The Wes Anderson trend has the Internet in a symmetry-obsessed chokehold
Gen Z social media has managed to transform Wes Anderson into a viral sensation via the latest trend of funky short videos, showcasing the director’s unique aesthetic sensibilities that have drawn in a multitude of fans.
There is a certain unearthly essence about Anderson's exclusive style that seemingly transcends the viewer to another era, and it is this otherworldliness that has led to his immense popularity on the internet.
Wes Anderson's distinct aesthetic style of filmmaking is characterised by a highly stylised and idiosyncratic approach that sets him apart from his contemporaries. His films are marked by a precise, almost obsessive attention to detail, and a penchant for symmetry, bright colours, and bold patterns that are instantly recognisable to his fans.
His refined sensibilities have generated a legion of online admirers, from the Wes Anderson Palettes Tumblr page, which pays homage to his colour coordination skills, to the Accidentally Wes Anderson Instagram account, which shares images of delightful Anderson-esque visuals from across the world.
One of the most striking features of Anderson's films is his use of visual symmetry.
From the carefully composed shots to the meticulous set design, symmetry is a recurring motif in Anderson's work that serves to create a sense of balance and order. This can be seen in his use of static camera shots that often emphasise the centeredness of the scene. He uses symmetry as a way of bringing a sense of visual equilibrium to his compositions, and it often results in scenes that feel like intricate, carefully crafted dioramas.
However, the latest trend indicates that it is not necessary to possess a high-end camera or flawlessly composed aesthetics to immerse oneself in the whimsical world of Anderson's films. The #WesAnderson tag has recently exploded on various platforms, with users sharing videos of their mundane lives, decorated with Anderson's style.
Social media has been inundated with millions of clips that mimic Anderson's signature symmetrical framing and colour palette. Creators online have utilised the hallmarks of an Anderson film, such as the utilisation of title cards to introduce settings, symmetry, and front-on and top-down shots, to craft their own brief films.
Anderson's films are also notable for their use of typography and graphic design. He often incorporates text and hand-drawn illustrations into his films, creating a distinctive, handcrafted look that is reminiscent of vintage book covers or posters. This can be seen in the opening titles of his films, which are often accompanied by a playful, whimsical font that sets the tone for the story to come.
Numerous videos begin with tongue-in-cheek prompts, such as "I hope you don't act like you are in a Wes Anderson film today."
In addition to these visual elements, Anderson's films are also marked by their use of music. His long-standing collaboration with composer Alexandre Desplat, often employs a mix of original music, pop songs, and classical pieces to create a soundtrack that is both eclectic and deeply emotive.
Some videos use Desplat’s "Obituary", featured in Anderson's movie The French Dispatch, to set the tone for viewers.
Most recently, a trailer for The Galactic Menagerie, a YouTube video from the Curious Refuge channel, has gone viral, resembling the distinct style of the filmmaker. The trailer contemplates what a Star Wars movie might look like if Anderson directed it, featuring all his trademark traits.
The fictitious cast includes Anderson regulars such as Scarlett Johansson, Jeff Goldblum, Bill Murray, Adrien Brody, Willem Defoe, Ed Norton, Timothée Chalamet, and Owen Wilson as Darth Vader.
Although posted on April 29, The Galactic Menagerie gained widespread attention when it was shared on Twitter this weekend, garnering millions of views, likes, and comments. Some users expressed enthusiasm for Anderson directing a Star Wars film, while others suggested it couldn't possibly be any worse than recent Disney-Star Wars productions.
Wes Anderson's distinct aesthetic style of filmmaking has had a profound influence on contemporary cinema, inspiring a new generation of content-creators to embrace a more stylised, idiosyncratic approach to storytelling.
Anderson’s next feature film with Searchlight Pictures, Asteroid City, is set to premiere at the Cannes International Film Festival this month, before its theatrical release later this year.