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Tonight, I went to see Moonrise Kingdom at the Clyde. It was a transcendent experience.
I have always loved Wes Anderson’s films. I have enjoyed the progression from Bottle Rocket to Rushmore to The Royal Tenenbaums to The Life Aquatic to The Darjeeling Limited to Fantastic Mr. Fox. Whew. My favorite aspect about Wes Anderson films is that everyone has their favorite film, but it always differs from one person to the next. There isn’t the quintessential Wes Anderson film, because he’s always evolving and trying new things as a filmmaker.
Moonrise Kingdom tells the story of star-crossed twelve year old lovers Suzy and Sam, who travel across an island (not unlike Whidbey) to run away together. Both Kara Hayward and Jared Gilman, who play the leading roles, are newcomers to the Hollywood scene and brought fierce authenticity to their performances.
Rounding out the adult cast are Bruce Willis, Edward Norton, Frances McDormand, Bill Murray and Tilda Swinton. With the exception of Ms. Swinton as the sterile Social Services officer, all the adult roles have incredible heart. This film stands out to me in the Anderson cannon as the piece with the warmest tone.
Moonrise Kingdom is a film that renews one’s faith in the magic of storytelling. It runs at the Clyde through Monday night. I highly suggest that you attend and afford yourself the opportunity to be transported into a thoughtfully crafted world of wonder.
