SEC feature presentation: ‘The Royal Tenenbaums’

By MICHAEL D. LOVULLO

Staff Writer

For an alternative to the Meg Ryan-style romance flicks or slapstick Jim Carrey comedies, director Wes Anderson (Rushmore) offers a unique piece, unparallel to modern film production.

In his latest movie, The Royal Tenenbaums (playing in the SEC Theatre from Feb. 21 to 23), Anderson gives a post-adolescent look at an elitist, dysfunctional family.

Spawning into early adults, from its genius youth, Anderson’s Tenenbaum crowd closely parallels J.D. Salinger’s Glass family, with close similarities tying Margot Tenenbaum and Salinger’s Zooey Glass.

Ex-tennis superstar Richie Tenenbaum (Luke Wilson of Legally Blonde) is transfixed on his adopted sister, Margot (Gwyneth Paltrow). Recently widowed business tycoon Chas Tenenbaum (Ben Stiller) suffers throughout with his disposition toward his compassionless/sincere predecessor, Royal (Gene Hackman). Margot, struggling from marriage to marriage, coherent of her underplayed past, remains reluctant to let anyone understand her reclusive/sexually indulgent being. Elijah ‘Eli’ Cash (Owen Wilson), the drug-induced counterpart to Richie, in love with Margot, yet displaced from the family dynamic, remains hysterical throughout the film. Recently ejected from his hotel residence, Royal seeks to correct his previous wrongs and make new with his family.

Dedicated to the children as always, Etheline ‘Ethel’ Tenenbaum (Angelica Huston of The Addams Family) opens her residence so the family can regain its balance in life, during troubled times, together.

The film draws its laughter from the characters’ unconventional lifestyle and the way in which they interact. Audiences will find themselves laughing at inappropriate junctures in the film, as the humor is thought out on many levels.

For instance, in a flashback scene showing Richie’s defeat in his final tennis match, he throws his racket, sits on the court and takes off his shoes. The removal of the shoes is important later in the film; when Cash meets his demise, the shoes are removed as well. Laughter strikes in three places: twice for each time the shoes are inappropriately removed and seconds after the second removal, when the audience realizes the filmmaker’s unparalleled wit.

The movie can also be viewed as romances between Richie and Margot, Ethel and the family accountant, Henry Sherman (Danny Glover), and Royal and his family. They are unconventional on all accounts: the first between (non-blood) siblings, the second between old friends and the third from one man to the ranging personalities of his family.

Fans of the previous works of the filmmakers (Anderson and Wilson) will note similarities among the three films. Mark Mothersbaugh (formerly of Devo) once again creates the original score, a bit part is reserved for the third Wilson brother, Andrew (as Margot’s actual father), aerial shots of personal tables are used and the noted color scheme is affluent throughout.

If it is an ensemble cast in rare form that triggers your interest, then the Academy Award-nominated (Best Screenplay) The Royal Tenenbaums is a perfect viewing choice.