‘Asteroid City’ Further Cements Wes Anderson’s Auteur Status

by Alexis Gentry · Published June 16, 2023 · Updated September 5, 2023

Jake Ryan as "Woodrow", Jason Schwartzman as "Augie Steenbeck" and Tom Hanks as "Stanley Zak" in writer/director Wes Anderson's ASTEROID CITY — (L to R) Jake Ryan as “Woodrow”, Jason Schwartzman as “Augie Steenbeck” and Tom Hanks as “Stanley Zak” in writer/director Wes Anderson’s ASTEROID CITY, a Focus Features release. Credit: Courtesy of Pop. 87 Productions/Focus Features

Wes Anderson is one of the few remaining directors who can make a star-studded movie that feels like the vision of an individual filmmaker. His movies are all visually distinct with recognizable framing, colors, and a vintage aesthetic that makes them stand out. Similarly, his screenplays are unique, with his trademark characters, dialogue, and quirkiness. Anderson’s style is so memorable that it’s been replicated, parodied, and even used for AI-generated fake trailers.

Steve Carell as "Motel Manager", Aristou Meehan as "Clifford" and Liev Schreiber as "J.J. Kellogg" in writer/director Wes Anderson's ASTEROID CITY — (L to R) Steve Carell as “Motel Manager”, Aristou Meehan as “Clifford” and Liev Schreiber as “J.J. Kellogg” in writer/director Wes Anderson’s ASTEROID CITY, a Focus Features release. Credit: Courtesy of Pop. 87 Productions/Focus Features

His latest film, Asteroid City, sees him leaning even harder into his beautifully artificial aesthetic with a story primarily set at a roadside motel near an impact crater. The setting lets Anderson embrace a vintage, space-age vibe that makes every frame a delight to look at with gorgeous colors and his trademark symmetry.

Mike Maggert as "Detective #2", Fisher Stevens as "Detective #1", Jeffrey Wright as "General Gibson", Tony Revolori as "Aide-de-Camp", and Bob Balaban as "Larkings Executive" in writer/director Wes Anderson's ASTEROID CITY — (L to R) Mike Maggert as “Detective #2”, Fisher Stevens as “Detective #1”, Jeffrey Wright as “General Gibson”, Tony Revolori as “Aide-de-Camp”, and Bob Balaban as “Larkings Executive” in writer/director Wes Anderson’s ASTEROID CITY, a Focus Features release. Credit: Courtesy of Pop. 87 Productions/Focus Features

The story includes a framing device featuring Bryan Cranston as the host of a program about Edward Norton as a playwright crafting the story of a group of characters converging on Asteroid City. Jason Schwartzman is the photographer father of three young daughters dealing with the grief of losing his wife. Scarlett Johansson is an actress traveling with her daughter as she prepares for a role. Steve Carell is the manager of the motel who has a penchant for automated machines. Jake Ryan is a brainiac student participating in a science competition at the crater site. Maya Hawke is a teacher, Matt Dillon is a mechanic, Rupert Friend is a cowboy, and Jeffrey Wright is a general overseeing the extraterrestrial events at the crater.

Grace Edwards as "Dinah", Scarlett Johansson as "Midge Campbell" and Damien Bonnaro as "Bodyguard/Driver" in writer/director Wes Anderson's ASTEROID CITY — (L to R) Grace Edwards as “Dinah”, Scarlett Johansson as “Midge Campbell” and Damien Bonnaro as “Bodyguard/Driver” in writer/director Wes Anderson’s ASTEROID CITY, a Focus Features release. Credit: Courtesy of Pop. 87 Productions/Focus Features

The stacked cast also includes Tony Revolori, Hong Chau, Liev Schreiber, Tilda Swinton, Tom Hanks, Hope Davis, Steve Park, and even appearances from Margot Robbie and Jeff Goldblum. To say this lineup is jam-packed with talent is an understatement, and each performer is fantastic here.

(L to R) Jason Schwartzman stars as “Augie Steenbeck” and Scarlett Johansson stars as “Midge Campbell” in Wes Anderson’s ASTEROID CITY, a Focus Features release. Credit: Courtesy of Pop. 87 Productions/Focus Features

I find that the plot is not as important as the execution of the story in Anderson’s movies. It’s not about moving from one plot point to another, it’s about the way the story is told through visuals, snappy dialogue, meticulous details, and humor. It’s similar to a concert or play. When you go see your favorite artist in concert, you already know the lyrics and melody, but the experience of seeing the song performed live is what makes it fun.

Asteroid City is one of the most genuinely pleasurable movie experiences I’ve had all year. Despite touching on heavier themes like grief, the movie never feels weighed down. The under-two-hour runtime is a further testament to Anderson’s ability to meticulously craft a movie. There is no bloat, no letting a scene play out too long for the sake of it. Everything feels expertly put together in a way designed to best execute the vision. It’s a refreshing feeling in a sea of massive studio movies, and it’s one that I hope Anderson keeps delivering for years to come.