As a person with autism, who always feels as tho I’m having to play along with social scripts in life and “act” in some big play, this movie resonated with me on a deep level on a first viewing. Although my initial reading on the film was that it was a celebration of the artistic process and how important those things that happen behind the scenes, that most people never get to see, are to the final artistic product. Your reading and the context you provided has really given me A LOT to chew over on a second viewing so thanks for that! Also your daughters did such a great job!
Yea, I felt SEEN with this film with how not one single character was written in a way that could be deemed neurotypical. My husband and I especially were laughing to the point of tears because of the autistic sense of humor. "REAL PEOPLE DON'T TALK LIKE THAT" Yes. They do - they just cut right to the exact point and all through the small talk because they're autistic and awkward and I adored all of the characters. The triplets also had PHENOMENAL gremlin energy! It kind of made me sad that their grandpa was the only one paying attention to them properly, but I figured that was just another red flag that Augie, being in character as someone who just lost a spouse, can't handle focusing on the triplets and his son at the same time. The siblings don't even really interact outside of that scene where the four of them get told the news about their mom.
I loveee the scene where augie and his children in the diner at the first time, the waiter ask the triplet what drink they want and calling them princesses. their response is sooo adorable and funny!! definitely are scene stealer
What children imagine for themselves and with each other will always be better than what we adults imagine for them. The milkshake scene exemplified this for me.
I thought "You can't wake up if you don't fall asleep" meant that we can't be present and experience life if we don't process what's happening by confronting both our feelings and our cognitive dissonance as the foundations of our reality and our beliefs are shaken. This is kind of illustrated by so many of the adults going through the motions and not dealing with the extraordinary events (just like so many did during covid).
@@MortsGarage yeah after re-listening to your analysis I think we’re in agreement on that. A lot of the philosophy of the film I thought was pretty explicit on the page, except maybe that one. I’m shocked so many people are lukewarm on the film. It’s become my favorite film of his and it’s not even close.
What I felt was amazing was knowing the Asteroid City scenes were fake but being drawn in anyway and caring about the characters. I guess it is a statement about movies in general. We sit in the theater and know we are watching a work of fiction but get drawn in anyway and care about the lives of characters that are fake. I did not really think much about that until reviewing the movie a little. I did get the themes of grief and COVID in the theater. This is the type of movie that's going to grab people in different ways. I also felt Steve Carrel was hilarious in every scene he was in and laughed out loud when he sold the plot of land and then turned around and said it wasn't actually a plot of land he sold
I just saw it on Amazon, and agree. It was both beautiful and absurd. Nuclear tests were only in Nevada, but Saguaros are only found in so. AZ and a small part of so. Cal. Love this film.
I read the "fall asleep to wake up" line as a reference to the power of fiction, and giving oneself over to it as a means of fully realizing what it is to be human and real. I see that reflected in how the most fictional world (that of the play) was the one in full color and widescreen. Great video, though!
Went back today and saw the film another 2 times. I have now seen it 5 times! However today, I saw a new familiar face........ You did great in your little cameo as one of the "parents" on the TV screen! So cool of the production to let the real parents be part of the film.
I love how Anderson refuses to participate in the "suspension of disbelief" in the way that films are "supposed" to. It quite interesting to watch the film with that in mind.
I will say I felt strange after the movie ended since what were seeing on screen has a deeper meaning, but the message to keep moving forward through whatever life throws our way really started to sink in as the movie progressed. Even when things don’t make sense we can’t dwell or avoid life. And if we “don’t fall asleep” and embrace these things in life we “can’t wake up” to keep going or progress. Hope that made sense 😅 My opinion is many won’t like this movie, but it hides a great message. I need to re watch some more Wes Anderson films now. Your kids really nailed their parts as well. They gave some comic relief for me. Definitely going to watch this again one day.
Firstly, your daughters were totally amazing in this movie! Amazing acting and the synchronicity between them! I will remember their performance longer than anyone else’s. Your explanation makes total sense. I also at some point stopped trying to decipher what’s going on rather, I just let the movie take me for the ride but yes I accepted it has layers.
You are beyond gifted at breaking down complex symbolism in a gentle but structured way. I went through so many videos where people were just taking the movie at face value, not wanting to discern the deeper meaning, and when I found your video everything clicked into place. Thank you so much!! Such a deep yet humble thinker.
I saw it in the theatres and twice at home with the subtitles on. I will say I thought your kids were great having one of my own. They brought a grounding to the film and actually being able to read what they said makes it better. There is a real problem with films with lots of dialogue that is fast pace and quiet or overlapping for me. So yes please watch this film again. I like your take on the we are all actors in our play and have to go through it and keep going. The "keep going" is obviously the meaning of this life to me. Congrats and maybe ask Wes if I can be in the next one because I am his biggest fan.
A second view untangled several sizeable knots from the first viewing. I enjoyed it both times - but differently. I paid attention to different things the second time and it allowed me to find my way through the sometimes baffling construction of things into some of the themes, details, and "ah-has" that were there all along. And those triplets! Well... they brought something special. It's as if the three of them combined to make one single character (since they were always together). You deserve to be a proud papa!
We were lucky enough to see this 2x in the theater before the run ended. THIS is what want from a movie, to be intrigued, curious, moved, and very amused. I am so grateful for the writers, actors, artists that brought this to life. ❤ And the ‘you can’t wake up if you don’t fall asleep’ I took to mean that we die to our old selves, our old life, we can’t hold onto that if we want to learn from our grief. Similar to what you said- but we need to let the past go, to let our past die so we can live our present life. Still working on this idea…
i just watched this and already want to watch it again, i was left so emotionally entangled in a way that i cant even explain, definitely one of wes anderson's best works.
hello - it’s Kris your favorite set decorator - i enjoyed your take on the film - this was a pleasure - your insights are very thoughtful and inspiring ! i enjoyed meeting you and your fam and again at the premier fun to find you here :) best to you keep it up !!
Kris!!!! SO RAD to see your comment here! We absolutely loved getting to spend time with you and appreciate all your kindness to us :) BEST TO YOU AS WELL!!
Aw man, your kids were so awesome in the film. You must be really proud. Did not expect that when you started talking about the film. Its also awesome that you have still given an unbiased reaction to the film. So many of the points I agree with you on. I feel the fact that it's stated very clearly that what we're watching is a play a fabrication, kind of highlights the fact it isn't. Great video!
This is my favourite Wes Anderson film. I've seen all of them. English isn't my first language, so it's hard to explain how deep the emotional impact was. A truly amazing and profound experience. It untangled something in my heart and I couldn't stop crying. The feeling lingered for hours even after the movie had finished. The you can't wake up part made me feel so connected to everyone on screen, something just clicked and the tears started streaming down my face.
OMG your kids were amazing in the film!!! I loved how confident all the lines were and how expressive the trio was Thanks for the long review too, I really feel you on wanting to talk with someone and get their opinions as well
One thing that really struck me and stayed with me about the film (only seen it once) was how “meaningless” so much of it was. To clarify, I mean things like the unfinished overpass that would have saved 0 time even if it were complete, the real estate vending machine that doesn’t reeeally sell real estate, the naming game played by these kid geniuses that has no foreseeable end cause they’re too smart, and Augie burning his hand on the hot plate for no real discernible reason (will get back to that point). And yet constantly the characters, and the fictional actors, are searching for meaning, and yet are unable to find it. All the authority figures fail them (the mechanic doesn’t know why the car’s broken, the scientists don’t understand the phenomenon they’re witnessing, the government is woefully unprepared for alien visit, and the religious leaders struggle to reconcile the incident with their own beliefs). Some believe that if they could just communicate with the alien, this apparent higher being, they might find the meaning of life, but honestly that’s unlikely too. It’s confusing and frustrating and it all comes to a head after the chaos of the 2nd visit when Augie’s actor just straight up says “I don’t get it” and walks off stage. This was the part that really hit me what the film was about. Life doesn’t make sense. Things don’t work how they seem like they should. The people we want to trust are sometimes as fallible as we are. Why are we here on this rock in space acting out these roles that seem to have no purpose. And like the director says, he doesn’t know either, but the show must go on. I think of the moment Augie, a character consumed by confusion and grief, burns his hand. There’s no benefit, nothing productive about hurting himself, but it’s like in that moment he just had to “act,” regardless of the consequences. The film really spoke to me about how we deal with grief and confusion in our lives, cause it can really seem hard to go on sometimes. But as the mantra at the end of the film goes, “you can’t wake up if you don’t fall asleep.” Everything passed, and we keep going, cause that’s what we gotta do. Loved the film.
Wow - I didn’t see those specific connections but this interpretation is really thoughtful and well communicated. I think it’s pretty compelling. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks. I knew right away at the end of my first viewing of Asteroid City that I was missing something & that I would have to watch it again. Your framing of it & thoughts about it are very helpful to me. I'm going to see it again soon while your thoughts are fresh in my mind. Thanks again.
I think you were dead on! Loved this analysis. I actually appreciated the fact that the stacked cast kept "taking me out" of the movie, because I thought it played into the themes of storytelling (stories within stories, the play, title cards, etc.), reminding us that we're watching a story, and that are meant to be interpreting it on a symbolic level.
Amazing video. As I had no one to talk to about the movie after I saw it. Watching this video felt like that post-movie conversation, as I paused throughout to have my inner dialogue about how certain scenes made me feel.
Hey bud! Great to meet you and the kids in NYC at the Alamo. Thanks so much for this video, it actually got tears out of me thinking through how much the film and its message mean to me. I’ve seen Asteroid City 5 times now and it keeps unfolding in new ways, so if two times isn’t enough KEEP GOING :) Totally agree about the existential nature of the film, and while the challenge to “just keep telling the story” in the face of loss and grief can be so hard but there is a lot of beauty in the process. Thanks again!
Cheers man! Great to see you in my neck of the woods here on TH-cam. I’m dying to get in and see it again and wonder how many of my thoughts will change. Best to you and your family.
By the time I finished AC, I realized it was a metaphor within a metaphor, with the metaphor beneath all that looking back at me while I saw it reveal itself - screaming. We need to get out, and live the metaphor of our lives that we must feel and experience. Stop being the viewer. Stop waiting for something else to change our lives. Stop fearing the mistakes we could make, and make them. Because that's what life is about, making mistakes.
