A new book from Christophe Narbonne offers a deep dive into every Wes Anderson film, episode and short — from classics such as “Rushmore” to newer favorites like “Asteroid City.”
The 288-page book officially comes out Sept. 9 and is part of the “All the Films” series, which so far include analyses and commentary on the films of Steven Spielberg, Alfred Hitchcock and, now, Anderson. You can pre-order Anderson’s edition of “All the Films” on Amazon and Target for $40 starting today.
Organized chronologically, the book displays Narbonne’s years of research and film expertise to cover every short film and movie that Anderson has ever directed, including behind-the-scenes stories of how each project was conceived, cast and produced. Narbonne also explores the director’s unique filmmaking style, his relationship with regular cast members like Owen Wilson and Bill Murray and his stories’ recurring themes. It also includes hundreds of photographs to celebrate the visual imagery that has made Anderson a cult favorite director.
Most recently, Anderson transported viewers to a delightfully eccentric world once again in “Phoenician Scheme,” which landed an impressive 6.5-minute standing ovation at Cannes this week.
“The Phoenician Scheme” stars del Benicio del Toro as business magnate Zsa-zsa Korda, who happens to be one of the richest men in Europe. Mia Threapleton stars as his daughter, a nun named Sister Liesel, with Michael Cera making his long-awaited Wes Anderson movie debut as her tutor Bjorn Lund. The high-wattage film also features Tom Hanks, Bryan Cranston, Jeffrey Wright, Riz Ahmed, Scarlett Johansson, Richard Ayoade, Mathieu Amalric, Rupert Friend, Hope Davis and Benedict Cumberbatch, all of whom have starred in at least one previous Anderson feature.
The film won’t hit theaters until June, though, so check out our ultimate Wes Anderson gift guide to tide you over until then:
‘Asteroid City’
Courtesy of Amazon
The meta nature of “Asteroid City” is highlighted in this companion book, which is the literal screenplay of Wes Anderson’s upcoming film but also the fictional screenplay if the “hypothetical play” from which the film is adapted. Like the movie, the screenplay centers on the annual Junior Stargazer/Space Cadet convention in a fictional desert town, which is spectacularly disrupted by world-changing events.
‘The Wes Anderson Collection: The French Dispatch’
The latest volume in the bestelling “Wes Anderson Collection” series is finally here, an official behind-the-scenes companion to Anderson’s tenth feature film “The French Dispatch.” In the 256-page tome everything that goes into bringing Anderson’s trademark style, meticulous compositions, and exacting production design to the screen is revealed in detail. Written by film and television critic and New York Times bestselling author Matt Zoller Seitz, The Wes Anderson Collection: The French Dispatch presents the complete story behind the film’s conception, anecdotes about the making of the film and behind-the-scenes photos, production materials and artwork.
‘Do Not Detonate’
Courtesy of Amazon
“Asteroid City” is accompanied by yet another companion book in this collection of work that inspired Wes Anderson’s newest film. The book compiles new and classic writing on mid-century cinema and the American West, in addition to an exclusive interview with Anderson in which the director details how each piece influenced the characters, stories and settings in the film.
‘Accidentally Wes Anderson’
Courtesy of Amazon
A No 1 bestseller since coming out in 2020, this captivating photo book is a celebration of the stunning visual imagery Wes Anderson is known for. Part travel guide and part visual adventure, the stunning book includes more than 200 of the most beautiful, most idiosyncratic and most “Wes Anderson-esque” destinations across the globe, known for their quirky landscapes and cinematic aesthetics. Anderson helped Koval in curating the destinations featured on every page, accompanied by the very real, human stories behind each photo.
Hard Apple Cider Making Kit
Courtesy of Shop Terrain
Take some notes from Franklin Bean this fall by making your very own alcoholic cider. While this DIY kit won’t be able to ferment and brew hard cider in mere seconds like the magical machine in “Fantastic Mr. Fox,” it comes pretty close. This all-in-one kit includes all the equipment needed to make up to three batches of delicious, bubbly alcoholic cider at home, in addition to ten, non twist-off bottles. Pair it with this sleek carafe to rival Mr. Bean’s cider jugs.
Mendl’s Mug
Courtesy of Etsy
While it may be hard to recreate the delicious cream-filled pastries, called the Courtesan au Chocolat, from “The Grand Budapest Hotel,” you can still take a trip to the whimsical Mendl’s Bakery with this classic pink mug.
Max Fischer’s Red Beret
Everett Collection
(c)Buena Vista Pictures/courtesy Everett Collection
No one pulls off a red beret better than Rushmore Academy’s Max Fischer, the eccentric 15 year-old at the center of Anderson’s beloved 1998 film. Whether you want to dress up as the Jason Schwartzman character for Halloween or feel like adding a Parisian twist to your style, you can’t go wrong with a classic red beret.
