3. The Royal Tenenbaums
The film follows the tumultuous relationship between Gene Hackmans character, the aforementioned Royal Tenenbaum and the dysfunctional relationship he has with all of his children. In an attempt to re-connect with his family, he pretends to be dying in order to gain their sympathy and winning his way back into their lives. The plot uses the sly, tenacious character of Royal to full effect. He is devious and cunning but genuinely seems to contain heart, as shown in the more intimate scenes he has with his family. Other characters of note are Ben Stillers character Chas, who after his wife is killed becomes incredibly and obsessively conscious over his sons safety, cocooning them into their own little shell, even to go so far as looking exactly the same as one another. Luke Wilson plays the brilliantly tortured character of Richie, who despite seemingly on the surface looks calm and reserved is actually the one closet to the abyss, his love for adopted sister Margot (Gywneth Paltrow) tearing him apart. A hauntingly beautiful scene involving his characters nadir truly represents his character inner demons. Potentially the most recognised film in Andersons filmography due to its accessible content, the film was a commercial and critical success, earning $71 million and gaining acclaim for the use of wit and angst through the Tenenbaum family, with particular praise once again being place upon the writing of Anderson & Wilson. Incidentally as of 2013, this is the last project that Anderson and Wilson have been writing partners. The Royal Tenenbaums is a brilliantly crafted and written film that exposes families to their core but ultimately shows the love that all of characters have for one another despite the tortures of their past. One of Anderson more personal films.