In this week’s episode, we check in to The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014) and unpack one of Wes Anderson’s most celebrated and stylish films. From the film’s impressive Oscar run to its uniquely vibrant visual language, we explore why this one struck such a chord with both critics and audiences. Was it the storybook aesthetic? The perfectly controlled chaos? Or Ralph Fiennes’ career-defining comic turn as M. Gustave?

We dive into Anderson’s layered storytelling—from the graveyard to Zero’s memories—and how it all serves a deeper theme of nostalgia, memory, and the art of storytelling itself. We also geek out over aspect ratios, I Spy-style set design, and the delicate balance Anderson strikes between auteur vision and audience delight.

Expect sibling banter, some bemused eyebrow analysis, and a spirited debate about whether Grand Budapest is Anderson’s true masterpiece—or just his most crowd-pleasing confection. And of course, we try to guess each other’s star ratings.

All this and more on Crouch Cinema Corner—your weekly film fix with a brotherly twist. 🛎️🍰🎞️