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法蘭西特派週報【典藏劇本集】

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電影的藝術

始於劇本與影像之間的距離

讀大師的劇本原作

發掘從文字進化為電影的祕密



當代最具「導演印記」、舉世無雙的魏斯.安德森

超越《歡迎來到布達佩斯大飯店》

迄今內容最濃稠、結構最複雜的劇本

.《電影筆記》(Cahiers du Cinéma)2021年度十大佳片

.《紐約客》(The New Yorker)、《前進》(The Forward)2021年度最佳影片

.2021坎城影展競賽片,美國編劇工會(Writers Guild of America)暨各大影評人協會最佳原創劇本獎入圍

.英國電影協會(British Film Institute)、美國權威影評網站 IndieWire、Esquire、Vogue等雜誌2021「年度電影」榜單



靈感來自美國老牌文化雜誌《紐約客》,電影裡的《法蘭西特派週報》是一份於20世紀初外駐於法國虛構小鎮「安努伊」(法語「無聊」之意)的美國報刊。全片透過四篇刊登在雜誌上的專欄文章,講述報社員工與法國當地發生的趣聞軼事。比爾.墨瑞飾演《法蘭西特派週報》創辦人兼總編輯,某日因心臟病發、突然過世。根據他的遺囑,編輯部將當周預定發布的週報定為熄燈號,刊登一篇旅遊專欄、三篇獨立報導與訃聞……

本片以充滿安德森風格的影像模擬雜誌的型態,巧妙串聯了披著「報導」外衣的三個可愛又荒謬、令人拍案叫絕的精彩故事,也再度雲集跨世代金獎帝后跑龍套或尬演技,齊聚於魏斯.安德森旗下!



「魏斯安德森教徒」必收!



集編、導於一身+舉世聞名的細節控,

魏斯.安德森的劇本怎麼寫?



■他的劇本和電影的距離有多遠?

Story #1:〈具體藝術傑作〉

當囚犯畫家羅森塔爾(班尼西歐.戴托羅飾)和他的繆思女神、也就是獄卒西蒙(蕾雅.瑟杜飾)裸身躺在一堆床單和抹布之間,西蒙斷然拒絕他的求婚後,黑白影片中的羅森塔爾視角裡的天花板在劇本裡是怎樣的光景,竟讓他驀地開口要求席夢提供畫筆、畫布、顏料等工具,為了畫出他的「未來」(也就是席夢)?



■無數細節在電影裡被一個畫面帶過……

Story #2:〈政治宣言的修訂版〉

「不開玩笑」(Le Sans Blague)咖啡館裡不知天高地厚的大學生,魏斯.安德森不只為他們安排了誇張的髮型、滑稽的熱舞、假掰的手勢,還有彈珠台上裝飾著「現代物理學」字樣和原子/分子符號、服務生手上端著疊了三層高的雙份濃縮咖啡、小黑板上本來寫著「今日特餐」被改成「法舌狗屎三明治」(French Tongue on Shit Sandwich),還有男孩子穿著羊毛長大衣、雙釦斜紋軟呢西裝、露腳踝的合身九分褲,女孩子穿著針織短洋裝、芭蕾平底便鞋和貼身連衣褲,以及每個大學生手上「都拿著一本艱澀難讀的平裝書」……



■連運鏡、場面調度(mise en scène)都不放過的劇本!

Story #3:〈警察局長的私人餐廳〉

劇本指示鏡頭由帶領記者羅巴克,切換到尾隨羅巴克,再以蒙太奇手法呈現警局內部配置。電影中,鏡頭由右向左推移從案件調度中心到健身房、靶場、變裝道具室,一路直到「一號雞舍」;到了故事後半,劇本介紹綁匪大本營的角色出場,鏡頭改為由左往右推移,一路直到歌舞女郎負責看守的衣櫃間……這兩段前、後對稱/對立(警察vs.黑幫)的推軌鏡頭,在劇本中就寫定了嗎?