Did anyone else see a lot of David Lynch in this film? Existentialism, dreams, nuclear testing, 1950's Americana, supernatural/alien interventions, meta-commentary. Feltt like Wes Anderson's own version of Twin Peaks to me.
To put the general audience’s disconnect simply: Asteroid City’s narrative is more theme-driven than driven by the characters. Here, the characters are a means to an end rather than the focus themselves. The viewers saying there are too many characters or there is no depth of character were probably expecting something more focused on a character arc, the typical character-driven movie.
This is the best description of the movie I’ve heard besides myself trying to explain it to people who do not understand the depth of the film. Thank you for vocalizing the deeper meanings of life, living and then dying.
What i rky love abt asteroid city is it presents a lot to communicate a little. I think its Literally wes saying that life its some grand story, and sometimes you cannot see the story of your life. he takes style over substance to the mext level and uses that as a tool.
That's crazy your daughters were in it lol, they got some of the most consistent laughs from me. I just saw the movie for the second time and it really struck with me this time. This being the first live action Wes Anderson movie I've seen, I'm quite happy to see it in theaters, it was so pretty. I think my favorite scene might be the one with Margot Robbie as the wife, something about it just feels very ethereal
You’ve convinced me to watch it again, I’ve been looking for a video like this since I’ve seen it. I’m not going to lie I didn’t like it, but not because i thought it was a “bad” movie, but because I couldn’t understand his message Thank you for this
As an artist and a film buff, I really appreciate that ASTEROID CITY is not a "what you see, is what you get" film. But, not everyone wants to work so hard to "get" a film. I enjoyed THE GRANDE BUDAPEST HOTEL far more.
Catharsis is such a powerful thing. I felt it when the triplets were putting their mother's ashes in the desert sand. Also moments with the alien - especially the second time. And the spells and prayers the triplets were saying - I did wonder if they were improvised a tiny bit. [And Sorkin characters talk in this sort of very mannered way also - though there were parts in ASTEROID CITY where the characters were talking so so fast. And I think some people when they see the film again will make them talk even faster like 2.5x or like horse-racing callers].
Been watching a bunch of reviews/analysis of this movie and enjoyed yours the most. Saw City with a couple fellow cinema nerds at the local Cinepolis but the projection suffered from technical issues (seems more common nowadays) resulting in a disengagement from the film leaving us all in utter confusion at what we just saw. Just purchased via Vudu, along with Isle of Dogs on sale right now, to watch for the second time tonight with the same friends in my dedicated home cinema and can't wait to enjoy the beauty of the film as it was intended and hopefully get more out of it....dawning our existential-poetic-meditation hats this time around of course.
I really enjoyed the film. Your explanation actually brought me to tears, while the film found me smiling and giggling. So now I definitely need to watch it a third time. Thanks for your insights.
I saw the film in the theater and once it got going, all I could think was “Wow!”. The ending sequence hit me like a hammer too. I love how the film is meta. The work of art a character is in is the universe that character exists or lives in. These characters get to step outside of their universe and ask the director (their god) what their roles mean and what the play means. Us humans don’t ever get to do that and find out with any certainty what the meanings or purposes of anything are. There’s no one to ask if “we’re doing it right”. There’s the scene where the actor steps out on the balcony and talks to an actress who played the wife and was cut from the play. That scene was beautiful. It was like two souls in the afterlife reflecting back and talking about their Earthly lives in a detached way (reminds me of "Our Town"). That character never gets closure in the play where he exists but got it outside of his play/existence on the balcony. The “you can’t wake up if you don’t fall asleep” comes in as how for example to be genuinely happy you have to have experienced being sad. To try to see the truth you have to have fallen for a lie. To appreciate beautiful things you have to have experienced ugly things. Perhaps one could say the purpose and meaning to be found in going through ugly, painful things is to provide you the experience to appreciate good, beautiful things. I really like Twin Peaks and I liked how that show was also philosophical and meta and played with reality the whole time as well. Nothing is really real, what seems real to us is because we live inside it and that's as real as the story to the characters in the story. Asteroid City is grappling with the same sort of thing to me-dealing with where meaning and creativity come from and how do we cope with pain and loss and those things themselves being meaningless. Life is like the play in the film, we aren’t sure what we’re doing or if we’re doing it right but we can’t stop doing it and still somehow the pictures always come out. Our roles mean everything to us in them and also nothing at all in the bigger picture. It’s definitely an existentialist poem and it’s absolutely beautiful.
Agree with your take… I have a lot of thoughts (seen it four times lol). The one piece I keep thinking about is when Augie burns his hand, which is the actor Jones key point of contention in the script, the way that scene finally plays out in the film leads me to think the actor Jones playing Augie ACTUALLY burns his own real hand on stage - this is based largely on Scarlett Johnanssen’s character’s reaction. She looks left and right as if looking for help and says ‘you really did it. That actually happened.” It seems like Schwartzman’s Jones wants so badly to understand the play that he literally puts himself through the self-inflicted wound of Augie’s sadness/lack of ability to process his grief. And then he STILL doesn’t “get” it. It’s a fascinating scene I haven’t seen any reviewers comment on yet, in a very multi-layered story filled with metaphors. ALSO, your kids were fantastic.
I hadnt been this lost since watching Mulholland Drive a few months ago for the first time. I didn't know Wes Anderson could do David Lynch style depth.
You discussed the possibility of being taken out of the movie when thinking of Steve Carrel as characters he's know for, etc. I think that's kind of the point in the cast he's chosen. We are watching actors in a play. So to think, "Oh, that's Forest Gump (or Tom Hanks), I think that's fine (and encouraged) and reinforces the whole meta metaness.
That’s a really interesting way to see it. I guess for my viewing experience, it had an initial impact on my immersion - far more so in The French Dispatch than here. But I can see it being a factor. I like your take on it though.
Just went to see this yesterday. First of all, Congratulations your kids were amazing in the film. I love how the diner scene they refused to be called princesses. Wow. What an honour. I think this film is, if not, the best Wes Anderson film (Rushmore always has my heart). It’s a modern Samuel Beckett “Waiting for Godot” - although highly stylised and with a lot more characters - stranded somewhere in the middle of nowhere, a play within a play, searching for meaning of life, but there is no answer!
"The more I live my life, the less I understand the meaning and the purpose of all of it. I just know that my heart continues to break." Bingo! You said it. Actors often say that before they can deliver a performance in a given scene, they have to memorize their lines and go "off-book" so they can play the emotional reality of it with an almost dreamlike sense of spontaneity. You can't express the meaning (rational or emotional) until you've internalized the words and immersed yourself in the moment you're trying to play. That's part of what I get from, "You can't wake up if you don't fall asleep." (You can't let go of your rational mind and experience the free-associative "logic" of dreaming if you don't fall asleep, either!) I appreciate your modest disclaimers (and your daughters were absolutely fantastic!), but for me, the first rule of film-watching (and movie criticism) is this: If it's on the screen, that means it's in the movie -- so it's therefore fair game for any informed discussion. Somebody, somewhere along the line, chose to put it there or leave it there -- even if it's a mistake or a coincidence or a fortuitous accident or an oversight they didn't notice until the movie was finished. If it's there, it's there -- it's part of the movie, and intentions are irrelevant. We've all seen movies in which the filmmakers have said they were trying to do one thing, while the evidence on the screen indicates something else entirely. You know the maxim: "Trust the art, not the artist." As for "The Meaning of Life" -- isn't the joke that any artist with aspirations to "existentialist" profundity claims they're trying to express something about the meaning of life? (In this case, the Meaning of Life is might also be captured by the road-runner trying to decide when or whether to cross the road. He's probably not thinking about much else... But if this were a Looney Tune and he were to be run over by a truck, my heart would have broken. I was actually afraid that might happen during the end credits! I can't fully explain why...)
This is such a gorgeous analysis of the film. Thank you for sharing your vision of it! Regardless of how the authors intended the film to be, films are ultimately released to be in the hands of the viewer. Anyone can tell you a story, but no one can make you hear a certain sound. I love the direction that you found in this film and I will look for it in the future too. :) I got to watch it, on silent this time, for the second time last night. (I highly recommend at least one watch through of any film on silent!) It stuck it deeper in my head, as a writer and artist, that the film could be about the task and obligation of creation-even when it is fruitless, even when it's hard, even when you don't understand what you're doing either.
My statement to my wife was, "I liked the film, but I'm not sure why." And yes, i only had a vague sense of what the movie was about. Also, the aesthetics of the film is very unique.
Great review and analysis. Thank you. I watched this on a large projector screen by myself so I could totally immerse myself in it. I absolutely loved this film and am excited to watch it again tonight. Besides being visually beautiful as Wes Anderson films are known for, it is a film that makes you think and I find it interesting how the actors are so deadpan yet convey so much emotion.
This is all exactly what I took from the film too!! Feeling validated 🙏 My friend I saw it with thought it was too busy/random but it felt like it in a way uses dream language/symbology to communicate the message
I just watched it for a second time (first time for my 15yo daughter). Not just here to say how great your kids were in it (and they were), but one of the things we discussed afterwards was how Wes always gets pitch perfect performances from child actors. Dying to know how.
I think the "you can't wake up unless you go to sleep" is really about us viewers being asleep in a dream world and saying that's okay, you can wake up and should wake up once done with sleep.
0:14 well... Every Anderson movie is one you need to watch multiple times. His work is so layered and so thoughtful. When people tell me they don't get his movies or why his movies are so wonderful...it tells me they are people who don't want to use their brains while watching movies. Your daughters did a great job. Anderson is really great directing kids and young people. Really brings out their talents.
I understand that his movies can be an acquired taste and that AC had some obtuse elements to it but it is so appreciated to see a film that necessitates multiple viewing to grapple with its complexities.
