Asteroid City - Wes Anderson's new film follows strangers at a 1955 stargazing convention, with unexpected events altering their lives. All-star cast included.

Asteroid City: Wes Anderson's Latest Whimsical Adventure

Wes Anderson, the acclaimed writer and director known for his unique and quirky filmmaking style, is set to release his latest work, "Asteroid City" this summer on June 13th. Packed with an all-star cast, the film tells the story of a group of strangers who come together for a stargazing convention in 1955, only to have their lives changed by unexpected events. Anderson, a longtime collaborator with Roman Coppola, has once again teamed up with Focus Features for the production, bringing back his frequent cinematographer, Robert Yeoman, and acclaimed composer, Alexandre Desplat. Get ready for another whimsical adventure with Wes Anderson's "Asteroid City".

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Wes Anderson's Distinctive Filmmaking Style

Wes Anderson is an auteur filmmaker who has developed a distinct cinematic language over the course of his career. His films are characterized by meticulously composed shots, symmetrical framing, and pastel color palettes that create a whimsical and nostalgic atmosphere. Anderson's use of tracking shots, slow-motion, and miniatures creates a heightened sense of artificiality that reinforces his films' idiosyncratic world-building.

He is also known for his ensemble casts of eccentric characters, often played by actors he's worked with before. Anderson's films are a treasure trove for cinephiles, full of references to classic cinema, literature, and music, and are an absolute delight for those who appreciate his distinctive style.

A twitter post by ‘The Verge’ acknowledging the excitement of Asteroid City’s trailer.
A twitter post by ‘The Verge’ acknowledging the excitement of Asteroid City’s trailer.

Asteroid City Plot:

Set in a vibrant but fictional world, "Asteroid City" follows the typical Andersonian theme of strangers meeting and transforming each other's lives through a blend of comedy, romance, and drama. The story takes place in a desert town in 1955, where a large group of students and parents gather from all over the country for the Junior Stargazer/Space Cadet convention.

The convention is meant to provide an opportunity for people to connect through fun activities and scholarly competitions. However, the schedule is disrupted by unforeseen events that ultimately change the lives of everyone in attendance, and have a profound impact on the world at large. "Asteroid City" promises to deliver Anderson's trademark wit and unique visual style, in a tale that blends humor and heart with a touch of science fiction.

The setting and atmosphere of Asteroid City.
The setting and atmosphere of Wes Anderson's Asteroid City (2023).

Asteroid City All-star Cast:

In Wes Anderson's upcoming film "Asteroid City," a widowed father of four named Augie Steenbeck, played by Jason Schwartzman, attends a stargazing convention where he meets Midge Campbell, an actress portrayed by Scarlett Johansson. Augie's father-in-law is played by Tom Hanks, while Jeffrey Wright takes on the role of General Grif Gibson.

The ensemble cast also includes Tilda Swinton, Edward Norton, Adrien Brody, Margot Robbie, Willem Dafoe, Steve Carell, Hong Chau, Jeff Goldblum, and Stephen Park as Roger, among others. Liev Schreiber plays Ed, Rupert Friend portrays Montana, Matt Dillon is Walter Geronimo, and Jake Ryan is Woodrow Steenbeck. Aristou Meehan brings Clifford to life, while Hope Davis, Maya Hawke, Tony Revolori, Sophia Lillis, Grace Edwards, Rita Wilson, Jarvis Cocker, and Bob Balaban round out the supporting cast. With Anderson's signature style, the film promises to be a period sci-fi romance comedy filled with witty dialogue and stunning visuals.

Scarlett Johansson in Asteroid City.
Scarlett Johansson in Wes Anderson's Asteroid City (2023). 
Jason Schwartzman and Tom Hanks in Asteroid City.
Jason Schwartzman and Tom Hanks in Wes Anderson's Asteroid City (2023).

Asteroid City Creators:

Wes Anderson and Roman Coppola collaborate once again in writing and directing the upcoming sci-fi romance comedy film, Asteroid City. This marks their fifth project together after previously working on The Darjeeling Limited, Moonrise Kingdom, Isle of Dogs, and The French Dispatch. Anderson also co-produces the film alongside renowned producer Jeremy Dawson and Steven Rales.

Anderson reunites with cinematographer Robert Yeoman for this project, who has worked on every live-action film of Anderson's, including The Grand Budapest Hotel which earned Yeoman Academy Award and BAFTA nominations for Best Cinematography. Alexandre Desplat, who has composed music for Anderson's previous films, including Fantastic Mr. Fox and The French Dispatch, creates the music score for Asteroid City. The film is the second collaboration between Anderson and Focus Features, following their partnership for Moonrise Kingdom in 2012.

Jeffrey Wright and Liev Schreiber in Wes Anderson’s Asteroid City (2023).
Jeffrey Wright and Liev Schreiber in Wes Anderson’s Asteroid City (2023). 

Unpacking the Quirky World of Wes Anderson: A Journey Through His Films

Wes Anderson has paid homage to several classic filmmakers, including Francois Truffaut, Jean-Luc Godard, and Federico Fellini, by drawing inspiration from their distinctive styles and techniques in his own films.