宛如雜誌翻頁動作的鏡頭、天外飛來一筆的手繪動畫……衛斯.安德森不只用電影工具創造了接近紙張的閱讀體驗,更雕琢出獨屬於魏斯.安德森的影像美學。



劇本,是理解大師思想與技藝的說明書



比電影更豐富、更幽默犀利

給你1000%的魏斯.安德森



■本書特色

1.收錄16張全彩劇照。

2.原版電影海版封面(Indiewire選出2020年最佳海報之一)





《爛番茄》(Rotten Tomatoes):「《法蘭西特派週報》是寫給紙媒精神的一封情書,也將是讓魏斯.安德森粉絲最享受、投入其一絲不苟美學的一部作品。」

《好萊塢報導》(The Hollywood Reporter):「雖然《法蘭西特快週報》看上去像一部沒有強大主題的小品文選集,但安德森對文字的真心摯愛,還有那些將生涯獻給寫作的古怪角色,都為這部片的每時每刻增添光彩。」

《衛報》(The Guardian):「這或許不是魏斯.安德森的登頂之作,但它每分每秒營造的歡樂與笑聲,是給我們所有觀眾的難得款待。」

312 pages, Paperback

Published April 10, 2023

41 people are currently reading
834 people want to read

About the author

Wes Anderson

49 books398 followers
Wesley Wales Anderson is an American director, writer, and producer of features, short films and commercials. He was nominated for a 2001 Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for The Royal Tenenbaums.

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5 stars
121 (46%)
4 stars
102 (38%)
3 stars
28 (10%)
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10 (3%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
Profile Image for tea.
279 reviews102 followers
January 29, 2022
vazda mi još samo iz kuhinje nije izašao - simpatičan je ves anderson, priznaćemo mu to. užasno me umara čitanje scenarija, zamislite pisanje tek; za mubi notebook je dao jedan lep intervju, kome se čita nek mi piše da skeniram!
Profile Image for Joe.
22 reviews
January 6, 2022
impressive how precise he is when translating the intricacies of his writing to his movies
Profile Image for Sara.
268 reviews1 follower
April 16, 2022
I don't know if all scripts are this fun to read or if it was just because it was written by Wes Anderson but I thoroughly enjoyed reading this!

#IndigoEmployee
Profile Image for Dor..
205 reviews
November 14, 2021
"It burns in your throat, boils in your stomach, and tastes almost exactly like pure, melted gold."

-Mr. Fox, Fantastic Mr. Fox
Profile Image for Robin (Bee).
12 reviews3 followers
June 28, 2022
Reading this was just as fun as watching the film was!
Profile Image for angelinakahlo.
133 reviews7 followers
November 4, 2022
One of my all time favorite movies, by one of my all time favorite directors.
Anderson's ability to tell stories and his aesthetic approach to making films is what gets me every time!
Profile Image for Juniperus.
489 reviews18 followers
January 16, 2023
In screenwriting, there is a common wisdom that 1 page = 1 minute of screentime. Obviously, exceptions are found more often than not, usually in the direction of underestimation. Todd Field included in his very spartan screenplay, “Based on this script’s page count, it would be reasonable to assume that the total running time for TÁR will be well under two hours. However, this will not be a reasonable film.” The French Dispatch is interesting, because it’s the first time I’ve seen it the other way around — the film itself is a reasonable length, under two hours, but the script clocks in at over 130 pages! This can be attributed to how visually dense the film is, and the script makes that very clear. The film, while not my favorite of Anderson’s is delightful to watch, but there really isn’t much point to reading the script because everything is as he imagined it. I found myself skimming over dense paragraphs of detailed description, because I knew that everything was exactly as it appears in its final version onscreen. The one detail that’s interestingly omitted is whether characters are speaking French or English — for such a bilingual film, I wonder how they handled the logistics there. Though I liked the film, I’m not sure how much I learned about it from reading this, let alone about the craft of screenwriting, and as there are very few supplemental notes on the production, I would say skip this unless it is of value to you as a collector’s item.
23 reviews
June 22, 2023
“ Impossible to fact-check. He changes all the names and only writes about hobos, pimps, and junkies. These are his people”.
-Wes Anderson, The French Dispatch

Introduction:
Wes Anderson's The French Dispatch takes readers on a whimsical journey through the pages of an imaginary magazine set in the fictional French town of Ennui-sur-Blasé. Known for his distinctive visual style and idiosyncratic storytelling, Anderson brings his signature charm to the written word, weaving together a collection of quirky tales that explore the human condition with wit and panache. The book is a delightful homage to the world of journalism, dedicated to real writers, particularly those from The New Yorker, whom Anderson admired. Filled with endearing characters, vivid descriptions, and a narrative structure that captures the essence of Anderson's artistic vision, it is a testament to the power of storytelling.