A perfect movie! Been waiting for some one to say what I felt about this movie being the meaning of life. How beautiful to portray it. Love love love Wes Anderson and this is a gem! ❤❤❤
One more thing about Wes Anderson films. There is a lot going on and the pace can be overwhelming. I did watch 'The French Dispatch' and immediately knew I'd have to watch it again. Sometimes just because I know I missed something.
your children were excellent in the film. Bravo to them! I have seen it 3 times in 2 days. Spectacular film, and I think one of my favorites ever. there seem to be endless facets to this movie that you can dig into. I love how the characters often paralell the actors, like Johannson "being quite the comedian!" when given the right role. her character does deliver quite a bit of humor! Your daughters also participate in this when they ask Tom Hanks "who is that old man?". I believe it's meant to be a bit of a reference to Tom Hanks being a bigger star among an older generation and younger people in the theater literally not recognizing the actor who just walked into frame.
Well now that I listened to your commentary, I think your guesses is as valid as mine. I personnally tried not to read too much into that particular movie. If anything I believe the movie to be a commentary about that whole Area 51 subculture which sprang after an event which has yet to be officially recognized. And what a defining event this should have been for man kind! But the questions remain : have we or have we not been visited by aliens? If so, why ? Could it be that they were only playing football with an asteroid ☄️ and they just wanted they ball back and crashed their UFO 🛸? Are they in our reality or are we in theirs ? Is this a dream or a platonic theater play we live in ? I do think Anderson just wanted to make a kind of postmodern Kurt Vonnegut type of a movie around that theme and make it as visually flat as possible (like a theatre play). It was both brilliant and obscure (wink wink) 🥰😉👍 I might discover new meaning into it when I watch it again, but for now, I‘m pretty content with having watched something like a colourful Edward Hopper painting of a movie ❤
Something I noticed on second viewing is that there is a parallel between Jones finding love with Conrad and him/Augie grieving. They were literally on opposite sides of the room and met in the center to kiss and make love. For the rest of the movie Augie and Jones are separated from other people visually, and I think that separation is supposed to show the grief both of them go through. In a way, both Augie and Jones have one last conversation with the person they loved. Augie with his wife and Jones with Conrad because he wrote the whole scene.
Thank you for framing this around that concept "a poetic meditation on the meaning of life" - that is the perfect summary. After the film I thought about how life is chaotic and meaningless, and it is up to us to give it order and meaning (and each interpretation is different according to your worldview). The point you made about these well known actors messing with your ability to see them in their current role really made me think about how that is how we go through life - people think of us one way based on how we typically show up in the world but then there are other parts of our character and who we are that might come to the surface at times. I've always loved that line about all the world being a stage and we are all the players because it is so true. BTW your triplets were excellent - they definitely stole some scenes in this movie!
This was my very first Wes Anderson movie and despite feeling confused and stuff, I loved every second of it! I’m absolutely getting this on Blu-Ray as soon as it’s available! That being said, I think I might need to watch other Anderson movies to have a wider range of films to analyze and compare and contrast. I think I’ll watch Grand Budapest Hotel next and then Fantastic Mr. Fox! I’ve wanted to watch an animated Wes Anderson movie so badly! Speaking of which, (Spoiler Alert) the alien in this movie is my spirit animal!
You’re in for a lot of treats! While I love his filmography for various reasons, I encourage you to consider watching chronologically as it’s quite interesting to see his style evolve from Bottle Rocket to Asteroid City. But most feel GBH and Tenebaums are at the top of the pile.
It would make sense to watch them in order. I recommend skipping Isle of Dogs & The French Dispatch. They don’t do improve upon anything we saw in Mr. Fox & Grand Budapest…Grand Budapest to Asteroid City is a smoother transition. Tenenbaums, Zissou, and Budapest are my top three but Asteroid may get up there.
Honestly I may be blinded by my love for WA work but I felt it was a brilliant metaphor (as u point out) BUT ALSO a rebuttal to the critics who have called him a stylistic genius without substance. It points out that u can be successful, unsure, self-assured, driven, famous, heartbroken, lost, or anywhere in between..& you’ll never know what it all means. Humans make up meaning for things, but without the ability to prove why (via science)…well, then, all we know (via experience) is that life, if nothing else, is one big show/play. So why not make it beautiful? And doesn’t making it beautiful do just as much for us while we’re experiencing it as any emotional dialogue could ever do? This especially hits me as I sat thru “U can’t wake up if u don’t fall asleep” song during final credits.
I really like this format of film analysis for you. I know it's not your typical subject matter, but I'd love to see you do similar videos on other enigmatic movies. As for Asteroid City, I loved it, and I think your take on it seems pretty spot on. I need to see it again with some of your thoughts in mind. The one thing we noticed, like you mentioned, was the quarantine seemed to parallel Covid quite a bit. Not just the lockdown, but people's response to the order. Some complied immediately, others defied it to varying degrees. Some believed the Alien was real, others had varying levels of belief. A teacher is shown teaching in a remote location, with the parents (including one quite handsome dad) watching the class remotely through a screen During the lockdown, Jason Schwartzman and Scarlet Johansen communicate through their windows, which felt very much like a Zoom call. And I'm sure there's more. Anyway, loved the movie, loved your thoughts. Keep up the good work!
Love the way the Covid analogy is described here - great angles to consider! I definitely plan to do some more movie reviews based on the way this was received and appreciate your encouragement. Your episode is up next!!
I watched this film today and knew I really loved it but haven't really been sure why. The only thing I was sure of, is that I would be watching it many more times. Your daughters were great!
Watched asteroid city for the first time last night and enjoyed it. Johansson and Schwartzman were excellent and your little girls were hilarious. You must be very proud and they should be proud of themselves too.
The hedonists, originally, didn't avoid pain. They recognized some pains were needed, and some were unavoidable. They also believed that not every desire was worth pursuing.
Came here for the break-down but OH-MY-GOD-YOUR-KIDS-WERE-SO-CUUUUTE ! 😄👏 You must be really really proud to have them play in a Wes Anderson movie ❤ What a treat! Now, I have to have my own kids play in the next one !! Anyway, I had to stop your video and tell you this. Now let‘s hear what you have to say (with your t-shirt I get the feeling that you already know what you‘re talking about 😅)
I really enjoyed your analysis of the movie. I finally got to see it this past weekend, with very similar thoughts on it as well. The chanting scene at the end is one of my favorite moments in cinema this year. Since finishing the movie I have been thinking if it is preferable to be awake or asleep. To me the chant seems to suggest that "waking up" is equal to getting better, and "falling asleep" is equal to struggling through a difficult time. It seems like the color segments that depict the play are akin to a dream, and the black and white segments are closer to "reality." Yet, in reality, if we are asleep we aren't aware of our worldly troubles and pains, so is sleep not the preferable state to be in? I can't wake up without falling asleep, but should I even want to wake up? Like most Wes Anderson films, it leaves much to think about. I look forward to seeing it again!
A thought on the "you can't wake up if you don't fall asleep" line: could Anderson be pleading with viewers to suspend their disbelief? The entire movie has a dream-like quality. Attempting to experience it on a literal level can be frustrating and bewildering. But if one is willing to accept and enter the dream state that the characters inhabit, one might access deeper levels of personal meaning and metaphor. The movie--like good poetry--doesn't try to provide answers, it tries to get the viewer to ask their own questions.
thanks Mort , I have just finished watching it again and it resonates even more .Looking for answers in an an infinite universe is fruitless We experience but cannot contain it , nor should we try . Our fear of the infinite stops us from participating in it .And good luck with your three wonderful witches .
i really do think the reason why the film is a stage play is to divide between the 'stage' of the story about our life and off-stage as the heaven where all the writer, director and other staff members of the stage of life lives, it is also the only place where schwartzman's character can meets his deceased wife (in heaven) and can communicate with her as a way of dealing with his sadness. i think the stage play is about finding the meaning of life such as when schwartzman's character keep asking why his character puts his hand on the griller? and the writer (norton) and the director of the play (brody) - as gods because they are what we ppl thinks write and direct our lives - told schwartzman that they don't know as well. i think it is about living life and enjoy the present rather than diving too much into just finding the meaning and die without enjoying what you have because, just as hank's character said about his deceased daughter, the time is never right.
I wondered if heaven/hell is a conscious reference or not. The only thing where it breaks down more for me though about the balcony scene is that Jones Hall is in love with Conrad Earp, who has died. Lots to consider. Thanks for your comment!
Coming out of the the theater I knew there was so much I didn’t understand and I’m so ready to see it again. It was a delight though. And speaking to No Country, my wife and I call it a perfect movie and I absolutely love the ending.
@@MortsGarage I think you framed it perfectly when you said most people might not be expecting existential commentary when going into a Wes Anderson movie and I was a little caught off guard myself. It does seem if you examine his entire filmography as a whole that his style and the way he delivers a message or idea has progressed each time to be a little less heavy handed than the film before; which I think makes for a great director.
I enjoy Wes Anderson, but his visual style isn't enough on its own to impress me. If the story is good, he's great. If the story isn't good, it becomes very easy to just criticize his visual style as a crutch. Some of his recent stuff, I was starting to feel like maybe he's been too focused on the visuals and not focused enough on making sure the story is good within those perfectly framed shots. I was glad that Asteroid City felt more like a return to form for him, where the story was actually good. I don't mind if his framing is a bit more sloppy, like back in the Rushmore or The Royal Tenenbaums days. The stories in those films were really good, and that's what matters most. Asteroid City reminded me a lot of The Royal Tenenbaums and The Life Aquatic, actually. It's restored my hope that he hasn't lost whatever magic he once had. Hopefully, in the future, he can continue to bring that OCD he has for cinematography to the big screen without forgetting that there needs to be a story on screen too. Perhaps his best days are still ahead of him.
It feels like Asteroid City is Wes Anderson's take on the book of Ecclesiastes. I wonder if there was any influence of that book in Anderson's making of this film.
@@MortsGarage Oh yea even in the beginning of Ecclesiastes how there's a narrator introduces the preacher to the reader and we, the reader, listen to the preacher tell us his views. Then Ecclesiastes bookends with the narrator closing it out. Cranston is the "narrator" and Norton/Brody is the "preacher" And then the obvious stuff like the randomness of life and how we should just strive to do good and help each other.
I was thinking that too! It’s very much like Anderson’s take on the book and what I love is that he isn’t nihilistic about not knowing all the mysteries of life just like Ecclesiastes isn’t. It’s also kinda like Job too, the part where God speaks.
