The Cineaste Interview

Another offbeat production by the wonderful Wes Anderson. With it’s deadpan sensibility combined with both the joys and terrors of childhood displayed by the beautifully measured acting of the central characters; Kara Hayward and Jared Gilman, the film manages to explore the adventures of adolescence in a quirky and evocative way.

The enchanting cinematography draws the viewer along with each frame set perfectly, with an abundance of pop-cultural references with the excruciatingly detailed set designs. Each shot seems to have been peeled from the front of a postcard, enticing the viewer further into the narrative. 

The young, and seemingly inexperienced actors playing the lead roles may appear emotionless and unaffecting to some, however to others and myself, they present a canvas to which the spectator can mirror their own experience of growing up, upon. 

The adult characters, the enchantingly droll Bill Murray as well as Edward Norton and Bruce Willis, all seem to be ‘big kids’, all miss something, or travel through a trajectory of ‘self discovery’ as do the children as the narrative proceeds. 

Moonrise Kingdom explores the trials of growth, within a confined island, within controlled and restrictive frames the auteur creates. This contrast between the intricate patterns of human behaviour and the control of their environment refers to the larger overarching thematic concern relating to our lives.

But one thing remains clear, that the nostalgic story told with whimsy and compassion is enough to charm anybody into remembering a more innocent time, when they really knew how to live. 

(Source: moonrisekingdom.com)