Wes Anderson's Fantastic Mr Fox (20th Century Fox 2009)

ANIMATED films have become such hi-tech, cutting-edge extravaganzas that it is extremely refreshing to encounter something as hand-crafted and traditional as Fantastic Mr Fox.

Wes Anderson’s adaptation of the Roald Dahl classic has the look of something that could have been made on Blue Peter with pipe cleaners, buttons and little swatches of multi-coloured cloth. It is unashamedly quirky, endearing and should appeal equally to children and adults.

Anderson is best known for films like Rushmore and The Royal Tenenbaums, and brings his own sensibility to bear on Dahl’s world, transforming the children’s favourite into a typical Anderson tale of fractured families, dysfunctional children and long-suffering matriarchs.

George Clooney provides the voice of Mr. Fox, a sly smoothie who is as dapper and conceited as a matinee idol. He has promised his wife Felicity (Meryl Streep) to stop pursuing a life of adventure and stealing chickens. From now on he will become a perfect family man, staying at home and earning his living as a newspaper columnist.

Old habits die hard. Though, and he can’t resist the chance to cross swords with a trio of vile farmers Boggis, Bunce and Bean. Along the way he will place the entire animal population in jeopardy but also make a lasting connection with his misfit cub Ash (Jason Schwartzman).†

Fantastic Mr Fox has real old-fashioned charm but isn’t all sweetness and light. It does acknowledge that foxes are wild animals and that some of their table manners leave a lot to be desired.

The actors are well chosen with Clooney conveying all the smooth-talking smarminess of Fox, Meryl Streep oozing weary stoicism and Jason Schwartzman adding all the petulance of a neglected child fuming at an unjust world. Familiar human emotions, dry humour and painstaking stop-motion animation all combine to make this a distinctive, endearing achievement.

Nationwide release

Director: Wes Anderson
Vocal cast: George Clooney, Meryl Streep, Bill Murray, Jason Schwartzman, Michael Gambon, Jarvis Cocker
Screenwriter: Wes Anderson based on the book by Roald Dahl
Certificate: PG
Running time:† 87 mins
Country: UK/USA
Year: 2009

© Allan Hunter, 2009

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