Wes Anderson’s 2014 film, The Grand Budapest Hotel, is a visual feast for the eyes. From its whimsical set design to its eccentric characters, every element of the film is carefully crafted to create a unique and visually striking experience. One of the most notable aspects of the film is its use of color. Anderson is known for his use of vivid and bold colors in his films, but The Grand Budapest Hotel takes it to another level. In this article, we will delve into the significance of color in the film and how it enhances the storytelling.
The film is set in the fictional European country of Zubrowka during the early 20th century. Each location in the film has its own distinct color palette, which helps to establish the different worlds within the story. The hotel itself is a vibrant pink and stands out among the muted colors of the surrounding buildings. This is a deliberate choice by Anderson to make the hotel a symbol of luxury and extravagance in an otherwise drab town.
The color palette of the film is heavily influenced by the work of legendary filmmaker Ernst Lubitsch, particularly his 1939 film The Shop Around the Corner. Anderson wanted to pay homage to this classic film and decided to use its signature color scheme of pink, purple, and red. These colors are prominently featured throughout the film, from the costumes to the set design, creating a cohesive and visually stunning world.
One of the most striking uses of color in The Grand Budapest Hotel is the changing color scheme throughout the different time periods in the story. The film is told in a nonlinear structure, jumping between three different time periods – 1932, 1968, and 1985. Each time period has its own distinct color palette, reflecting the changing political climate in Zubrowka. In 1932, when the hotel was at its peak, the colors are vibrant and warm, representing a time of prosperity and wealth. In 1968, during the height of communism in Zubrowka, the colors become more muted and somber, reflecting the decline of the hotel and the country. And in 1985, when the hotel is in a state of decay, the colors are dull and washed out, mirroring the bleakness of the characters’ lives.
Furthermore, each character in the film is associated with a specific color, adding another layer to the storytelling. The protagonist, Gustave H., is always seen wearing a purple suit, which represents his flamboyant and larger-than-life personality. His sidekick, Zero, wears a mustard yellow suit, symbolizing his loyalty and innocence. The villain, Dmitri, is associated with the color red, representing his power-hungry and ruthless nature.
The use of color in The Grand Budapest Hotel goes beyond just aesthetics; it also helps to convey the emotional depth of the story. Anderson often uses color to create a sense of nostalgia and melancholy. The use of muted colors in the scenes set in 1968 and 1985 evokes a sense of longing for the past and highlights the loss of something once beautiful and grand.
In contrast, the vibrant colors in the scenes set in 1932 evoke a sense of joy and wonder, transporting the audience to a time of opulence and extravagance. This contrast between the past and present adds another layer of meaning to the story, emphasizing the fleeting nature of time and how things can change in an instant.
In conclusion, The Grand Budapest Hotel is a masterful example of how color can be used to enhance storytelling. From establishing distinct worlds within the film to conveying emotions and themes, every aspect of color in the film is carefully considered and executed. It is a testament to Anderson’s attention to detail and his ability to create a visual language that is uniquely his own. The use of color in The Grand Budapest Hotel is not only aesthetically pleasing but also adds depth and meaning to the story, making it a truly unforgettable cinematic experience.
