Pan and Slam

The Phoenician Scheme

PG-13 1h 41m

• Director
  • Wes Anderson
• Writers
  • Wes Anderson Roman Coppola
• Stars
  • Benicio Del Toro
  • Mia Threapleton
  • Michael Cera

by Jason Koenigsberg

Wes Anderson returns to the big screen with his distinct vision, style, and brand of humor with his newest comical lighthearted slight social commentary The Phoenician Scheme. This is also a return to form after his uneven Asteroid City (2023) and both Wes Anderson’s most ardent and casual fans should rejoice with how this ‘scheme’ unravels with it’s combination or smart and silly laughs as well as sudden jolts of exuberance that will energize the viewer in their seat not sure what to expect at any moment. The Phoenician Scheme abandons his usual ‘story within a story’ trope but does explore the intricate complexities of family dynamics as a lot of his most memorable pictures do.

The opening image is a 4:3 full frame shot of the inside of an airplane with Benicio Del Toro smoking a cigar in the bottom right corner of the frame. Then, ka-boom! The first of many shocking surprises The Phoenician Scheme has in store. There are moments of dialogue in certain scenes that get wordy but then the camera and sound design grab your attention and draw you in making you want to sit closer to the screen to keep up with these characters and stay alert because a big surprise can happen at any moment. This movie has the fast paced, witty dialogue Wes Anderson is known for and it showcases spectacular sets and costumes. He always makes sure to use the full frame to illustrate his unique sets and color patterns. He also incorporates miniatures into most of his films and The Phoenician Scheme is no exception where a mini set actually plays a part in the climax of the plot.

The plot itself centers around Benicio Del Toro as a cold and calculating billionaire tycoon character in the early 1950’s who has a knack for surviving plane crashes and other major disasters. As his character develops we learn he has many children but want to make his only daughter played by Mia Threapleton his sole heir. The ironic twist is that she is a novitiate on her way to becoming a nun. She goes with him on his endeavors to make money and protect his empire. They meet some very interesting characters played by some incredibly talented actors like Tom Hanks, Bryan Cranston, Riz Ahmed, Hope Davis, and Michael Cera tags along as a tutor/entomologist who joins them on their journey.

One of the highlights on this trip is where they meet Geoffrey Wright on his ship for a blood donation after another plane crash. We are treated to some very clever camera work involving a slap that is the best moment to jolt the audience. About half way through The Phoenician Scheme the viewer will realize that this cold, industrial tycoon is a vessel to make us question if we can sympathize with the ultra wealthy despite knowing they have so much and in our current political climate seem to be doing so much damage to our country.

The final shot shows resilience of the human spirit and importance of family. There will always be holes and leaks in life and we need people to help us get through our most challenging moments. The Phoenician Scheme also says things about religion and the afterlife but those moments are very lighthearted and not meant to be taken seriously as the political allegory is not meant to hit as hard as the social commentary in other films. It is mostly meant to be a fun escape to the cinema. With a run time under two hours, a rarity these days, The Phoenician Scheme has enough laughs to warrant a recommendation. With it’s zany, over the top violence, remarkable intricate sets, and terrific performances big and small, Wes Anderson once again uses his distinct world building skills to create a comical place we can enjoy to spend a couple hours in.