Royal Tenenbaums: Underappreciated Wes Anderson Masterpiece

Wes Anderson’s "The Royal Tenenbaums" is a film that often divides audiences, but despite its mixed reception, I found it to be a delightfully eccentric and heartfelt exploration of family dynamics, lost potential, and redemption.

The story revolves around the Tenenbaum family, a group of once-talented, now burnt-out individuals struggling to reclaim their former glory. The three Tenenbaum children—Chas, Richie, and Margot—were child prodigies who peaked too early, leading to a melancholic adulthood. This concept, of a family so full of potential yet hindered by the failures of their past, serves as the emotional backbone of the film. The comedic tone, though, makes their collective burnout more humorous than tragic.

One of the standout aspects for me was Royal Tenenbaum’s character (played by Gene Hackman), whose repeated attempts to reenter the family’s life were both desperate and hilariously transparent. His schemes, particularly with his partner in crime, Pagoda (the Indian man), are outrageous in their simplicity. Royal's collaboration with Pagoda—especially in their schemes to manipulate the family—was comedic gold.

The subplot of Henry Sherman, played by Danny Glover, trying to expose Royal’s lies added an extra layer of humor. One of the funniest moments for me was when Henry catches Royal secretly eating hamburgers despite claiming he’s on the brink of death. This contrast between Royal’s exaggerated lies and the reality of his actions was emblematic of the film’s quirky humor.

Visually, "The Royal Tenenbaums" is a masterclass in color and design. The vibrant pinks, oranges, and pastels felt warm and nostalgic, almost like viewing the world through a childhood lens. The color scheme brilliantly mirrored the burnt-out childhood of the Tenenbaum kids, creating a sense of lost innocence. It was both charming and visually stunning, giving the film its signature aesthetic.

Chas’s children, always dressed in matching red tracksuits, were another delightful touch. Their bond with Royal, their reckless adventures, and their ultimate reconciliation with their paranoid father created some of the most wholesome and hilarious moments in the film. The ending, where Royal helps Chas overcome his fears, offers advice to Richie, and makes amends with Margot, wraps the story with unexpected warmth.

Margot and Richie’s love story, while unconventional and a bit unsettling on paper, felt oddly appropriate within the film’s surreal and offbeat world. Their alienation from the rest of the family gave their relationship a strange but understandable logic.

Even Owen Wilson’s character, Eli Cash, brought a chaotic energy that fit perfectly with the film’s tone. His car crash near the end was as comical as it was dramatic, a perfect encapsulation of his unhinged character.

Overall, "The Royal Tenenbaums" is an unconventional, bittersweet comedy with a distinct visual style. The film’s humor, though quirky and sometimes dry, had me laughing throughout, and the moments of heartfelt connection between the family gave it depth. For me, it’s a deeply enjoyable film that doesn’t shy away from its weirdness, but that’s exactly why it works so well.