Wes Anderson is one of the most prominent filmmakers out there. With his distinct style and storytelling it’s hard to find a person who isn’t at least a little bit familiar with his work. Whether or not you’re a fan, it’s undeniable that he has created a style and world that is uniquely his. In a time where art is abundant and constantly evolving, Is having a personal style something that should matter to artists and filmmakers? I think it’s a topic worth exploring in today’s post!

The Security of a Personal Style.

What makes Wes Anderson’s style so significant and recognizable? His films contain many intricate details, but there are key elements that make them noteworthy.

Horizontal Movement

Wes Anderson’s films are known for their distinctive wide-short framing and horizontal tracking uses a unique wide-shot frame with horizontal tracking. This technique doesn’t just establish the scene— it positions the audience in a unique viewpoint, placing us on the outside, observing events as they unfold. This almost feels like we are watching a live play, letting the theatricality of each moment take us away. In The Grand Budapest (2014), the iconic wide-shot of the hotel is visually striking, but it also conveys the grandeur and isolation of the resort. These aspects are essential to the suspenseful atmosphere of the film. While other directors experiment with shifting perspectives, Anderson keeps us right where he wants us. Whether we are an omnipresent observers in a wide shot or intimately eavesdropping in a close up, his stylistic decision and consistency gives us that defining visual continuity in his work.

Symmetry

In addition to this horizontal movement, Anderson meticulously constructs his scenes with perfect symmetry. This technique only enhances his wide-shots and makes the world feel deliberate and stylized. In The Royal Tenenbaums (2001), his use of symmetry reinforces the illusion of an idyllic, structured life—only for the characters’ inner turmoil to disrupt that balance. To me, it symbolizes the facades we can create to mask our personal struggles, bringing depth to the visual idealism.

Vibrant Colors

Perhaps one of the most recognizable aspects of a Wes Anderson film is his use of color. This is arguably what most people love about his movies. His masterful use of color theory is both an aesthetically pleasing and story enhancing experience. Anderson’s films often present an idealized version of the world—one that isn’t necessarily realistic but is deeply immersive. For instance, The French Dispatch (2021) alternates between black-and-white and vibrant colors, much of which are within a primary color palette. This contrast builds tension and reflects a shift in eras, reinforcing the film’s themes of journalism, nostalgia, and changing times.

Timing

One of the most fascinating aspects of Wes Anderson’s style is his precise use of timing. Much like in theater, timing in his films feels intentional and carefully orchestrated. This is obviously evident in his more suspenseful films, like The Darjeeling Limited (2007), where characters rely on hard and fast schedules—like the timing of trains—to drive the momentum of the film. Beyond this suspense however, timing is also central to Anderson’s comedic style. His witty, fast-paced dialogue combined with the deliberate rhythm of movement within the set and physicality of his actors demonstrates his mastery of visual storytelling.

It’s All In The Details

Upon understanding these key elements, it’s easy to see that as a director Wes Anderson has a meticulous attention to detail that elevates his films to masterpieces. His style is so well-defined that his films can be compared only to one another. In Asteroid City (2023), his latest film, we see all the hallmarks of his aesthetic. From the carefully designed town—including its signage, roads, and costuming—to the texture of the terrain, everything remains within his distinct visual language. This commitment to detail makes his world feel immersive and transports viewers into his carefully crafted universe.

What lies beneath having a specific filmmaking style?

Wes Anderson isn’t the only director known for a distinctive style. Many acclaimed filmmakers have unique signatures that make their work instantly recognizable—directors like Quentin Tarantino, Martin Scorsese, and Robert Eggers have all cultivated personal aesthetics that set them apart. In an era where true originality is rare, a distinct style allows artists to stand out and share their perspective in an unforgettable way. The importance of telling your story, your way, is immeasurable—because somewhere out there, someone needs to hear it.

Who is your favorite director and why?

Today’s song recommendation is WUSYANAME by Tyler the Creator. (and I obviously recommend watching the music video!)

Thank you, love you

Rae