Wes Anderson’s Latest Film, ‘The French Dispatch,’ Sets Records
Wes Anderson’s ode to twentieth-century journalism, The French Dispatch, has set a new record for box office averages in the pandemic era.
The film has grossed a whopping $1.3 million from the mere 52 theaters that it has been released in. Per location, it has averaged $25,000, with some of the highest-earning locations being The Landmark of Los Angeles, New York City’s Anjelika Film Center, and AMC Lincoln Center. This beats out the previous top-grossers of the pandemic era, Black Widow, which averaged $19,400 per location, and Venom: Let There Be Carnage, which came in around $21,309.
The comedy/drama revolves around a twentieth-century newspaper called The French Dispatch, whose editor, Arthur Howitzer Jr., dies of a sudden heart attack. Per his final wishes, the newspaper ceases publication, save for a farewell issue that republishes three past stories and Howitzer’s obituary. The three stories include, “The Concrete Masterpiece,” “Revisions to a Manifesto,” and “The Private Dining Room of the Police Commissioner.”
Wes Anderson’s history of brilliant color palettes and masterful tableau shots are part of what has drawn so many people to see the movie in theaters, but his work as a director is far more than just visually appealing. The French Dispatch is certified fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics and audiences alike praising the storyline of the “loving ode to journalism.” The Searchlight Pictures film also has a remarkably star-studded cast, including Bill Murray, Owen Wilson, Tilda Swinton, Edward Norton, Benicio del Toro, and Timothée Chalamet.
Fans of Wes Anderson have taken to Twitter to express their love for the record-setting piece, and how it fits right into the director’s renowned filmography.
The French Dispatch was about the most Wes Anderson thing I’ve ever seen, and I loved it.
— Brian (@_bhaberer) October 25, 2021
french dispatch was so good!!!! it is now tied for the title of my fave wes anderson movie (fantastic mr fox)
— smöl bimbo (@ligma4life) October 25, 2021
A pop-up café in New York City that celebrates The French Dispatch is running through Sunday, October 24. The pop-up event, called “Le Sans Blague” as inspired by the film, has raised morale for the movie by replicating the world of the director’s newest work and providing an immersive experience that audiences have loved. Not to mention the artistic feat of Bill Murray as a macaron!
The incredible Wes Anderson pop-up at @whalebonemag was just like being at Le Sans Blague… sans Timothée Chalamet and his wild, styled mid-revolt hair. Not an ounce of ennui or blasé at this café!
— Cathleen Freedman (@cackie13) October 25, 2021
(Impeccable macarons from @bibbleandsip!) #TheFrenchDispatch #FrenchDispatch pic.twitter.com/zNV3IlMOpp
The French Dispatch is now playing in select theaters, showcasing the spirit of journalism and Wes Anderson’s artistry across the nation.
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