Wes Anderson Premieres The Phoenician Scheme at Cannes

Wes Anderson's 12th feature film, "The Phoenician Scheme," premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and marks both a stylistic continuation and thematic departure for the director, focusing on capitalism through the story of a ruthless European multi-millionaire, played by Benicio del Toro, and his relationship with his soon-to-be-nun daughter. The film is set in 1950 and involves high-stakes business schemes, assassination attempts, and global political intrigue, blending Anderson's signature visual style with a deeper emotional softness and complexity. Critics have noted the film's warm reception compared to Anderson's previous work, with some highlighting its challenging yet breezy portrayal of materialism and enlightenment. The production's meticulous attention to detail is reflected not only in its narrative but also in its elaborate sets built in Berlin's Studio Babelsberg, which are part of a wider exhibition of Anderson's work at Paris's Cinémathèque française. Alongside the stellar cast, including Michael Cera, Tom Hanks, and Bryan Cranston, the film explores darker themes with moments of stark violence and moral ambiguity. Anderson has also commented humorously on contemporary political issues, such as tariffs on foreign films, during the film's press events.