The story is almost entirely built around the strange life of Zsa-zsa Korda (Benicio Del Toro) and he features in nearly every scene. He is a rich and powerful industrialist with a bent moral compass. Through a lifetime of questionable dealings with friends and foes alike, he has acquired a large number of enemies whose attempts to assassinate him drive the film’s comic overview.

Most of these attempts happen while in flight so it’s a given you wouldn’t want to find yourself in an aeroplane with him. After so many attempts on his life, he considers his mortality and seeks an heir. He ignores his nine sons and names his only daughter Liesl (Mia Threapleton), who happens to be a nun to be his sole heir. After spending most of their lives completely apart, their reunion underlines most of the plot points. Michael Cera as the mysterious Bjørn Lund also features prominently.

With Anderson’s ever-growing filmography, most fans develop favourites and rate any new work against them. In that respect, The Phoenician Scheme fits solidly in the middle. In the Wes World, it’s a comforting addition and while it offers few outright surprises, it still takes a unique look at family dynamics and the acceptance of the quirks that underline almost every clan. It’s a worthy addition to an eclectic canon.
Rob Hudson
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Starring Benicio del Toro as Zsa-zsa Korda, one of the richest men in Europe; Mia Threapleton as Liesl, his daughter/a nun; Michael Cera as Bjorn, their tutor.

With Riz Ahmed, Tom Hanks, Bryan Cranston, Mathieu Amalric, Richard Ayoade, Jeffrey Wright, Scarlett Johansson, Benedict Cumberbatch, Rupert Friend, Hope Davis.
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Made up of several chapters all told under the guise of being included on the pages of a fictitious publication called The French Dispatch, Wes gets to satisfy his stated claim of always wanting to do a series of short stories. He also gets to include another of his favourite storytelling mediums, animation, this time a hilarious car chase scene.

Not a single frame goes by without a look or feel of his unique art and it fills the screen with amusement even when the story being told loses its focus slightly. Not every story hits its mark completely and one, in particular, could have used some judicious editing as it runs a bit long.

Transporting one to a unique environment is one of cinema’s greatest charms and Wes Anderson is one of the industry’s most assured partitioners. As the final credits roll you are left with the feelings of having just visited a wonderful and enchanting world. One that pales in comparison to the reality we almost all live in.

Rob Hudson
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It stars Benicio del Toro, Frances McDormand, Jeffrey Wright, Adrien Brody, Tilda Swinton, Timothée Chalamet, Léa Seydoux, Owen Wilson, Mathieu Amalric, Lyna Khoudri, Stephen Park and Bill Murray.

The French Dispatch will be released in Australian cinemas December 9!

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Dendy insiders have confirmed that a complimentary glass of French Sparkling will be served on arrival to all citizens. Our sources have also confirmed that a complimentary French Martini will be served to any citizen attending the Premium Lounge session.

It is also confirmed and reported here that a free limited edition of “The French Dispatch” magazine will be distributed to all in attendance (while stocks last). In addition to this, distribution of said magazine will continue for those purchasing opening day tickets for the 9th of December.

All citizens should be aware that tickets for this special event are now on sale along with tickets for the opening week.

Bookings can be made at www.dendy.com.au

Described as a love letter to journalists and the written word, The French Dispatch brings together an all-star cast including Benicio del Toro, Frances McDormand, Jeffrey Wright, Adrien Brody, Timothée Chalamet, Léa Seydoux, Tilda Swinton, Mathieu Amalric, Lyna Khoudri, Stephan Park, Owen Wilson, Bill Murray, Liev Schrieber, Elisabeth Moss, Edward Norton, Willem Dafoe, Lois Smith, Saoirse Ronan, Christoph Waltz, Cécile de France, Guillaume Gallienne, Jason Schwartzman, Tony Revolori, Rupert Friend, Henry Winkler, Bob Balaban, Hippolyte Girardot, and Anjelica Houston.

The French Dispatch Red Carpet Preview Screenings
30 November 2021
Dendy Cinemas
www.dendy.com.au