In the world of cinema, it is a necessity to adhere to certain rules of framing and organization of camera shots. The most common of these rules is the Rule of Thirds, which involves placing the subject and subsequent background objects on the third lines of the screen. This concept can be found in almost every film and shot, and has become a sort of industry standard in balancing scenes. How, then, has director Wes Anderson completely abandoned and revolutionized this once universal concept?

Wes Anderson, American filmmaker and eccentric auteur, is known for his “Andersonian” composition technique that places his subjects in the dead center of the frame. While the concept may seem boring and simplistic in theory, Anderson executes each shot–complete with stunning cinematography, color schemes, costumes, and lighting–with grace and style, creating a film experience completely unique to his movies. As noted by Film Inquiry’s article published in May 2020, entitled “Wes Anderson & the ‘Andersonian Style’ of Framing,” “Anderson has not only established a firm and compelling stylistic approach to filmmaking, but has also created art, in every definition of the word. His films are filmically and stylistically challenging, full of expression, intensely engaging, with shots dripping in meaning and subtext…and in the end, simply beautiful” (Linford). From the stop-motion whimsy of Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009) to the eccentric yet deeply satisfying The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014), Anderson has established himself in the film world as a rule-breaker, a revolutionary, and a genius.

In addition to his groundbreaking use of center-focus shots, Anderson has also directed and written classics that will be discussed and cherished for decades to come. Moonrise Kingdom (2012) was an integral part of my own childhood, and explores universal themes of love, adventure, and growing up. The Grand Budapest Hotel experiments with non-linear storytelling, and provides a captivating insight into the world of hotel lobby boys and the effects of the passage of time. In all of his films, Anderson provides a cinematic experience unlike any other, and has left a permanent mark on the world of filmmaking.

Source:

Linford, Ben. “Wes Anderson & the ‘Andersonian Style’ of Framing”. Film Inquiry. 20 May 2020. https://www.filminquiry.com/wes-anderson-framing/.