who have regularly popped up on the credits of an Anderson film.

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There are a lot of general ideas in Wes Anderson’s filmography that I can relate to. As a writer, my tone and style is consistently the same. And as a reader, that’s what I look for in a favourite writer. Sure, I want them to be able to write about different themes, but I like it when there’s a distinctive pattern.

And in terms of visual style, I see myself as a growing brand. I’m working on this at the moment and want to ensure that both myself and my work are recognisable across the various platforms I write for, using the same profile images, usernames and bios. I’m also hoping to roll out a new look for my blog, which will carry across to my social media profiles.

And as for the usual band of collaborators, well, look no further than aliljoy! I first worked with two of my fellow scribes on a work experience placement nearly four years ago and another on a university project a little before that. If you really want to make it in the creative industries, networking is key. Building foundations with reliable contacts is essential and it’s great to share your passion with people who you trust and have a mutually supportive relationship with. I wouldn’t be without these fabulous ladies and I hope that we continue to collaborate for years to come.

Catch The Grand Budapest Hotel now, while it’s still in cinemas, and be inspired!

Have you been inspired by another film? Share your experiences in the comments below.

Tags: creativity feel good film feel good film of the week inspiration The Grand Budapest Hotel Wes Anderson

Categories: Feel Good Film of the Week