Margo Robbie scene 🎬 also had tidbits such as: •Her hairstyle & makeup forming into a heart - pointing out she was his love? •The theater marquee below displaying “death of a narcissist” which is a play about how when someone dies its actually 3 ppl who die…1) The person most ppl know, 2) The person that loved ones struggled to understand, 3) The real person hidden inside. •This is also the original working title for the play “Death of a Salesman” by Arthur Miller
This was the most perfect and incredible breakdown of a film I’ve seen in a long time. This is all exactly what I took from the movie. While watching this today, my wife goes, “you need to be friends with this guy.” 😂❤️ Thank you SO much for sharing your thoughts! And congratulations to your daughters! They were absolutely fantastic!
Jeff and I watched the movie finally tonight then we watched this to see what you had to say about it. Took awhile to get around to watching it. I didn’t want to watch in theaters due to the themes of grief in it. That can be a bit overwhelming for me sometimes. We had to just sit and talk it over for a long while after seeing. Your girls were so stinkin good! Absolutely adorable! Stole every scene they were in! “you can’t wake up if you don’t fall asleep” I saw it more as a PTSD metaphor. I saw it as moving through life you have to give grief a place. Like sleep in your grief, feel it deeply for a season, work through it so you can keep going better on the other side. If you try to press on and avoid the bad feelings you will be stuck in that day, stuck in the feelings. Kind of like a Groundhog Day. Doing it all over and over. You have to “fall asleep” and process it to be able to move onto the next day. I don’t know if that makes sense or is coherent. I’ll definitely have to watch it a second time because it is a lot to think about and I’m so not a film nerd.
Your take on this is really eloquent - I think you and I are pretty similar when it comes to the “you can’t wake up…” idea. Glad you gave it a shot! Check out Grand Budapest Hotel or The Royal Tenebaums for more Wes goodness.
Wow, you gave a solid analysis / interpretation of the movie. Your reference to Victor Frankl adds to the depth of your analysis. Very good! The reality of life is indeed heartbreak and suffering and we need to deal with it, not numb or avoid it by swiping it under the carpet on which we are celebrating a big party (hedonism). I notice that you think seriously about these things; may I recommend that you explore and dig into the Christian faith? It takes life on earth in all its dark and light seriously and gives a deep answer to suffering through the suffering of an innocent man. Thinking of the interplay between the playwright and the movie Asteroid City, in which the playwright writes himself into the movie, It may be compelling for you to discover that in the Bible, the creator himself comes down to earth and even takes on the suffering of human beings, in order to set them free and bring them back to an undisturbed relationship to himself (the meaning of life).
One ought to expect a slow burn from Anderson, that art affects how you see things, sometimes unconsciously, and only over time do we learn how we were affected. Your kids provided much needed space from all the others' self contemplation by way of immediacy and blatantly telling us what the others dodged around, that we declare and try to believe our self descriptions and if we can convince some others, great. I accept that they are alien fairy vampire witches - that must make dinner at your place interesting.
This movie hits. I got the meaning of life theme right off the bat. The big clue for me was watching tid bits of the playwrights life run simultaneously with what was happening in the play. I believe the play was him trying to cope with his divorce, which after being divorced once myself, feels like death (thankfully there's a happy ending for my husband and I. We married again 9 yrs ago, lasting longer than our 1st marriage.) The scene at the end is him and his soon to be ex. She's the angel and he's the narcissistic playwright (see marquee below the actor), too wrapped up in his own pursuit of fame..this which was also portrayed by Midge in the play. In the end, he needs to come to peace with his mistakes, his pain, and loss. I love the scene between actor and director about having to go on, despite not understanding the purpose of these bad experiences in life. In life it's hard to see the big picture when you're down in the trenches...that cancer diagnosis when you're just beginning your life..your rainbow baby is diagnosed with autism and he's the only baby you can ever have, losing your job, finding a new and better one and then your spouse becomes gravely ill...its hard to find the meaning there. But we must keep going...keep walking in the desert and if you're a person of faith, throw yourself down and cling onto the hem of the Lord's garment with the full believe that it will help you somehow. Thanks for making this video. I waited to watch it after I was finally able to see the movie to confirm my assumptions. Your girls were amazing!
Really loved reading your takeaways from the film. It sounds like you've lived a lot of life and your wisdom is quite apparent. Peace to you and your family.
What I got out of it was that Jason Schartzman's character, the actor, not Auggie, had trouble feeling like his life meant anything after his love, Edward Norton's character, died. He struggled to find meaning in his life and this transferred to him struggling to find the meaning in his character in the play. He doesn't get the play, much like he doesn't understand why his life turned out this way. When he talks to Margot Robbie's character, and she talks about the play, it's Auggie's wife telling him that he'll have to move on after she's dead, but it's also Edward Norton's character telling Jason's character the same thing. He'll need to move forward with his life, but that doesn't mean he has to leave everything behind. Auggie might have to take on some of the responsibilities of his wife, in raising Woodrow, and Jason's character might have to learn to take care of himself in the ways that Edward's character can't anymore. Jason's character hears the words from Auggie's wife and sees his dead lover talking to him through his work. He has to come to terms with his grief to move on, to make his life mean something. He can't find satisfaction in his life if he doesn't accept his pain. He can't wake up if he doesn't fall asleep. That's what I got out of it, at least. Among other things.
I find myself more and more agreeing that the playwright (Conrad Earp) is indeed speaking to Schwartzman’s character from the grave. Thanks for leaving your comment!
10 minutes into the movie and my thought the whole way through was: "Oh yeah. A writer definitely wrote this." This was cemented during the balcony scene, where a theatre is advertising "Death of a Narcissist"--in plain view, for most of the scene. I think what Wes was saying here is 1: He didn't like Death of a Salesman very much, 2: He is calling "meta" playwrights of the past full of themselves, while doing the same thing in his movie. I also found lot in common with "Rosencrantz and Gildenstern are Dead" where things start off funny, but end on an emotional note. I like to think the play was the Playwright's brain slowly dying and losing his creative spark, which is why everything seems stilted and disjointed. Maybe something about "death of the author" in there too. TL;DR : This was most definitely a writer's movie.
In the theatre there is a presentation style called theatricalism. It emphasizes how life itself is like a performance. It appears in plays when the attention is drawn to the nature of performance itself such as when characters begin acting or when there are performances within the play one is watching (like the players performing "The Mouse Trap" in "Hamlet"). Among other things, Anderson seems to tap into this style really thoroughly in this movie, even moreso than framing The French Dispatch as a magazine or The Royal Tenenbaums as a book in chapters.
Thanks - that was a really interesting and usefull set of ideas. I enjoyed the film enormously but, like many, was confused by the "can't wake up" bit at the end. I feel I have more idea about that now. As for your daughters - they were fabulous and just a little terrifying :-)
Honestly, symbolism is very prevalent in all art and it surprises me how many people I know miss the themes and meaning of the films they watch because they see anything symbolic as coincidence or randomness.
i think how good your kids were in the film was the only thing that all the critics could agree on, they were wonderful
We are so proud!
@@MortsGarage Was gonna say the same thing. They were really excellent and hilarious!!
Best 3 little witches ever. 😂 They were absolutely delightful.
Concur. They were a wonderful counterbalance to an otherwise existentially harrowing story.
I loved their performance as well. Reminded me of the little Wharvey girls in Oh, Brother.
Your kids talking over each other when the diner waitress calls them princesses was one of the most heart warming things I've ever seen lol
❤️🤘
"How 'bout some strawberry milk" - Classic
As a person with autism, who always feels as tho I’m having to play along with social scripts in life and “act” in some big play, this movie resonated with me on a deep level on a first viewing. Although my initial reading on the film was that it was a celebration of the artistic process and how important those things that happen behind the scenes, that most people never get to see, are to the final artistic product. Your reading and the context you provided has really given me A LOT to chew over on a second viewing so thanks for that! Also your daughters did such a great job!
How interesting - I think your insights take it to a whole other level. Thanks for commenting and sharing here. Cheers!
Yea, I felt SEEN with this film with how not one single character was written in a way that could be deemed neurotypical. My husband and I especially were laughing to the point of tears because of the autistic sense of humor. "REAL PEOPLE DON'T TALK LIKE THAT" Yes. They do - they just cut right to the exact point and all through the small talk because they're autistic and awkward and I adored all of the characters.
The triplets also had PHENOMENAL gremlin energy! It kind of made me sad that their grandpa was the only one paying attention to them properly, but I figured that was just another red flag that Augie, being in character as someone who just lost a spouse, can't handle focusing on the triplets and his son at the same time. The siblings don't even really interact outside of that scene where the four of them get told the news about their mom.
I loveee the scene where augie and his children in the diner at the first time, the waiter ask the triplet what drink they want and calling them princesses. their response is sooo adorable and funny!! definitely are scene stealer
That scene cracked us up too!
What children imagine for themselves and with each other will always be better than what we adults imagine for them. The milkshake scene exemplified this for me.
I thought "You can't wake up if you don't fall asleep" meant that we can't be present and experience life if we don't process what's happening by confronting both our feelings and our cognitive dissonance as the foundations of our reality and our beliefs are shaken. This is kind of illustrated by so many of the adults going through the motions and not dealing with the extraordinary events (just like so many did during covid).
In a way, I think we are both saying almost the same thing. I agree with this general thought/process.
@@MortsGarage yeah after re-listening to your analysis I think we’re in agreement on that. A lot of the philosophy of the film I thought was pretty explicit on the page, except maybe that one. I’m shocked so many people are lukewarm on the film. It’s become my favorite film of his and it’s not even close.
I appreciate that others have tepid or even passionately critical responses. I really do think a second look is warranted.
totally agree
This masterpiece will be recognized as one of the top existential movies ever made. It just need few years more
I have a feeling time will be kind to it
yes .... this is the first time I see someone else's opinion upon this movie but it's exactly the same as I thought.
Better than A Space Odyssey?
@@iplayball27 I think it's good comparison two different approach of existential study of course it can be a big case study wow.
