The Royal Tenenbaums
2002 · Directed by Wes Anderson
Wes Anderson's family-of-geniuses movie. Three former-prodigy adult siblings reunite at the brownstone when their estranged father (Hackman) fakes a terminal illness. Mournful, deadpan, the Anderson aesthetic in its first fully-realized form.
Why It's Cult
The Royal Tenenbaums is the moment Anderson became Anderson — the symmetrical compositions, the typography, the curated soundtrack, the family-as-stage-production conceit. Hackman, in his last great performance, walks off with the movie. Luke Wilson on the bathroom floor. Margot's running list of secret traits. "I'm going to die." The Mark Mothersbaugh score. Whether this or Rushmore is his best is a debate; both answers are correct.
The Plot, Officially
Three grown prodigies, all with a unique genius of some kind, and their mother are staying at the family household. Their father, Royal had left them long ago, and comes back to make things right with his family.
Starring
Gene Hackman, Gwyneth Paltrow, Anjelica Huston
Where to Watch
via JustWatch →
