The Phoenician Scheme: A Darkly Humorous Family Drama
In Wes Anderson’s latest film, The Phoenician Scheme, Benicio del Toro delivers a compelling performance as a battle-scarred arms dealer who endures the unimaginable—surviving six plane crashes. The narrative centers around his complex relationship with his family, particularly his daughter Liesl, portrayed by Mia Threapleton, who adds a unique twist to her role as a nun wielding a knife.
Intense Family Dynamics and Business Agendas
The teaser, released on Monday, features del Toro’s character, Zsa-zsa Korda, as he attempts to navigate a treacherous web of betrayal and business dealings. He states, “Today, tonight and tomorrow, we rendezvous with every titan and pretend we agree on what we already agreed. But, in fact, we don’t. We can’t.” This line encapsulates the film’s essence, highlighting the tension he faces in securing the family business while mending his strained bond with Liesl.
A Star-Studded Ensemble
The film boasts a remarkable cast, including talents like Michael Cera, who plays Bjorn Lund, a tutor, alongside noted actors Jeffrey Wright, Scarlett Johansson, Tom Hanks, and Bryan Cranston, who engage in a humorous 3-point basketball shot competition. Anderson has a knack for assembling a consistent team, bringing together familiar faces both in front of and behind the camera for this project, which was filmed in Germany.
Release Dates and Production Insights
The Phoenician Scheme is set for an initial release on May 30, with a broader roll-out planned for June 6. The script marks Anderson’s 13th feature film and is a collaborative effort with Roman Coppola, based on an original story they crafted together. This film symbolizes the third collaboration between Anderson, Indian Paintbrush, and Focus Features, furthering their partnership following the successes of Asteroid City (2023) and Moonrise Kingdom (2012).
Behind the Scenes
Anderson produced the film through his production company, American Empirical Pictures, with Steven Rales also serving as a producer via Indian Paintbrush. Other key production figures include Jeremy Dawson and John Peet, adding to the film’s robust behind-the-scenes talent.
For those interested in a thrilling blend of dark humor and family intrigue, The Phoenician Scheme promises to be an exciting addition to Wes Anderson’s filmography.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GEuMnPl2WI4
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