What I felt was amazing was knowing the Asteroid City scenes were fake but being drawn in anyway and caring about the characters. I guess it is a statement about movies in general. We sit in the theater and know we are watching a work of fiction but get drawn in anyway and care about the lives of characters that are fake. I did not really think much about that until reviewing the movie a little. I did get the themes of grief and COVID in the theater. This is the type of movie that's going to grab people in different ways. I also felt Steve Carrel was hilarious in every scene he was in and laughed out loud when he sold the plot of land and then turned around and said it wasn't actually a plot of land he sold
Yes - loved his character as well!
I watched this movie in theaters on a whim. It was a beautiful film that touched me at my core and I left the film absolutely in love with it
❤️🤘
I just saw it on Amazon, and agree. It was both beautiful and absurd. Nuclear tests were only in Nevada, but Saguaros are only found in so. AZ and a small part of so. Cal. Love this film.
I read the "fall asleep to wake up" line as a reference to the power of fiction, and giving oneself over to it as a means of fully realizing what it is to be human and real. I see that reflected in how the most fictional world (that of the play) was the one in full color and widescreen. Great video, though!
I like this take on it - and thanks for commenting!
Went back today and saw the film another 2 times. I have now seen it 5 times! However today, I saw a new familiar face........ You did great in your little cameo as one of the "parents" on the TV screen! So cool of the production to let the real parents be part of the film.
❤️🤘
I love how Anderson refuses to participate in the "suspension of disbelief" in the way that films are "supposed" to. It quite interesting to watch the film with that in mind.
I will say I felt strange after the movie ended since what were seeing on screen has a deeper meaning, but the message to keep moving forward through whatever life throws our way really started to sink in as the movie progressed. Even when things don’t make sense we can’t dwell or avoid life. And if we “don’t fall asleep” and embrace these things in life we “can’t wake up” to keep going or progress. Hope that made sense 😅
My opinion is many won’t like this movie, but it hides a great message. I need to re watch some more Wes Anderson films now. Your kids really nailed their parts as well. They gave some comic relief for me. Definitely going to watch this again one day.
Definitely one I get more out of with repeat viewings. Would love to hear more of what you got out of it!
Firstly, your daughters were totally amazing in this movie! Amazing acting and the synchronicity between them! I will remember their performance longer than anyone else’s.
Your explanation makes total sense. I also at some point stopped trying to decipher what’s going on rather, I just let the movie take me for the ride but yes I accepted it has layers.
I couldn’t agree - like the movie’s theme itself, sometimes you just have to tell/experience the story even if you don’t always get it.
You are beyond gifted at breaking down complex symbolism in a gentle but structured way. I went through so many videos where people were just taking the movie at face value, not wanting to discern the deeper meaning, and when I found your video everything clicked into place. Thank you so much!! Such a deep yet humble thinker.
How kind of you to say! I’m glad you enjoyed the video. Cheers!
I saw it in the theatres and twice at home with the subtitles on. I will say I thought your kids were great having one of my own. They brought a grounding to the film and actually being able to read what they said makes it better. There is a real problem with films with lots of dialogue that is fast pace and quiet or overlapping for me. So yes please watch this film again. I like your take on the we are all actors in our play and have to go through it and keep going. The "keep going" is obviously the meaning of this life to me. Congrats and maybe ask Wes if I can be in the next one because I am his biggest fan.
Thanks for your kind words!
A second view untangled several sizeable knots from the first viewing. I enjoyed it both times - but differently. I paid attention to different things the second time and it allowed me to find my way through the sometimes baffling construction of things into some of the themes, details, and "ah-has" that were there all along. And those triplets! Well... they brought something special. It's as if the three of them combined to make one single character (since they were always together). You deserve to be a proud papa!
Thanks Dad ❤️
We were lucky enough to see this 2x in the theater before the run ended. THIS is what want from a movie, to be intrigued, curious, moved, and very amused. I am so grateful for the writers, actors, artists that brought this to life. ❤ And the ‘you can’t wake up if you don’t fall asleep’ I took to mean that we die to our old selves, our old life, we can’t hold onto that if we want to learn from our grief. Similar to what you said- but we need to let the past go, to let our past die so we can live our present life. Still working on this idea…
I love the baptism like metaphor you took from it - that’s quite intriguing
i just watched this and already want to watch it again, i was left so emotionally entangled in a way that i cant even explain, definitely one of wes anderson's best works.
I think it’s one people will appreciate more and more in the future for sure
hello - it’s Kris your favorite set decorator - i enjoyed your take on the film - this was a pleasure - your insights are very thoughtful and inspiring ! i enjoyed meeting you and your fam and again at the premier fun to find you here :) best to you keep it up !!
Kris!!!! SO RAD to see your comment here! We absolutely loved getting to spend time with you and appreciate all your kindness to us :) BEST TO YOU AS WELL!!
Aw man, your kids were so awesome in the film. You must be really proud. Did not expect that when you started talking about the film. Its also awesome that you have still given an unbiased reaction to the film. So many of the points I agree with you on. I feel the fact that it's stated very clearly that what we're watching is a play a fabrication, kind of highlights the fact it isn't. Great video!
Thank you - Cheers!
This is my favourite Wes Anderson film. I've seen all of them.
English isn't my first language, so it's hard to explain how deep the emotional impact was. A truly amazing and profound experience.
It untangled something in my heart and I couldn't stop crying. The feeling lingered for hours even after the movie had finished.
The you can't wake up part made me feel so connected to everyone on screen, something just clicked and the tears started streaming down my face.
Beautiful! Thank you for sharing this.
OMG your kids were amazing in the film!!! I loved how confident all the lines were and how expressive the trio was
Thanks for the long review too, I really feel you on wanting to talk with someone and get their opinions as well
Cheers!
One thing that really struck me and stayed with me about the film (only seen it once) was how “meaningless” so much of it was. To clarify, I mean things like the unfinished overpass that would have saved 0 time even if it were complete, the real estate vending machine that doesn’t reeeally sell real estate, the naming game played by these kid geniuses that has no foreseeable end cause they’re too smart, and Augie burning his hand on the hot plate for no real discernible reason (will get back to that point). And yet constantly the characters, and the fictional actors, are searching for meaning, and yet are unable to find it. All the authority figures fail them (the mechanic doesn’t know why the car’s broken, the scientists don’t understand the phenomenon they’re witnessing, the government is woefully unprepared for alien visit, and the religious leaders struggle to reconcile the incident with their own beliefs). Some believe that if they could just communicate with the alien, this apparent higher being, they might find the meaning of life, but honestly that’s unlikely too. It’s confusing and frustrating and it all comes to a head after the chaos of the 2nd visit when Augie’s actor just straight up says “I don’t get it” and walks off stage. This was the part that really hit me what the film was about. Life doesn’t make sense. Things don’t work how they seem like they should. The people we want to trust are sometimes as fallible as we are. Why are we here on this rock in space acting out these roles that seem to have no purpose. And like the director says, he doesn’t know either, but the show must go on. I think of the moment Augie, a character consumed by confusion and grief, burns his hand. There’s no benefit, nothing productive about hurting himself, but it’s like in that moment he just had to “act,” regardless of the consequences. The film really spoke to me about how we deal with grief and confusion in our lives, cause it can really seem hard to go on sometimes. But as the mantra at the end of the film goes, “you can’t wake up if you don’t fall asleep.” Everything passed, and we keep going, cause that’s what we gotta do. Loved the film.
Wow - I didn’t see those specific connections but this interpretation is really thoughtful and well communicated. I think it’s pretty compelling. Thanks for sharing!
So well put. Thank you.
Again
Ecclesiastes
Thanks. I knew right away at the end of my first viewing of Asteroid City that I was missing something & that I would have to watch it again. Your framing of it & thoughts about it are very helpful to me. I'm going to see it again soon while your thoughts are fresh in my mind. Thanks again.
Cheers!
I think you were dead on! Loved this analysis.
I actually appreciated the fact that the stacked cast kept "taking me out" of the movie, because I thought it played into the themes of storytelling (stories within stories, the play, title cards, etc.), reminding us that we're watching a story, and that are meant to be interpreting it on a symbolic level.
Thank you - and thanks for sharing your thoughts as well :)
Amazing video. As I had no one to talk to about the movie after I saw it. Watching this video felt like that post-movie conversation, as I paused throughout to have my inner dialogue about how certain scenes made me feel.
Love this! Thanks for commenting
Fantastic video! I loved that you took a deep dive into this film . Your words hit home in my life. 👍🏻
Thanks for watching - I loved making this one!
Hey bud! Great to meet you and the kids in NYC at the Alamo. Thanks so much for this video, it actually got tears out of me thinking through how much the film and its message mean to me. I’ve seen Asteroid City 5 times now and it keeps unfolding in new ways, so if two times isn’t enough KEEP GOING :) Totally agree about the existential nature of the film, and while the challenge to “just keep telling the story” in the face of loss and grief can be so hard but there is a lot of beauty in the process. Thanks again!
Cheers man! Great to see you in my neck of the woods here on TH-cam. I’m dying to get in and see it again and wonder how many of my thoughts will change. Best to you and your family.
By the time I finished AC, I realized it was a metaphor within a metaphor, with the metaphor beneath all that looking back at me while I saw it reveal itself - screaming. We need to get out, and live the metaphor of our lives that we must feel and experience. Stop being the viewer. Stop waiting for something else to change our lives. Stop fearing the mistakes we could make, and make them. Because that's what life is about, making mistakes.
LOVE IT!
Did anyone else see a lot of David Lynch in this film? Existentialism, dreams, nuclear testing, 1950's Americana, supernatural/alien interventions, meta-commentary. Feltt like Wes Anderson's own version of Twin Peaks to me.
There was a surreal quality to it for me, for sure but it doesn't have some of those signature aspects of Lynch's sound design.
this made so much perfect sense and resonated with me so much, thanks for this analysis, appreciate the deep dive
Thanks for watching it. :)
To put the general audience’s disconnect simply: Asteroid City’s narrative is more theme-driven than driven by the characters. Here, the characters are a means to an end rather than the focus themselves. The viewers saying there are too many characters or there is no depth of character were probably expecting something more focused on a character arc, the typical character-driven movie.
I like this take!
@@MortsGarage Thank you for your video!🙏🏼
Best analysis of this film I've seen, and your daughters were the best part of this film!
Too kind - thank you
This is the best description of the movie I’ve heard besides myself trying to explain it to people who do not understand the depth of the film. Thank you for vocalizing the deeper meanings of life, living and then dying.