Truffaut's influence can be seen in Anderson's use of voiceover narration and his depiction of young characters grappling with complex emotions, similar to Truffaut's own coming-of-age films like "The 400 Blows."

Jean-Pierre Léaud as Antoine Doinel in Francois Truffaut’s “The 400 Blows” (1959).
Jean-Pierre Léaud as Antoine Doinel in Francois Truffaut’s “The 400 Blows” (1959).

Watch The 400 Blows on HBO MAX or Apple TV or Cineasterna

Godard's influence can be seen in Anderson's use of unconventional camera angles and his self-reflexive approach to filmmaking, which breaks the fourth wall and acknowledges the artifice of cinema. In "Bottle Rocket," Anderson's debut film, the use of freeze frames and witty, offbeat dialogue are reminiscent of Godard's "Breathless."

Jean-Paul Belmondo and Jean Seberg in Godard’s Breathless (1960).
Jean-Paul Belmondo and Jean Seberg in Godard’s Breathless (1960). 
Jean-Paul Belmondo and Jean Seberg in Godard’s Breathless (1960).
Jean-Paul Belmondo and Jean Seberg in Godard’s Breathless (1960). 

Watch Breathless on Cineasterna

Owen Wilson in Wes Anderson’s debut film Bottle Rocket (1996).
Owen Wilson in Wes Anderson’s debut film Bottle Rocket (1996).

Watch Bottle Rocket on Apple TV

Fellini's influence can be seen in Anderson's visual style and his use of dreamlike imagery. The grandiose, ornate sets and colorful costumes in Anderson's films like "The Grand Budapest Hotel" and "The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou" are reminiscent of the grandeur and surrealism of Fellini's films like "8 1/2" and "La Dolce Vita."

Marcello Mastroianni in Federico Fellini’s 8 ½ (1963).
Marcello Mastroianni in Federico Fellini’s 8 ½ (1963).
A grandeur backdrop in Federico Fellini’s La Dolce Vita (1960).
A grandeur backdrop in Federico Fellini’s La Dolce Vita (1960).

Watch Federico Fellini’s 8 ½ on HBO Max

The grandeur backdrop in Wes Anderson’s Grand Budapest Hotel (2014).
The grandeur backdrop in Wes Anderson’s Grand Budapest Hotel (2014).

Watch The Grand Budapest Hotel on Disney+

Michael Gambon, Anjelica Huston, Bill Murray, Seu Jorge, Cate Blanchett, Jeff Goldblum, and Willen Dafoe in Wes Anderson’s The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2004).
Michael Gambon, Anjelica Huston, Bill Murray, Seu Jorge, Cate Blanchett, Jeff Goldblum, and Willen Dafoe in Wes Anderson’s The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2004).

Watch The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou on Disney+

Overall, Anderson's references to these iconic filmmakers demonstrate his deep appreciation and knowledge of cinema history, as well as his ability to incorporate their distinctive styles into his own unique vision.

A Literary Homage

Wes Anderson's "Moonrise Kingdom" is a nostalgic, whimsical love story that draws inspiration from classic literature, particularly J.D. Salinger's "The Catcher in the Rye" and Mark Twain's "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn." The film tells the story of two young lovers who run away from home, with Suzy, one of the main characters, bringing along a suitcase full of books, including Twain's classic coming-of-age tale. The book serves as a parallel to the young lovers' journey down the river and highlights the film's themes of innocence, adventure, and self-discovery.

Jared Gilman and and Kara Hayward in Wes Anderson’s Moonrise Kingdom (2012).
Jared Gilman and and Kara Hayward in Wes Anderson’s Moonrise Kingdom (2012). 

Watch Moonrise Kingdom on Apple TV or Cineasterna

Anderson also references "The Catcher in the Rye" in his portrayal of Sam, a young, troubled boy who struggles to connect with the world around him. Sam's character is inspired by Holden Caulfield, the iconic protagonist of Salinger's novel, and his journey mirrors Holden's quest for meaning and connection.

By incorporating these literary references into his film, Anderson adds depth and richness to his characters and story, while paying tribute to the cinematic and literary works that inspired him.

Asteroid City: Wrapping Up the Journey

Wes Anderson's highly anticipated film, "Asteroid City," is a testament to his unique cinematic style and storytelling ability. With an impressive cast of A-listers and a compelling plot set in a fictional world, Anderson's latest project promises to be a captivating and visually stunning experience.

From his signature use of vibrant colors and symmetry to his carefully curated music selections, Anderson has become known for creating films that are as aesthetically pleasing as they are emotionally engaging. "Asteroid City" is no exception, and fans of Anderson's work can look forward to another masterful work of cinema.

Steve Carell in Wes Anderson’s Asteroid City (2023).
Steve Carell in Wes Anderson’s Asteroid City (2023).
A twitter post showing images of Scarlett Johansson in Wes Anderson’s Asteroid City (2023).
A twitter post showing images of Scarlett Johansson in Wes Anderson’s Asteroid City (2023).

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