“ All artists sell their work. It’s what makes you an artist, selling it. If you don’t wish to sell it, don’t paint it”.
-Wes Anderson, The French Dispatch

Summary:
The overarching story opens after the death of Aurthur Howitzer Jr., the founder of The French Dispatch of The Liberty, Kansas Evening Sun, an American magazine based in a fictional French city called Ennui-sur-Blasé. Beginning with a short bike-led tour of the city of Ennui-sur-Blasé called “The Cycling Journalist”, the book acts as a collection of The French Dispatch’s best stories published in the magazine’s final issue. A different journalist writes each story and explores various aspects of life and culture in the city.

"The Concrete Masterpiece": This story revolves around an imprisoned artist named Moses Rosenthaler, who creates intricate and mesmerizing murals on the walls of his cell. The tale follows his journey from obscurity to artistic acclaim and his work's impact on the art world.

"Revisions to a Manifesto": This story centers on student protests and political unrest in Ennui-sur-Blasé during the 1960s. It explores the clash between the young revolutionaries and the establishment, highlighting their ideologies, motivations, and the consequences of their actions.

"The Private Dining Room of the Police Commissioner": Here, the narrative focuses on the gastronomic delights of Ennui-sur-Blasé, specifically the legendary police commissioner's private dining room. It delves into the culinary world, examining the intricacies of the meals prepared and the significance of the rituals associated with dining.

These stories, presented within the book's framework, showcase Wes Anderson's signature storytelling style, characterized by quirky characters, whimsical settings, and meticulous attention to detail. Through these interconnected narratives, "The French Dispatch" offers a multi-faceted exploration of art, politics, cuisine, and journalism in the charmingly eccentric world of Ennui-sur-Blasé.

Character:
While The French Dispatch lacks a singular central character, the ensemble cast of the magazine's staff provides a fascinating mosaic of personalities. Each character, including the newspaper founder Author Howitzer Jr., brings their unique quirks and idiosyncrasies to the table, contributing to the overall charm and depth of the book. From the stoic and introspective editor-in-chief to the resourceful and fiercely determined journalist, and the naive but passionate young writer, Anderson crafts a cast of characters that are simultaneously relatable and eccentric. Through their interactions and personal journeys, the reader gains insight into the complexities and contradictions of the human spirit.

“ People may or may not be threatened by your anger, your hatred, your pride. But love the wrong way, and you will find yourself in great jeopardy”.
-Wes Anderson, The French Dispatch

Author:
Wes Anderson's distinct style permeates every page of The French Dispatch. His penchant for meticulous visual details and carefully composed shots translates seamlessly into his writing, creating vivid and evocative descriptions. Anderson's voice shines through the narrative, marked by dry wit, whimsical humor, and an affectionate portrayal of human foibles. His characters speak in quirky dialogue, peppered with offbeat observations and offhand remarks that reveal their idiosyncrasies.

Anderson's personal life and experiences undoubtedly influence his storytelling. Known for his meticulous attention to detail and his penchant for visual storytelling, he brings a unique narrative voice to the world of literature. His fascination with human oddities and the nuances of interpersonal relationships is evident in The French Dispatch, as he explores the depths of human emotions and the complexities of human connection. By dedicating each journalist and story to real journalists, especially those associated with The New Yorker, Anderson pays tribute to their influence on his creative journey.

“ Seeking something missing, missing something left behind. Maybe with good luck, we’ll find what eluded us in the places we once called home”.
-Wes Anderson, The French Dispatch

Conclusion:
In The French Dispatch, Wes Anderson ventures into the realm of literature with resounding success. With his distinct style and voice, he creates a whimsical and endearing collection of stories that celebrate the beauty and eccentricity of the human spirit. The book is a delightful read, combining Anderson's trademark visual aesthetics with his keen understanding of human nature. I recommend this read to fans of Anderson's films as they will find themselves immersed in a world that feels both familiar and fresh, while newcomers to his work should first watch Anderson’s films. In conclusion, The French Dispatch is a delightful ode to the power of storytelling, a testament to the profound impact that human connection and shared experiences can have on our lives.
Profile Image for C Walker.
11 reviews
August 28, 2022
37/100

Because lots of the intrigue of the movie comes from the visuals, where the actual dialogue seems to be an afterthought, the screenplay is a tedious read at best. Just watch the movie.
15 reviews
August 22, 2025
It took me way too long to get through this as my discipline with reading has been very down and in opposition to my desire to want to read more. Regardless, I’m sorta proud I finished this cause it means I read it.

