The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar

As much as this is pure Uncut 1100% pure white as the driven snow Wes Anderson, including one of his most thrilling tracking shots and rear-screen projection that made me laugh hard enough for the neighbors to sit up and probably want to check it out for themselves, it is also a perfect distillation of Roald Dahl's perfectly eccentric and wildly over-elaborate storytelling and construction of one plot into another.

Maybe you haven't read Dahl in a while if you were one of those kids who read him a lot (I know he has a reputation today, but he could objectively write comedy and quirk like nobody's business), but even if that's so the recognition of his voice will come back to you like a long dormant dream. It's also fascinating to see the clockwork-theatrical staging from Asteroid City taken even further. I'd ask him why he doesn't direct theater, but then he would look at me like I was a fool - why do that when he has the overwhelming power of control of the Frame of Cinema at his disposal?

The thing about this Henry Sugar film that I like on top of the perfectly calibrated balancing act between very human comedy and quixotic and deadpan fantasy that we know Anderson can do in his sleep (though I imagine as easy as it looks it takes a lot of concentration to get right with DP Yeoman), the performances are just right and add to the flavor of the piece. Call it shallow, but I just enjoy how soothing the voices of Cumberbatch, Dev Patel, Kingsley and even to an extent Fiennes are, like they could almost be ASMR-ing you with the Dahl words that get spun like a marathon sprinter who is running in this precision that dazzles you because it almost is inexplicable (just like, I might posit for comparison, what the men can see with their eyes closed after concentrating hard for days and years on end).

Last but not least: Benedict Cumberbatch in a dress = most unlikely kind of attractive walking cartoon in a dress since Bugs Bunny.

If Wes Anderson decided to pen a bedtime story, it might just look like "The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar." This 38-minute marvel weaves a tapestry of mystery and whimsy that leaves you both tickled and intrigued.

This isn't a full-blown comedy, but it certainly doesn't shy away from its share of wry humor. The script sprinkles witty quips and playful moments throughout the tale, giving the audience some delightful chuckles. It's a nod to Anderson's signature style - a dash of quirkiness that keeps you grinning.

Benedict, in his first foray into Anderson's cinematic world, shines as Henry Sugar. His portrayal adds depth to this peculiar character, and he's complemented by a stellar supporting cast who bring their own unique flair to the story.

"The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar" exudes a distinct theatrical vibe. The set design and the way the scenes are presented feel like a live theater performance. It's a refreshing departure from the conventional cinematic experience, adding a layer of whimsical charm.

This film doesn't aim to tug at your heartstrings or deliver profound messages; it's here to entertain. It's a bedtime story for the child in all of us, a light-hearted adventure that captivates without overwhelming.

In true Wes Anderson fashion, "The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar" dances to its own whimsical tune, making it a delightful short film that transports you to a world where the ordinary becomes extraordinary.

'The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar' is the first of four shorts by Wes Anderson. This production is the perfect visualization of a book. The transitions are peculiar and they contributed greatly to make the story flow smoothly. The editing was absolutely phenomenal with a few cuts placed in the right moments. The 1.33:1 aspect ratio immersed me even more in the story. All the trademarks of the director are there: the perfect symmetry of the sets, the actor placed exactly in the right spot and the fairy mood. The plot is engaging and exotic. I like the development and I was genuinely curious to see how everything was going to wrap up. This is how you tell a trivial story in an original and fresh way. The cast is composed of many great actors: with a team such as Benedict Cumberbatch, Ralph Fiennes and Ben Kingsley you know that simply you cannot go wrong. All of them have a very pleasant and clean British accent, which for me is an added value. My final mark is 7.5 stars out of 10.

I have not read The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar by Roald Dahl, so I was unsure what to expect from this short film, but I was pleasantly surprised. The plot follows Henry Sugar when he finds a book about man who could see with his eyes closed, and from there, Henry Sugar attempts to learn how to do the same. The art style and direction of the film is unlike anything I have watched before thanks to Wes Anderson's directing. Benedict Cumberbatch is fantastic as Henry Sugar, and I quite liked the supporting cast as well. The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar is worth watching, and you will not regret spending the time on this book to film adaptation.

"This is a terrific piece of book-to-film adaptation", I cried. "I read the book in preparation for the film and I can say with utmost certainty that...", I drank a cup of water to catch my breath, "...that almost every piece of dialogue in the film, not counting the name changes, are almost word for word from the book", I stood up from my chair and slowly applauded for the film, "Indubitably Anderson's most loquacious and experimental work to date. The way he plays with the medium of storytelling is admirable at least. Unfortunately this unorthodox storytelling style is not for every sophisticated individual in the planet", I sat down and happily sighed. "I hope to see this marvelous short film again in the future"