Wes Anderson is one of the greatest directors making movies right now and he has become renowned for his style and artistic interpretation throughout his career, but what are some of the greatest things we can learn from Wes Anderson and his movies?
1. It’s okay to take time to figure things out (Moonrise Kingdom)
Look, let’s face it, you’re probably a much more intelligent person than I am. In fact, I guarantee it. But even smart kids stick their finger in electrical sockets sometimes. It takes time to figure things out. It’s been proven by history. All mankind makes mistakes. It’s our job to try to protect you from making the dangerous ones, if we can.
Sometimes we can’t plan how things are going to work out and we may feel completely lost without any sense of direction. Make some mistakes, learn from them and let it all figure itself out over time.
2. Stick together with those who are closest to you (The Royal Tenenbaums)
All memory of the brilliance of the young Tenenbaums had been erased by two decades of betrayal, failure and disaster.
Yes, the Tenebauns are a dysfunctional family and this tarnished their ‘legacy’. Everyone has their problems, but by sticking together with your family and friends things will get better. It’s important to respect those close to you and be there for them like you hope they’d be there for you too. The Royal Tenenbaums showed that whilst family can be the source of some problems, it can also be the solution.
3. Be proactive (Fantastic Mr. Fox)
Honey, I am seven fox years old. My father died at seven and a half. I don’t want to live in a hole anymore, and I’m going to do something about it.
Life is short (even if you’re not a fox) so make the most out of it and be in charge of your own destiny. If there’s something you don’t like, be proactive and change it.
4. Be true to yourself (The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou)
Well, I was a little upset at first. I mean, obviously people are going to think I’m a showboat, and a little bit of a prick. But then I thought… that’s me. I said those things, I did those things. I can live with that.
At the end of the day, people are going to think what they want to think. As long as you are able to stay true to yourself, and what you believe in then what everybody else thinks should soon enough become irrelevant to you.
5. Honesty is the best policy (Bottle Rocket)
One morning, over at Elizabeth’s beach house, she asked me if I’d rather go water-skiing or lay out. And I realized that not only did I not want to answer THAT question, but I never wanted to answer another water-sports question, or see any of these people again for the rest of my life.
Truth hurts, but sometimes being honest with yourself and to those around you means you can move on with your life and life the life you want to live. Plus, you won’t have to answer another water-sports question again.
6. Money can’t buy everything (Rushmore)
You guys have it real easy. I never had it like this where I grew up. But I send my kids here because the fact is you go to one of the best schools in the country: Rushmore. Now, for some of you it doesn’t matter. You were born rich and you’re going to stay rich. But here’s my advice to the rest of you: Take dead aim on the rich boys. Get them in the crosshairs and take them down. Just remember, they can buy anything but they can’t buy backbone. Don’t let them forget it. Thank you.
Having money is not the be-all and end-all of everything. Whilst you might be able to buy expensive, luxurious things with money you can’t buy life experience and you definitely can’t buy ‘backbone’. Earn your right to be rich in life experience and ambition.
7. Never miss out an opportunity to show love (The Darjeeling Limited)
You’re the two most important people in the world to me. I’ve never said that before, but it’s true, and I want you both to know it. I love you, Peter.
If you like someone, make it clear and tell them just how much they mean to you. You never know when the day might come that you won’t get the chance to tell them this again, and it’s always a nice feeling when someone realizes how much they’re appreciated.
8. Show affection (Moonrise Kingdom)
Wait. Just in case this is a suicide or they capture us and we never see each other again anymore, I just want to say: Thank you for marrying me. I’m glad I got to know you, Suzy.
Sam’s old-fashioned way of showing his affection for Suzy is a lesson we can all learn from. By complimenting and taking an interest in Suzy, we see that true love can conquer all.
9. Being rude is a way of expressing fear (The Grand Budapest Hotel)
Rudeness is merely an expression of fear. People fear they won’t get what they want. The most dreadful and unattractive person only needs to be loved, and they will open up like a flower.
It’s fair to say that anyone with a rude or mean attitude is just openly expressing their fear or anger at not getting what they want. By showing respect and being respectful, you can not only set a good example but also make sure you don’t let it slip that you’re scared.
10. It’s alright to feel good about yourself (Fantastic Mr. Fox)
I think I have this thing where everybody has to think I’m the greatest, the quote unquote ‘Fantastic Mr. Fox’, and if they aren’t completely knocked out and dazzled and slightly intimidated by me, I don’t feel good about myself.
We all have our own goals we want to achieve and an idea of what perceptions we want people to have of us. It’s not a bad thing to want to exceed what people already think of you and to aim high. It’s also totally fine to be able to feel good and believe in yourself. Knowing you can do something, as opposed to doubting yourself, might be the difference between being able to get it done or not.
Featured photo credit: Lucius Kwok via flickr.com
