Another Wes Anderson movie. Come for the quirks, stay for the feels.
The latest film from the auteur director is a few layers deep. The movie showcases a television broadcast of the play “Asteroid City,” and through that broadcast, the audience is also able to see behind-the-scenes of that production.
In the play itself, Jason Schwartzman plays the character Augie Steenbeck, whose son Woodrow (Jake Ryan) is attending an event celebrating teens who excel at science. During the event, the small rural town, known for being next to a crater where a meteor struck, is visited by an extra-terrestrial. Through this event, the audience learns more about the characters in the play, as well as the cast and crew of the production.
Unsurprisingly, “Asteroid City” features a plethora of memorable characters, delightfully fascinating dialogue and unique visuals. All of which makes the picture an enjoyable experience from start to finish. However, where “Asteroid City really makes an impact is its deeper themes.
When the credits roll at the conclusion of Anderson’s flick, it certainly leaves a viewer pondering how to interpret the movie that just finished. Much happens in the under-two-hour runtime of “Asteroid City,” with plenty of meaning in the characters’ relationships and what they experienced.
Underneath the quirkiness and humor that plays out on screen, the people in this film are looking for meaning, whether it be through art, science or just conversation. It’s through this that Anderson explores concepts of how we view the subject of death, the unknown and the infiniteness of the universe.
A great deal of this is viewed through the lens of Schwartzman’s character and the associated family. Augie’s wife recently passed away, and the family is still coming to terms with it. Then the family is part of a larger event with an experience that leaves even more questions, and it’s one shared with more people as all of the Asteroid City community is there to see it.
There’s also a noticeable amount of self-commentary by Anderson in “Asteroid City.” When the film takes a step back from showing the “Asteroid City” play and focuses on the actual playwright and the television broadcast we’re seeing things through, Anderson is able to speak cinematically on his own storytelling and work with actors.
All of that isn’t to say this is a picture that will fly over a person’s head. It’s not a movie that feels like a puzzle you can’t put together or one that’s so deep with metaphors that it’s inaccessible. It’s definitely thought-provoking, and that’s a strength, but it’s also quite watchable thanks to the humor and character moments.
Those great character moments certainty get a boost from the star-studded cast. The movie boasts Academy Award winner Tom Hanks, as well as Oscar nominees Bryan Cranston, Edward Norton, Matt Dillon, Steve Carell and Scarlett Johansson, plus Golden Globe winner Jeffrey Wright. They, and the rest of the cast, all do solid work here, enhanced by that Anderson flair.
“Asteroid City” is quite a fun film to experience with a nice level of depth worth diving into. The movie also features a strong cast and looks fantastic thanks to the 1950s Atomic age aesthetic and Anderson’s signature style. It does admittedly get too loose with the narrative here and there, and isn’t quite as good as “French Dispatch,” but it’s strong for the most part. 4 out of 5.
Matthew Liedke on Film 
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