Film Analysis: Wes Andersons Fantastic Mr. Fox
Fantastic Mr. Fox is a 2009 stop motion animated film based on the book by Roald Dahl. Dahl is known for his whimsical stories such as James and the Giant Peach, Charlie and the chocolate factory and my personal favorite Matilda. Dahls’ work
has been turned into theatrical successes over the years alongside 20th Century Fox so it was no question when production began that this would be an amazing film, especially when directed by none other than Wes Anderson. Wes Anderson in my opinion is the god of mise en scene and truly shows it in his work such as Grand Budapest Hotel, Life Aquatic and now Fantastic Mr. Fox.
The movie takes place on land surrounding three major farms/factories owned by the three wealthiest men in town. Mr. Fox (voiced by George Clooney) and his wife Felicity ( voiced by Meryl Streep) are both young and stealing chickens together as nature intended them to until they reach a point in there lives where they get caught. Felicity then drops the news that they will be having a baby fox. As this is happening the sun is setting which gives off the classic yellow/orange tint that every Wes Anderson Movie. With this lighting, along with the canted shots of their trap, as well as clos ups of both of their faces when fearing death and the arrival of a child you begin to relate and feel for the characters despite their animalistic qualities.
They make it out alive and the movie fast-forwards 12 years; this is also stated at the top of the screen as if it’s another title screen. You notice throughout the movie Wes leaves small anecdotes to show location time and aspects of life that a typical human would not understand. He gives his characters human qualities such as his son attending school and playing sports so its almost like watching humans interact. You don’t even realize they are really foxes because the act, speak and emote much like humans. Back to the plot, Mr. Fox is torn between his work and not stealing chickens and to free himself from his internal demons he begins to go back out to steal behind his wife’s back which ultimately puts him, his family and the entire animal neighborhood in grave danger with the owners.
Now foxes are usually a burnt orange or range to a pale off white which goes great with the yellow tint that Wes has presented. Also the season it is near thanksgiving so there are images of apples, pumpkins and leaves all of which coincide with the color pallet of his traditional mise en scene. The colors best contrast in the scene where he makes it to the richest mans factory where he produces the most “golden” apple cider in the county. This is perfect because the scene takes place in a dark cellar guarded by a rat that just happens to dress like a 60’s “street rat”; and the only lighting comes from the dim ceiling lights that illuminate the thousands of bottles of this golden cider. This then of course makes a dark room lit with the tint that has been used widely throughout the movie. It also utilizes the scenery and how the set was created because most of the movie is shot at wide angles so you truly see how vast and intricate each piece of the set truly is.
This is truly one of my favorite movies at least animation wise mainly because of its set design and lighting. The movie itself is very warm as well as the message that is sent to its viewers.