Wes Anderson’s latest ensemble comedy, The Phoenician Scheme, is a muted masterpiece with Mia Threapleton shining as its standout star.
The Phoenician Scheme Review: A Muted Masterpiece with Mia Threapleton Shining
Wes Anderson has once again crafted an elegant and eccentric ensemble comedy, albeit one that lacks the visual flair and screwball sympathy of his earlier works. ‘The Phoenician Scheme is a diverting, if somewhat forgettable, romp through the world of Middle Eastern politics and commerce.’
The Mysterious Plot of Zsa-Zsa Korda
At its core, the film revolves around notorious plutocrat-entrepreneur Zsa-Zsa Korda‘s (Benicio Del Toro) plan to dominate the economy of a fictional nation through an intricate web of mining, transportation, and fishing ventures. This ‘Phoenician Scheme‘ relies on exploitative slave labor and market manipulation to create famine.
Zsa Zsa Gabor was a Hungarian-born actress, socialite, and comedian.
Born on February 6, 1917, in Budapest, Hungary, she moved to the United States in 1941.
Gabor's career spanned over six decades, with notable roles in films such as 'Touch of Evil' and 'Moulin Rouge.' She was also a popular television personality, appearing on shows like 'What's My Line?' and 'The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.' Gabor married nine times and was known for her wit and charm.
She passed away on December 18, 2016, at the age of 99.
A Complex Web of Characters
Zsa-Zsa‘s daughter, Liesl (Mia Threapleton), is a novitiate nun who finds herself at the center of her father’s business empire. As she navigates this treacherous world, she must confront her own desires and ambitions. The film also features a diverse cast of characters, including Marty (Jeffrey Wright), Cousin Hilda (Scarlett Johansson), Marseille Bob (Mathieu Amalric), Uncle Nubar (Benedict Cumberbatch), and Norwegian tutor Bjorn Lund (Michael Cera).
Mia Threapleton is a British actress and model, born in 1996.
She is the daughter of Kate Moss, a renowned supermodel, and Jamie Hince, a musician.
Mia Threapleton has been involved in various acting projects, including television series and short films.
She made her acting debut at a young age and has since appeared in several productions.
As a member of the British entertainment industry, 'she' continues to work as an actress and model.
A Government-Schemed Threat
As the US government attempts to destroy Zsa-Zsa‘s scheme by driving up the cost of ‘bashable rivets,’ he must navigate a complex web of investors and persuade them to accept less profit. Meanwhile, Zsa-Zsa experiences persistent visions of heavenly judgment from a God played by Bill Murray.
A Visually Stunning yet Less Inspired Anderson
While ‘The Phoenician Scheme‘ is executed with Wes Anderson’s usual speed and conviction, it lacks the visual flair and romantic extravagance of his earlier works. The film features less screwball sympathy for its characters, and some actors’ cameos feel phoned in.
A Lead Turn from Mia Threapleton
However, Mia Threapleton shines as Liesl, bringing an eerie visual and aural echo to her mother, Kate Winslet. Her performance is the highlight of the film, imbuing the character with a sense of depth and nuance.
The Phoenician Scheme premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and will be released in cinemas on May 23. With its unique blend of politics, commerce, and romance, this film is sure to delight fans of Wes Anderson’s eccentric style.
