A film by Wes Anderson
Venue: Satyam Nehru Place
Date: 31 August 2014

The backdrop is a decadent Hungarian luxury hotel and the aspirations of the concierge. As an add-on service, he befriends rich lonely widows. They are hooked on to him and keep coming back for his company. In this process murders happen, fingers get chopped off, pets are killed. All in a most comical style through a brief duration of 1 hour 40 minutes.

The cast has the best of Hollywood even in short roles (Jude Law – Jeff Goldbum – Adrien Brody and others). Ralph Fiennes, as the concierge Gustav M, plays the character with perfect control, never dramatic but always funny, even in death. He is ably supported by Tony Revolori as the young Zero Mustafa who becomes his protégé and companion through his adventures.

Apart from the inherent intelligence of the film, the visuals play an equally seductive role. Amidst miles and miles of snow, Gustav and Zero on a sledge chase a henchman on a bike. The black and white impact created by the scene is mesmerizing.

The combination of murder (mystery) and comedy is uncommon. The smartness with which these two apparently disparate concepts have been fused as well as the restrain exercised by the bevy of stars evokes awe.  Another quality of The Grand Budapest is it does not appear that while making the film, the director had any temptation for award recognition in mind. That also makes the film a must watch.

Watch it anywhere anytime and you will not be disappointed.