‘Bottle Rocket’ The Criterion Collection Blu-ray (33% Off)
Courtesy of Amazon
Courtesy of Amazon
Any Wes Anderson fan has a special place in their heart for “Bottle Rocket,” the acclaimed director’s first feature film from 1996, starring Owen and Luke Wilson. This Criterion Collection Blu-Ray set features commentary by Anderson and co-writer Owen Wilson, in addition to a documentary about the making of “Bottle Rocket,” directed by filmmaker Barry Braverman. Plus, the box set includes 11 deleted scenes and a booklet featuring an essay by executive producer James L. Brooks.
‘The Royal Tenenbaums’ Zebra Print Wallpaper (25% Off)
Courtesy of Amazon
Aside from Ben Stiller’s red tracksuit and Gwenyth Paltrow’s fur coat, one of the most memorable visual elements from Anderson’s 2001 film are the heavily decorated walls. Now, you can bring the stunning “Royal Tenenbaums” aesthetic into your own home with this stick-and-peel version of Margot Tenenbaum’s distinct zebra-printed wallpaper.
Francoise Hardy Vinyl Album (15% Off)
Courtesy of Amazon
The Anderson soundtrack is known for injecting the perfect mood-setting French track whether it’s the Yves Montand “Rue St. Vincent” mix tape Max plays in “Rushmore,” Joe Dassin’s “Les Champs-Elysees” from “The Darjeeling Limited” or Francoise Hardy’s “Le temps de l’amour” in the delightful “Moonrise Kingdom” beach dance off. So for the super in-the-know why not purchase a record with the track for your favorite Anderson obsessive. And if you can find a vinyl print of “The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra” (also featured in “Moonrise Kingdom”) please let me know!
‘The Making of Fantastic Mr. Fox’
Courtesy of Amazon
Perfect for Roald Dahl and Wes Anderson fans alike, this comprehensive coffee table book dives into the making of Anderson’s adaptation of Dahl’s beloved children’s book from 1970. The Oscar-nominated film is a departure from Anderson’s usual style of filmmaking, which is why the behind-the-scenes look featured in these pages, from set photos to shot analyses, are so intriguing for big Anderson fans.
Read More: 22 Coffee Table Books for Movie and TV Lovers
‘The Wes Anderson Collection’
Courtesy of Amazon
The essence of a few of his beloved films — “Bottle Rocket,” “Rushmore,” “The Royal Tenenbaums,” “The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou,” “The Darjeeling Limited,” “Fantastic Mr. Fox” and “Moonrise Kingdom” — is captured in this New York Times bestselling overview. The book is written by film and television critic Matt Zoller Seitz with an introduction by Michael Chabon.
Richie Tenenbaum Turntable Slipmat
Courtesy of Etsy
Tennis prodigy Richie Tenenabaum is one of Wes Anderson’s most likable protagonists, an impressive feat considering his many vices and troubling obsession with his adopted step-sister Margot, played by Gwyneth Paltrow. But it’s almost impossible for his quirky demeanor to not elicit empathy from anyone who saw the 2001 film. Any vinyl-spinning “Royal Tenenbaums” fan will adore this cork mat turntable slider, featuring a black-and-white silhouette of the memorable Luke Wilson character, clad in his signature sunglasses and headband. Those without a record player may prefer this cozy Tenenbaum crewneck sweatshirt, perfect for colder weather.
‘The Grand Budapest Hotel: The Illustrated Screenplay’
Courtesy of Amazon
“The Grand Budapest Hotel” is peak Wes Anderson, filled to the brim with rich colors and arresting visuals that transport viewers to the fictional country of Zubrowka in the 1930s where an unassuming concierge boy Gustave becomes a prime suspect in a mysterious murder. Any film lover will appreciate this visual screenplay, which takes readers through every action-packed scene line by line, accompanied by the best shots and images from the film.
Wes Anderson Minimalist Posters – Set of 9
Courtesy of Etsy
These minimalist prints are a perfect edition to any office or reading room, offering unique visual takes on the movie posters of Anderson’s most famous films such as “The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou,” “Moonrise Kingdom” and “Rushmore,” among others. Approximately 16″ by 12″, you can curate an entire Wes Anderson-themed wall or disperse them in different areas of the house. Plus, the nine-poster set is currently half off for a limited time.
Grand Budapest Hotel Notepad Set
Courtesy of Amazon
While you can’t book a room at the gorgeous hotel at the center of Wes Anderson’s 2014 film, you can at least collect some of the stylish props featured in the fictional set. Jot down grocery lists and notes in style with this pink notepad, inspired by the highly stylized imagery in “The Grand Budapest Hotel.”