🤘❤️
What i rky love abt asteroid city is it presents a lot to communicate a little. I think its Literally wes saying that life its some grand story, and sometimes you cannot see the story of your life. he takes style over substance to the mext level and uses that as a tool.
The question of whether or not he is saying anything at all, AND is it a message worth considering is compelling to me. Cheers!
That's crazy your daughters were in it lol, they got some of the most consistent laughs from me.
I just saw the movie for the second time and it really struck with me this time.
This being the first live action Wes Anderson movie I've seen, I'm quite happy to see it in theaters, it was so pretty.
I think my favorite scene might be the one with Margot Robbie as the wife, something about it just feels very ethereal
That scene grabbed me as well. Now go se the rest of his live action films!
You’ve convinced me to watch it again, I’ve been looking for a video like this since I’ve seen it. I’m not going to lie I didn’t like it, but not because i thought it was a “bad” movie, but because I couldn’t understand his message
Thank you for this
Cheers! And like I said - some movies, even great ones, don’t land for everyone. But I do think seeing it again is particularly worth it in this case.
As an artist and a film buff, I really appreciate that ASTEROID CITY is not a "what you see, is what you get" film. But, not everyone wants to work so hard to "get" a film. I enjoyed THE GRANDE BUDAPEST HOTEL far more.
GPH is a masterpiece.
Catharsis is such a powerful thing. I felt it when the triplets were putting their mother's ashes in the desert sand. Also moments with the alien - especially the second time. And the spells and prayers the triplets were saying - I did wonder if they were improvised a tiny bit.
[And Sorkin characters talk in this sort of very mannered way also - though there were parts in ASTEROID CITY where the characters were talking so so fast. And I think some people when they see the film again will make them talk even faster like 2.5x or like horse-racing callers].
Been watching a bunch of reviews/analysis of this movie and enjoyed yours the most. Saw City with a couple fellow cinema nerds at the local Cinepolis but the projection suffered from technical issues (seems more common nowadays) resulting in a disengagement from the film leaving us all in utter confusion at what we just saw. Just purchased via Vudu, along with Isle of Dogs on sale right now, to watch for the second time tonight with the same friends in my dedicated home cinema and can't wait to enjoy the beauty of the film as it was intended and hopefully get more out of it....dawning our existential-poetic-meditation hats this time around of course.
Such a bummer about that first experience, eager to hear your thoughts after viewing number 2!
@@MortsGarage Technically it was beautiful, film itself still sitting lower on my list of Wes films, will give it another watch I am sure.
I really enjoyed the film. Your explanation actually brought me to tears, while the film found me smiling and giggling. So now I definitely need to watch it a third time. Thanks for your insights.
I appreciate your comment ❤️
I saw the film in the theater and once it got going, all I could think was “Wow!”. The ending sequence hit me like a hammer too.
I love how the film is meta. The work of art a character is in is the universe that character exists or lives in. These characters get to step outside of their universe and ask the director (their god) what their roles mean and what the play means. Us humans don’t ever get to do that and find out with any certainty what the meanings or purposes of anything are. There’s no one to ask if “we’re doing it right”.
There’s the scene where the actor steps out on the balcony and talks to an actress who played the wife and was cut from the play. That scene was beautiful. It was like two souls in the afterlife reflecting back and talking about their Earthly lives in a detached way (reminds me of "Our Town"). That character never gets closure in the play where he exists but got it outside of his play/existence on the balcony.
The “you can’t wake up if you don’t fall asleep” comes in as how for example to be genuinely happy you have to have experienced being sad. To try to see the truth you have to have fallen for a lie. To appreciate beautiful things you have to have experienced ugly things. Perhaps one could say the purpose and meaning to be found in going through ugly, painful things is to provide you the experience to appreciate good, beautiful things.
I really like Twin Peaks and I liked how that show was also philosophical and meta and played with reality the whole time as well. Nothing is really real, what seems real to us is because we live inside it and that's as real as the story to the characters in the story. Asteroid City is grappling with the same sort of thing to me-dealing with where meaning and creativity come from and how do we cope with pain and loss and those things themselves being meaningless.
Life is like the play in the film, we aren’t sure what we’re doing or if we’re doing it right but we can’t stop doing it and still somehow the pictures always come out. Our roles mean everything to us in them and also nothing at all in the bigger picture. It’s definitely an existentialist poem and it’s absolutely beautiful.
Great overview!!!
Agree with your take… I have a lot of thoughts (seen it four times lol). The one piece I keep thinking about is when Augie burns his hand, which is the actor Jones key point of contention in the script, the way that scene finally plays out in the film leads me to think the actor Jones playing Augie ACTUALLY burns his own real hand on stage - this is based largely on Scarlett Johnanssen’s character’s reaction. She looks left and right as if looking for help and says ‘you really did it. That actually happened.” It seems like Schwartzman’s Jones wants so badly to understand the play that he literally puts himself through the self-inflicted wound of Augie’s sadness/lack of ability to process his grief. And then he STILL doesn’t “get” it. It’s a fascinating scene I haven’t seen any reviewers comment on yet, in a very multi-layered story filled with metaphors. ALSO, your kids were fantastic.
Oooh - I like this take re the hand burning scene! I noticed her reaction seemed almost out of character. Great comment!
I hadnt been this lost since watching Mulholland Drive a few months ago for the first time. I didn't know Wes Anderson could do David Lynch style depth.
This instantly became on of my favorite movies on first watch and subsequent immediate second viewing, and several since.
❤️
You discussed the possibility of being taken out of the movie when thinking of Steve Carrel as characters he's know for, etc. I think that's kind of the point in the cast he's chosen. We are watching actors in a play. So to think, "Oh, that's Forest Gump (or Tom Hanks), I think that's fine (and encouraged) and reinforces the whole meta metaness.
That’s a really interesting way to see it. I guess for my viewing experience, it had an initial impact on my immersion - far more so in The French Dispatch than here. But I can see it being a factor. I like your take on it though.
Just went to see this yesterday. First of all, Congratulations your kids were amazing in the film. I love how the diner scene they refused to be called princesses. Wow. What an honour. I think this film is, if not, the best Wes Anderson film (Rushmore always has my heart). It’s a modern Samuel Beckett “Waiting for Godot” - although highly stylised and with a lot more characters - stranded somewhere in the middle of nowhere, a play within a play, searching for meaning of life, but there is no answer!
I agree - the film really is a special one! And thanks for the kind words - we are so proud!
Your kids were a pleasure to work with. We all enjoyed having them on set.
You’re a legend Sanjay!! It was awesome watching you set up those shots in real time. Thanks for commenting!
"The more I live my life, the less I understand the meaning and the purpose of all of it. I just know that my heart continues to break."
Bingo! You said it.
Actors often say that before they can deliver a performance in a given scene, they have to memorize their lines and go "off-book" so they can play the emotional reality of it with an almost dreamlike sense of spontaneity. You can't express the meaning (rational or emotional) until you've internalized the words and immersed yourself in the moment you're trying to play. That's part of what I get from, "You can't wake up if you don't fall asleep." (You can't let go of your rational mind and experience the free-associative "logic" of dreaming if you don't fall asleep, either!)
I appreciate your modest disclaimers (and your daughters were absolutely fantastic!), but for me, the first rule of film-watching (and movie criticism) is this: If it's on the screen, that means it's in the movie -- so it's therefore fair game for any informed discussion. Somebody, somewhere along the line, chose to put it there or leave it there -- even if it's a mistake or a coincidence or a fortuitous accident or an oversight they didn't notice until the movie was finished. If it's there, it's there -- it's part of the movie, and intentions are irrelevant. We've all seen movies in which the filmmakers have said they were trying to do one thing, while the evidence on the screen indicates something else entirely. You know the maxim: "Trust the art, not the artist." As for "The Meaning of Life" -- isn't the joke that any artist with aspirations to "existentialist" profundity claims they're trying to express something about the meaning of life? (In this case, the Meaning of Life is might also be captured by the road-runner trying to decide when or whether to cross the road. He's probably not thinking about much else... But if this were a Looney Tune and he were to be run over by a truck, my heart would have broken. I was actually afraid that might happen during the end credits! I can't fully explain why...)
This was a wonderful comment - thank you for taking the time to make it!
Those girls stole every scene they were in. So cool, you should be crazy proud.
You have no idea!
This was by far my favorite movie by Wes Anderson, happy he's come such a long way
👽
This is such a gorgeous analysis of the film. Thank you for sharing your vision of it! Regardless of how the authors intended the film to be, films are ultimately released to be in the hands of the viewer. Anyone can tell you a story, but no one can make you hear a certain sound. I love the direction that you found in this film and I will look for it in the future too. :)
I got to watch it, on silent this time, for the second time last night. (I highly recommend at least one watch through of any film on silent!) It stuck it deeper in my head, as a writer and artist, that the film could be about the task and obligation of creation-even when it is fruitless, even when it's hard, even when you don't understand what you're doing either.
Thank you for your kind words, and I've never done a film silently before...I'm intrigued!
My statement to my wife was, "I liked the film, but I'm not sure why."
And yes, i only had a vague sense of what the movie was about.
Also, the aesthetics of the film is very unique.
He is a master of framing and aesthetics for sure!
Great review and analysis. Thank you. I watched this on a large projector screen by myself so I could totally immerse myself in it. I absolutely loved this film and am excited to watch it again tonight.
Besides being visually beautiful as Wes Anderson films are known for, it is a film that makes you think and I find it interesting how the actors are so deadpan yet convey so much emotion.
Agreed - lots of tasty layers to it :)
This is all exactly what I took from the film too!! Feeling validated 🙏 My friend I saw it with thought it was too busy/random but it felt like it in a way uses dream language/symbology to communicate the message
It is certainly busy, but I sense it was anything but random. Glad to have someone validate my thoughts as well!
I just watched it for a second time (first time for my 15yo daughter). Not just here to say how great your kids were in it (and they were), but one of the things we discussed afterwards was how Wes always gets pitch perfect performances from child actors. Dying to know how.
I’ll leave it to Wes to share his methodology, but I’ll say that we were thrilled to watch him make it all come together :)
I think the "you can't wake up unless you go to sleep" is really about us viewers being asleep in a dream world and saying that's okay, you can wake up and should wake up once done with sleep.
