Review: ‘The Phoenician Scheme’ leaves nothing to chance
‘The Phoenician Scheme’ is the bizarre tale of tycoon trying to secure the funds to change the world, while avoiding repeated assassination attempts.
Blockbusters and popcorn movies are great, but there has to also be room for the artistic and unusual. Explosions are exciting, but meticulously selected set designs nourish the soul. Of course, these films don’t always have mass appeal. Not everyone likes quirky storylines or heavily directed acting. But those that do tend to have favourite filmmakers that deliver eccentric pictures with unique characters. Writer-director Wes Anderson is one of those creators who audiences can always count on for a distinctive film that takes them on unexpected journeys. The Phoenician Scheme follows a businessman trying to get a world-changing project off the ground.
Zsa-zsa Korda (Benicio Del Toro) has survived multiple attempts on his life. Concerned that one may finally be successful, he names his daughter, Liesl (Mia Threapleton), his sole heir and tasks her with completing his project in the event of his untimely demise. She’s reluctant to accept her inheritance since she’s been estranged from her father and is about to take her vows to become a nun. Nonetheless, she agrees on a trial basis and the pair setoff to speak to all of Korda’s investors to try to convince them to cover an unexpected financial gap. They’re accompanied by Bjorn (Michael Cera), a Norwegian tutor and entomologist that Korda tasks with watching his satchel and hand grenades.
The film has a stellar cast that also includes F. Murray Abraham, Riz Ahmed, Mathieu Amalric, Richard Ayoade, Bryan Cranston, Benedict Cumberbatch, Willem Dafoe, Rupert Friend, Tom Hanks, Scarlett Johansson, Bill Murray and Jeffrey Wright. No role is too small in Anderson’s pictures as each plays a significant role in the story. Some of the actors are repeat collaborators, while others are new to his world. Korda’s near death experiences result in several interactions with a cloud-filled, judgemental afterlife, causing him to revaluate his life and assess if he’s worthy of eternal salvation. This influences his interactions with everyone, as he alters his attitude towards his nine sons and becomes more honest with his investors than he might have been before his reunion with Liesl.
Anderson is fond of the chapter storytelling format. The end of each meeting is marked by an updated tally of what percentage of the deficit each investor agrees to cover. Convincing them requires a personal touch, ranging from silly, high-stakes wagers to death-defying devotion. Each meeting presents a new setting and another opportunity for intricate production design. The background patterns are almost hypnotic and each investor has their own colour palette. Consequently, it’s a striking picture that visually complements the excellent, intentional performances.
Director: Wes Anderson
Starring: Benicio Del Toro, Mia Threapleton and Michael Cera
