Spoilers for ‘Asteroid City’
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Wes Anderson is popularly known for his distinctive visual style, meticulous set designs, and whimsical storytelling. His latest sci-fi comedy addition, ‘Asteroid City’ features a play within a play within a play. The movie is not a coincidental masterpiece but rather a meticulously crafted piece of art that stands as one of the most enjoyable movies of the current decade, yet failed to deliver the utmost sense of narrative.
‘Asteroid City’ starts with a black-and-white scene featuring Bryan Cranston as a TV host reminiscent of Rod Serling. The show he hosts is a teleplay based on an unreleased script by playwright Conrad Earp. In a filmed stage play, Jason Schwartzman's character auditions for Earp in his apartment. Then, the story transitions to a different universe with an expanded aspect ratio and pastel colors. Schwartzman's character becomes Augie Steenbeck, a widowed war photographer driving through an artificial-looking landscape that couldn't exist on a stage. The scenery includes matte paintings and cutout props, but also vast empty spaces. This new representational zone creates a world that feels as real and inescapable for the characters as our own reality. Nevertheless, Anderson’s work portrayed a gorgeous gallery of people, each navigating their own roles and striving to live authentically. What explains Anderson's apparent shift in perspective? Perhaps it is because, despite his inclination for caustic humor and absurdity, he has discovered a newfound appreciation for the vastness of the universe, a subject that he can't simply ridicule. Similar to Woodrow, he is searching for the true purpose and significance of life.
‘Asteroid City’: A masterpiece with soulless storytelling
In the year 1955, Augie embarks on a journey with his three young daughters and teenage son, Woodrow, to the secluded town of Asteroid City. They are heading there for a science convention where Woodrow is set to receive an award for his project. Alongside other families, they gather in the desert to witness a rare celestial event, celebrate the accomplishments of the young Stargazers, and interact with military and scientific representatives. Among the attendees is Midge Campbell, a famous actress, and her daughter Dinah, who develops a mutual attraction with Woodrow.
While the focus initially revolves around the complexities of these two families, the story expands to include a diverse range of secondary characters. These characters bring humor and amusement to the narrative but lack the depth and complexity of the main families. They include disaffected suburban parents, a schoolteacher and cowboy, and an ever-cheerful motel manager. Notably, Tom Hanks makes a notable appearance as the wealthy father of Augie's late wife, offering a warm contrast to the overall emotionally distant atmosphere.
If the film had maintained a tighter focus on the intricate dynamics of the troubled families, it could have become Wes Anderson's most emotionally authentic work. However, the story broadens its scope, incorporating a larger ensemble cast that, while entertaining, detracts from the emotional depth of the main characters.
Conrad Earp’s story
Conrad Earp, portrayed by Edward Norton, is a complex and talented playwright who faces challenges in bringing the play Asteroid City to fruition. The story is narrated by the Host, played by Bryan Cranston. As Earp works on the play, he finds a connection with Augie, played by Jones Hall. However, nobody seems to fully understand Earp, including his lover and the cast of the play. Jones, who tries to authentically portray Augie's grief as a widower, struggles to grasp the depths of Augie's emotions. This leads him to break the fourth wall and question Earp about Augie's experiences, seeking a deeper understanding.On the other hand, Earp immerses himself in Augie's character and gains insight into his pain. However, this intense focus limits Earp's exploration of the rest of the play. When Earp encounters writer's block while creating a scene about sleep and the mysterious nature of the asteroid, he enlists the help of the cast and crew. Through improvisation, they collaborate to develop the scene, showcasing different writing and production styles within the play. Six months later, after the successful performances of Asteroid City, Earp tragically passes away at the age of 50 in a car accident, leaving behind his artistic legacy.
How does it end for Augie Steenbeck and Midge Campbell?
During the absurdity of alien sightings and the impact on relationships, Wes Anderson also portrays a dark yet humorous romantic story between two single parents, Augie and Midge. Augie, recently widowed and struggling to tell his children about their mother's death, carries her ashes in Tupperware. He allows his children to process the news in their own way while he tries to distract himself and enjoy the sights of Asteroid City. Then enters Midge, a charming actress accompanying her daughter Dinah to the convention. Midge approaches pain in a bizarre manner, using her ex-husband's violence as inspiration for her acting and being indifferent to scenes requiring nudity or portraying death. When Augie takes Midge's photograph without permission, claiming his role as a war photographer leaves no room for such formalities, Midge develops a twisted connection to him. Augie becomes infatuated with Midge, even though he doesn't fully comprehend her. They form a tentative friendship, with Augie helping Midge practice her lines and Midge becoming a muse for him. Their relationship takes a sexual turn, although it is not explicitly shown onscreen but implied through encounters with others.
In the epilogue, after the second quarantine is lifted, everyone departs, including Midge. Only Augie and his family remain. Although he doesn't reveal his disappointment, Augie is pleased to discover that Midge has left her address for him at the post box, hinting at the possibility of continuing their connection.
‘Asteroid City’ opens in the US on June 16, 2023 and worldwide on June 23, 2023.