0:14 well... Every Anderson movie is one you need to watch multiple times. His work is so layered and so thoughtful. When people tell me they don't get his movies or why his movies are so wonderful...it tells me they are people who don't want to use their brains while watching movies.
Your daughters did a great job. Anderson is really great directing kids and young people. Really brings out their talents.
I understand that his movies can be an acquired taste and that AC had some obtuse elements to it but it is so appreciated to see a film that necessitates multiple viewing to grapple with its complexities.
@@MortsGarage Uh-huh...
Your kids really played an amazing part in this movie!
We are so proud :)
A perfect movie! Been waiting for some one to say what I felt about this movie being the meaning of life. How beautiful to portray it. Love love love Wes Anderson and this is a gem! ❤❤❤
Agreed!
One more thing about Wes Anderson films. There is a lot going on and the pace can be overwhelming. I did watch 'The French Dispatch' and immediately knew I'd have to watch it again. Sometimes just because I know I missed something.
your children were excellent in the film. Bravo to them! I have seen it 3 times in 2 days. Spectacular film, and I think one of my favorites ever. there seem to be endless facets to this movie that you can dig into. I love how the characters often paralell the actors, like Johannson "being quite the comedian!" when given the right role. her character does deliver quite a bit of humor! Your daughters also participate in this when they ask Tom Hanks "who is that old man?". I believe it's meant to be a bit of a reference to Tom Hanks being a bigger star among an older generation and younger people in the theater literally not recognizing the actor who just walked into frame.
I like these takes! And thank you for the kind words. Cheers!
Well now that I listened to your commentary, I think your guesses is as valid as mine.
I personnally tried not to read too much into that particular movie.
If anything I believe the movie to be a commentary about that whole Area 51 subculture which sprang after an event which has yet to be officially recognized. And what a defining event this should have been for man kind! But the questions remain : have we or have we not been visited by aliens? If so, why ? Could it be that they were only playing football with an asteroid ☄️ and they just wanted they ball back and crashed their UFO 🛸?
Are they in our reality or are we in theirs ? Is this a dream or a platonic theater play we live in ?
I do think Anderson just wanted to make a kind of postmodern Kurt Vonnegut type of a movie around that theme and make it as visually flat as possible (like a theatre play).
It was both brilliant and obscure (wink wink) 🥰😉👍
I might discover new meaning into it when I watch it again, but for now, I‘m pretty content with having watched something like a colourful Edward Hopper painting of a movie ❤
Haha - nice! I’m curious if your second viewing will yield a different response
Something I noticed on second viewing is that there is a parallel between Jones finding love with Conrad and him/Augie grieving. They were literally on opposite sides of the room and met in the center to kiss and make love.
For the rest of the movie Augie and Jones are separated from other people visually, and I think that separation is supposed to show the grief both of them go through. In a way, both Augie and Jones have one last conversation with the person they loved. Augie with his wife and Jones with Conrad because he wrote the whole scene.
Interesting! I never consider the visual spacing for this. Glad you mentioned it.
Thank you for framing this around that concept "a poetic meditation on the meaning of life" - that is the perfect summary. After the film I thought about how life is chaotic and meaningless, and it is up to us to give it order and meaning (and each interpretation is different according to your worldview). The point you made about these well known actors messing with your ability to see them in their current role really made me think about how that is how we go through life - people think of us one way based on how we typically show up in the world but then there are other parts of our character and who we are that might come to the surface at times. I've always loved that line about all the world being a stage and we are all the players because it is so true. BTW your triplets were excellent - they definitely stole some scenes in this movie!
Great insights Cindy - I really enjoyed reading this :)
Your kids were brilliant and made my heart warm everytime they were on screen ❤️
How kind - thank you :)
This was my very first Wes Anderson movie and despite feeling confused and stuff, I loved every second of it! I’m absolutely getting this on Blu-Ray as soon as it’s available! That being said, I think I might need to watch other Anderson movies to have a wider range of films to analyze and compare and contrast. I think I’ll watch Grand Budapest Hotel next and then Fantastic Mr. Fox! I’ve wanted to watch an animated Wes Anderson movie so badly! Speaking of which, (Spoiler Alert)
the alien in this movie is my spirit animal!
You’re in for a lot of treats! While I love his filmography for various reasons, I encourage you to consider watching chronologically as it’s quite interesting to see his style evolve from Bottle Rocket to Asteroid City. But most feel GBH and Tenebaums are at the top of the pile.
It would make sense to watch them in order.
I recommend skipping Isle of Dogs & The French Dispatch. They don’t do improve upon anything we saw in Mr. Fox & Grand Budapest…Grand Budapest to Asteroid City is a smoother transition.
Tenenbaums, Zissou, and Budapest are my top three but Asteroid may get up there.
I've seen it twenty times and the whole film is all about grief.
Honestly I may be blinded by my love for WA work but I felt it was a brilliant metaphor (as u point out) BUT ALSO a rebuttal to the critics who have called him a stylistic genius without substance.
It points out that u can be successful, unsure, self-assured, driven, famous, heartbroken, lost, or anywhere in between..& you’ll never know what it all means. Humans make up meaning for things, but without the ability to prove why (via science)…well, then, all we know (via experience) is that life, if nothing else, is one big show/play.
So why not make it beautiful? And doesn’t making it beautiful do just as much for us while we’re experiencing it as any emotional dialogue could ever do?
This especially hits me as I sat thru “U can’t wake up if u don’t fall asleep” song during final credits.
I really like this format of film analysis for you. I know it's not your typical subject matter, but I'd love to see you do similar videos on other enigmatic movies.
As for Asteroid City, I loved it, and I think your take on it seems pretty spot on. I need to see it again with some of your thoughts in mind.
The one thing we noticed, like you mentioned, was the quarantine seemed to parallel Covid quite a bit. Not just the lockdown, but people's response to the order. Some complied immediately, others defied it to varying degrees. Some believed the Alien was real, others had varying levels of belief. A teacher is shown teaching in a remote location, with the parents (including one quite handsome dad) watching the class remotely through a screen
During the lockdown, Jason Schwartzman and Scarlet Johansen communicate through their windows, which felt very much like a Zoom call. And I'm sure there's more.
Anyway, loved the movie, loved your thoughts. Keep up the good work!
Love the way the Covid analogy is described here - great angles to consider! I definitely plan to do some more movie reviews based on the way this was received and appreciate your encouragement. Your episode is up next!!
I watched this film today and knew I really loved it but haven't really been sure why. The only thing I was sure of, is that I would be watching it many more times. Your daughters were great!
Eager to see what your repeat viewing yield :)
Watched asteroid city for the first time last night and enjoyed it. Johansson and Schwartzman were excellent and your little girls were hilarious. You must be very proud and they should be proud of themselves too.
We are indeed so proud! Thanks for commenting 🤘
The hedonists, originally, didn't avoid pain. They recognized some pains were needed, and some were unavoidable. They also believed that not every desire was worth pursuing.
Good point about all of us having our plays and scripts. And all those easter eggs too.
Came here for the break-down but OH-MY-GOD-YOUR-KIDS-WERE-SO-CUUUUTE ! 😄👏 You must be really really proud to have them play in a Wes Anderson movie ❤ What a treat! Now, I have to have my own kids play in the next one !! Anyway, I had to stop your video and tell you this. Now let‘s hear what you have to say (with your t-shirt I get the feeling that you already know what you‘re talking about 😅)
Hey, thanks! We are deeply proud of them and beyond thrilled for all that we’ve been able to experience.
@@MortsGarage tell me you don‘t give them tupperwares to school any longer? 🫣😅
I really enjoyed your analysis of the movie. I finally got to see it this past weekend, with very similar thoughts on it as well. The chanting scene at the end is one of my favorite moments in cinema this year. Since finishing the movie I have been thinking if it is preferable to be awake or asleep. To me the chant seems to suggest that "waking up" is equal to getting better, and "falling asleep" is equal to struggling through a difficult time. It seems like the color segments that depict the play are akin to a dream, and the black and white segments are closer to "reality." Yet, in reality, if we are asleep we aren't aware of our worldly troubles and pains, so is sleep not the preferable state to be in? I can't wake up without falling asleep, but should I even want to wake up?
Like most Wes Anderson films, it leaves much to think about. I look forward to seeing it again!
So rad - thanks for leaving your comment!
A thought on the "you can't wake up if you don't fall asleep" line: could Anderson be pleading with viewers to suspend their disbelief? The entire movie has a dream-like quality. Attempting to experience it on a literal level can be frustrating and bewildering. But if one is willing to accept and enter the dream state that the characters inhabit, one might access deeper levels of personal meaning and metaphor. The movie--like good poetry--doesn't try to provide answers, it tries to get the viewer to ask their own questions.
Anything is possible in terms of interpretation. I wonder what his intent is?
thanks Mort , I have just finished watching it again and it resonates even more .Looking for answers in an an infinite universe is fruitless We experience but cannot contain it , nor should we try . Our fear of the infinite stops us from participating in it .And good luck with your three wonderful witches .
Thanks Nigel 😊
i really do think the reason why the film is a stage play is to divide between the 'stage' of the story about our life and off-stage as the heaven where all the writer, director and other staff members of the stage of life lives, it is also the only place where schwartzman's character can meets his deceased wife (in heaven) and can communicate with her as a way of dealing with his sadness. i think the stage play is about finding the meaning of life such as when schwartzman's character keep asking why his character puts his hand on the griller? and the writer (norton) and the director of the play (brody) - as gods because they are what we ppl thinks write and direct our lives - told schwartzman that they don't know as well. i think it is about living life and enjoy the present rather than diving too much into just finding the meaning and die without enjoying what you have because, just as hank's character said about his deceased daughter, the time is never right.
I wondered if heaven/hell is a conscious reference or not. The only thing where it breaks down more for me though about the balcony scene is that Jones Hall is in love with Conrad Earp, who has died. Lots to consider. Thanks for your comment!
Coming out of the the theater I knew there was so much I didn’t understand and I’m so ready to see it again. It was a delight though. And speaking to No Country, my wife and I call it a perfect movie and I absolutely love the ending.