I saw this movie a while back, before I fully became a fan of Wes Anderson as a filmmaker, and I retained very little of it besides from “huh, interesting but weird.” It needs a rewatch now that I finished the screenplay book.

With that in mind, reading the screenplay for this film really cemented a newfound appreciation for Wes Anderson’s writing as a separate entity to his filmmaking. Action lines are written with such gorgeous and descriptive prose, painting vivid mental pictures of the words on the page. The one section greatly improved for me from just reading the luscious descriptors was the Owen Wilson Biking section.

I think Wes Anderson’s attention to detail is another big plus of reading the screenplay. He tells you the exact layout of a room, or what an innocuous background character is doing, or the specific type of pen and paper a character writes with. It’s so fascinating to me just seeing how his mind works and accepting these seemingly irrelevant little details at face value and continuing forth.

The French Dispatch is a great script and a fascinating read, as Wes Anderson uses his words to paint pictures of artist and their craft.
Profile Image for Kate.
31 reviews
February 3, 2022
I am admittedly not familiar with reading screenplays/scripts as opposed to theatre plays, so this was quite difficult to adjust to and seemed unnecessarily over-described. But maybe that's the style.

There was one good, memorable paragraph that struck me in the whole thing, and it was in the last 10 pages.

Whether this much detail is put into screenplays or not, the entire time I was thinking "Wes Anderson is a film genius but he must be absolutely insufferable to talk to. This reads like the manifesto of a pompous self-indulgent ass."
Profile Image for Bryan House.
618 reviews11 followers
August 23, 2023
The second after I finished watching the movie, I watched it again.

Always been a huge fan of Wes Anderson and this is probably my favorite film of his.

After I finished watching the movie I then scoured the internet for this book.

Now while I loved the book and many of the lines still hit hard - it's just missing that WES ANDERSON VISUAL FLAIR BABEEEEEE

Now I just want to watch the movie again...
Profile Image for levi.
14 reviews2 followers
January 11, 2023
would probably be a 4.5 in actuality! the movie is 5 stars to me but the reading experience of this was more like a 4. still very beloved though. (it's hard to consider one without the other). i got this book at the exhibition in london and it's nice to finally read it! dvd release soon please mr anderson...
Profile Image for CP.
12 reviews
April 5, 2022
As always, Wes Anderson’s works are amazing. This is my first time reading a real film screenplay, even more fascinating that I read this book after I watched the film, so I knew exactly “Oh, this is that scene!”.
Profile Image for Avedon Arcadio.
224 reviews3 followers
November 6, 2021
It’s pretty amazing how well they stuck to the script, scene for scene line for line. Also great to be able to see what was really said in the film that may have been hard to decipher.
Profile Image for Maria M.M.
57 reviews29 followers
December 25, 2021
Wes es un genio y todo lo que toca se convierte en riquezas
Profile Image for Rhea Sharma.
163 reviews
March 12, 2022
does it make me pretentious to read wes anderson? maybe. do i care? no not really.
although I will always be a "grand budapest hotel" fan first.
Profile Image for viktune.
25 reviews1 follower
May 30, 2022
i fucking love this so much and i love the movie as well its muah
Profile Image for Gal.
465 reviews
December 7, 2022
It is a story about stories but also about us.
I watched the movie exactly a year ago and it was so marvellous,french and Wes Anderson.
Profile Image for Yas.
104 reviews1 follower
August 25, 2023
A stunning screenplay of a stunning film! The level of detail is so immeasurable that to read this is to watch the film.
Profile Image for Mackenzie Guiry.
77 reviews
December 6, 2023
Funny how the screenplay didn’t make me like the movie anymore… srry Wes it’s no Rushmore or Tenebaums
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews

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