I completely agree re: NCFOM. Brilliant. Also curious as to what you’d get out of AC a second time.
@@MortsGarage I think you framed it perfectly when you said most people might not be expecting existential commentary when going into a Wes Anderson movie and I was a little caught off guard myself. It does seem if you examine his entire filmography as a whole that his style and the way he delivers a message or idea has progressed each time to be a little less heavy handed than the film before; which I think makes for a great director.
I enjoy Wes Anderson, but his visual style isn't enough on its own to impress me. If the story is good, he's great. If the story isn't good, it becomes very easy to just criticize his visual style as a crutch. Some of his recent stuff, I was starting to feel like maybe he's been too focused on the visuals and not focused enough on making sure the story is good within those perfectly framed shots. I was glad that Asteroid City felt more like a return to form for him, where the story was actually good. I don't mind if his framing is a bit more sloppy, like back in the Rushmore or The Royal Tenenbaums days. The stories in those films were really good, and that's what matters most. Asteroid City reminded me a lot of The Royal Tenenbaums and The Life Aquatic, actually. It's restored my hope that he hasn't lost whatever magic he once had. Hopefully, in the future, he can continue to bring that OCD he has for cinematography to the big screen without forgetting that there needs to be a story on screen too. Perhaps his best days are still ahead of him.
Story is king indeed
Your take on this is spot on. Thank you
Appreciate this :)
It feels like Asteroid City is Wes Anderson's take on the book of Ecclesiastes. I wonder if there was any influence of that book in Anderson's making of this film.
Interesting - I didn't even think of that but I can see the connection!
@@MortsGarage Oh yea even in the beginning of Ecclesiastes how there's a narrator introduces the preacher to the reader and we, the reader, listen to the preacher tell us his views. Then Ecclesiastes bookends with the narrator closing it out. Cranston is the "narrator" and Norton/Brody is the "preacher"
And then the obvious stuff like the randomness of life and how we should just strive to do good and help each other.
I was thinking that too! It’s very much like Anderson’s take on the book and what I love is that he isn’t nihilistic about not knowing all the mysteries of life just like Ecclesiastes isn’t. It’s also kinda like Job too, the part where God speaks.
Margo Robbie scene 🎬 also had tidbits such as:
•Her hairstyle & makeup forming into a heart - pointing out she was his love?
•The theater marquee below displaying “death of a narcissist” which is a play about how when someone dies its actually 3 ppl who die…1) The person most ppl know, 2) The person that loved ones struggled to understand, 3) The real person hidden inside.
•This is also the original working title for the play “Death of a Salesman” by Arthur Miller
Yup - and I didn’t know that about Death of a Salesman. Great insight there!
Your girls were freaking hilarious! Sooo cute and perfect comedic timing! ❤❤❤
Wes worked his magic to make it all come together - we are ever so grateful!
This was the most perfect and incredible breakdown of a film I’ve seen in a long time. This is all exactly what I took from the movie.
While watching this today, my wife goes, “you need to be friends with this guy.” 😂❤️
Thank you SO much for sharing your thoughts! And congratulations to your daughters! They were absolutely fantastic!
Ha! Glad you resonated with the video. Comments like this make my day. Have a wonderful week ahead!
Jeff and I watched the movie finally tonight then we watched this to see what you had to say about it. Took awhile to get around to watching it. I didn’t want to watch in theaters due to the themes of grief in it. That can be a bit overwhelming for me sometimes. We had to just sit and talk it over for a long while after seeing. Your girls were so stinkin good! Absolutely adorable! Stole every scene they were in!
“you can’t wake up if you don’t fall asleep” I saw it more as a PTSD metaphor. I saw it as moving through life you have to give grief a place. Like sleep in your grief, feel it deeply for a season, work through it so you can keep going better on the other side. If you try to press on and avoid the bad feelings you will be stuck in that day, stuck in the feelings. Kind of like a Groundhog Day. Doing it all over and over. You have to “fall asleep” and process it to be able to move onto the next day. I don’t know if that makes sense or is coherent. I’ll definitely have to watch it a second time because it is a lot to think about and I’m so not a film nerd.
Your take on this is really eloquent - I think you and I are pretty similar when it comes to the “you can’t wake up…” idea. Glad you gave it a shot! Check out Grand Budapest Hotel or The Royal Tenebaums for more Wes goodness.
Yes. I agree. Need to see it again, but even the first time I had to make myself watch the whole film.
I read A mans search for meaning my senior year of hs and that changed my life.
A beautiful book
☺️❤️
Great commentary. First visit to you. Your daughters were outstanding in this.
How kind of you- thank you!
Wow, you gave a solid analysis / interpretation of the movie. Your reference to Victor Frankl adds to the depth of your analysis. Very good! The reality of life is indeed heartbreak and suffering and we need to deal with it, not numb or avoid it by swiping it under the carpet on which we are celebrating a big party (hedonism).
I notice that you think seriously about these things; may I recommend that you explore and dig into the Christian faith? It takes life on earth in all its dark and light seriously and gives a deep answer to suffering through the suffering of an innocent man. Thinking of the interplay between the playwright and the movie Asteroid City, in which the playwright writes himself into the movie, It may be compelling for you to discover that in the Bible, the creator himself comes down to earth and even takes on the suffering of human beings, in order to set them free and bring them back to an undisturbed relationship to himself (the meaning of life).
Thanks for the comment and kind words :) Watch my other vids, which are quite different from this one, and tell me what you think!
Excellent discussion about this movie! Really enjoyed it.
Thank you!
One ought to expect a slow burn from Anderson, that art affects how you see things, sometimes unconsciously, and only over time do we learn how we were affected. Your kids provided much needed space from all the others' self contemplation by way of immediacy and blatantly telling us what the others dodged around, that we declare and try to believe our self descriptions and if we can convince some others, great. I accept that they are alien fairy vampire witches - that must make dinner at your place interesting.
They’re the best :)
This movie hits.
I got the meaning of life theme right off the bat. The big clue for me was watching tid bits of the playwrights life run simultaneously with what was happening in the play. I believe the play was him trying to cope with his divorce, which after being divorced once myself, feels like death (thankfully there's a happy ending for my husband and I. We married again 9 yrs ago, lasting longer than our 1st marriage.)
The scene at the end is him and his soon to be ex. She's the angel and he's the narcissistic playwright (see marquee below the actor), too wrapped up in his own pursuit of fame..this which was also portrayed by Midge in the play. In the end, he needs to come to peace with his mistakes, his pain, and loss.
I love the scene between actor and director about having to go on, despite not understanding the purpose of these bad experiences in life. In life it's hard to see the big picture when you're down in the trenches...that cancer diagnosis when you're just beginning your life..your rainbow baby is diagnosed with autism and he's the only baby you can ever have, losing your job, finding a new and better one and then your spouse becomes gravely ill...its hard to find the meaning there. But we must keep going...keep walking in the desert and if you're a person of faith, throw yourself down and cling onto the hem of the Lord's garment with the full believe that it will help you somehow.
Thanks for making this video. I waited to watch it after I was finally able to see the movie to confirm my assumptions. Your girls were amazing!
Really loved reading your takeaways from the film. It sounds like you've lived a lot of life and your wisdom is quite apparent. Peace to you and your family.
@@MortsGarage peace to you and yours as well. God bless.
What I got out of it was that Jason Schartzman's character, the actor, not Auggie, had trouble feeling like his life meant anything after his love, Edward Norton's character, died. He struggled to find meaning in his life and this transferred to him struggling to find the meaning in his character in the play. He doesn't get the play, much like he doesn't understand why his life turned out this way. When he talks to Margot Robbie's character, and she talks about the play, it's Auggie's wife telling him that he'll have to move on after she's dead, but it's also Edward Norton's character telling Jason's character the same thing. He'll need to move forward with his life, but that doesn't mean he has to leave everything behind. Auggie might have to take on some of the responsibilities of his wife, in raising Woodrow, and Jason's character might have to learn to take care of himself in the ways that Edward's character can't anymore. Jason's character hears the words from Auggie's wife and sees his dead lover talking to him through his work. He has to come to terms with his grief to move on, to make his life mean something. He can't find satisfaction in his life if he doesn't accept his pain. He can't wake up if he doesn't fall asleep. That's what I got out of it, at least. Among other things.
I find myself more and more agreeing that the playwright (Conrad Earp) is indeed speaking to Schwartzman’s character from the grave. Thanks for leaving your comment!
10 minutes into the movie and my thought the whole way through was: "Oh yeah. A writer definitely wrote this." This was cemented during the balcony scene, where a theatre is advertising "Death of a Narcissist"--in plain view, for most of the scene. I think what Wes was saying here is 1: He didn't like Death of a Salesman very much, 2: He is calling "meta" playwrights of the past full of themselves, while doing the same thing in his movie. I also found lot in common with "Rosencrantz and Gildenstern are Dead" where things start off funny, but end on an emotional note. I like to think the play was the Playwright's brain slowly dying and losing his creative spark, which is why everything seems stilted and disjointed. Maybe something about "death of the author" in there too.
TL;DR : This was most definitely a writer's movie.
Agreed there. There’s a ton of little cues like that throughout.
In the theatre there is a presentation style called theatricalism. It emphasizes how life itself is like a performance. It appears in plays when the attention is drawn to the nature of performance itself such as when characters begin acting or when there are performances within the play one is watching (like the players performing "The Mouse Trap" in "Hamlet"). Among other things, Anderson seems to tap into this style really thoroughly in this movie, even moreso than framing The French Dispatch as a magazine or The Royal Tenenbaums as a book in chapters.
This comment is SO helpful! I think that’s gotta be critical to understanding the film.
Thanks - that was a really interesting and usefull set of ideas. I enjoyed the film enormously but, like many, was confused by the "can't wake up" bit at the end. I feel I have more idea about that now. As for your daughters - they were fabulous and just a little terrifying :-)
Ha! Thanks - my wife and I are ridiculously proud!
I loved the movie the first time I saw it and I've watched it several times now. Your daughters were fantastic in it!
❤️👽🧙
Honestly, symbolism is very prevalent in all art and it surprises me how many people I know miss the themes and meaning of the films they watch because they see anything symbolic as coincidence or randomness.
100%