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The Royal Tenenbaums
This is the screenplay for the acclaimed film, directed by Wes Anderson. There were three extraordinary children in the Tenenbaum family; Chas Tenenbaum (Ben Stiller) was a financial expert and started buying real estate in his early teens; Margot Tenenbaum (Gwyneth Paltrow) was an acclaimed playwright and won a Pulitzer Prize in the 9th grade; Richie Tenenbaum (Luke Wilson) was a champion tennis player ranked 2nd in the world by the age 17. They were brilliant. They were famous. They were unlucky enough to be the children of a man named Royal Tenenbaum (Gene Hackman). Now for the first time in 25 years, they're all living together under the same roof. After having largely gone their separate ways they're looking to mend fences--and themselves in the process.
160 pages, Paperback
Published January 30, 2002
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About the author
Wes Anderson
49 books397 followersWesley 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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
October 23, 2021
Richie and Margot are my ultimate fav people in the world, they mean so much to me 🥺💗
Wes Anderson is one, if not my favorite filmmaker of all times, his films always are making me sad and happy in the end, they remind me of my childhood and all the ups and downs, fraternal and maternal love, my childhood friends, the memories that are so far away and yet, still right here. his characters are so well done, each one of them deserves an entire movie about themselves only. the royal tenenbaums is a film about family, a very complicated one and i loved it.
Wes Anderson is one, if not my favorite filmmaker of all times, his films always are making me sad and happy in the end, they remind me of my childhood and all the ups and downs, fraternal and maternal love, my childhood friends, the memories that are so far away and yet, still right here. his characters are so well done, each one of them deserves an entire movie about themselves only. the royal tenenbaums is a film about family, a very complicated one and i loved it.
December 14, 2025
The Royal Tenenbaums, written by Wes Anderson and Owen Wilson, directed by the former
Nine out of 10
The quirky humor of Wes Anderson – writing this eccentric feature with Owen Wilson, who also acts in the film – can be difficult to digest, as happened to this cinephile, who has rated this comedy with only a 7 out of 10 on the first viewing, years ago.
It depends also on the kind of jocularity you prefer, if it is only slapstick comedy, then this is not the thing for you, as well as when one has an adversity for the absurd – the under signed has, perhaps reasonably, given that he had spent about twenty five years in the most ludicrous system of all…would you guess which is it.
Gene Hackman is sensational, divine as he always is when he has something to work with in the role of Royal Tenenbaum, the complex, perhaps we should say rather negative paterfamilias, who shoots at one son, albeit without deadly ammunition, during a game, steals assets form the same and generally behaves with criminal neglect, breaks the law and shows repugnant indifference to his family during a long period.
He unexpectedly appears at the house of the family that he had abandoned and approaches Etheline aka Anjelica Huston, the wife he had left and says he wants to come back, when asked why he explains that he has cancer, then when she is aggrieved denies it, only to affirm it again after he is slapped and pushed…
Chas Tenenbaum aka Ben Stiller is one of the children, who is the father of Uzi and Ari, a widower now, very angry with the parent that had shot him, stolen property for which he had sued and confronted him legally.
Chas rejects his father when he learns about the terminal condition and does not want him to interfere with his sons, but the intrepid, nefarious Royal finds ways to approach his grandchildren, take them to shops where they…shoplift, then they throw objects at passing cars and when the driver steps out, they run away…
This irresponsible and amusing grandparent is bewildered and angered by the apparent intense affection, perhaps love between his wife – they are still officially married, although separated for so many years – and Henry Sherman aka Danny Glover, a gentle, sophisticated, generous scholar.
Pagoda aka Kumar Pallana is a very interesting character, who had saved the life of Royal in India, when he had been stabbed by the…same Pagoda, who would then carry on his back his victim to the hospital and then go on to work for him.
Pagoda is a member of the household staying with Etheline and her children after her husband leaves and he has evidently divided loyalties, faithful somehow to both Etheline and Royal, informing the latter on what goes on in the house, supporting up to a point his false claim that he is dying.
Margot Tenenbaum aka the now unloved Gwyneth Paltrow is yet another outré, provocative figure in the bizarre lineup, adoptive daughter of the family, married with Raleigh St. Clair aka the Comedy God Bill Murray, she is now in a quandary as to where her affections are heading.
She is involved with Eli Cash aka the co-writer of the script Owen Wilson, but she has deeper feelings for her brother – fortunately they are not biologically related – Richie Tenenbaum aka Luke Wilson, who used to be star tennis player, up to the point where Margot married Raleigh.
The marital vows had such a traumatic effect upon the champion player that the next day he would offer an unseen before performance, when faced with Gandhi – names are part of the comedy game for Wes Anderson – he would send every possible ball into the stratosphere or anyway off the field.
Richie has taken the option of self-imposed exile after the catastrophe of his final game and he has retired from tennis completely, navigating when he learns about his father’s deadly disease and he returns home to spend time with him.
As they talk on the top floor terrace, the hawk that he had trained and then released - for bids should not stay in cages – theory with which I agree although I have two macaws, which spend little time in their cage and the rest out in the home and outside when the weather is nice – returns.
Royal confronts Henry Sherman, jealous as he is and wishing his rival to disappear, and the two nearly come to blows, an incident after which the suspicious Henry decides to investigate and find the truth about the claims made by the returning husband, starting with his pills.
They are mint drops and when he calls to talk with the doctor that had prescribed the medicine; he finds that the hospital where he allegedly works had been closed decades before.
Confronted with the facts and the undeniable evidence, Royal admits he does not have cancer, but he is truthful when he says that he is broke and had to leave the hotel where he had been leaving over the past years.
He has to take job and the former upper class man becomes an elevator operator with his former help, Pagoda, and his friend Dusty, while at the house a terrible incident takes place, involving Richie.
The latter, facing his impossible love for Margot decides to commit suicide, after he had seen evidence of her affection for Eli – prompted by Raleigh, Richie had taken part in meetings with a private investigator.
This great comedy reminds one of the other Wes Anderson accomplishments – Isle of Dogs, The Grand Budapest Hotel, The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou among them – but also of The Addams Family – where Anjelica Huston also had a leading role.
Nine out of 10
The quirky humor of Wes Anderson – writing this eccentric feature with Owen Wilson, who also acts in the film – can be difficult to digest, as happened to this cinephile, who has rated this comedy with only a 7 out of 10 on the first viewing, years ago.
It depends also on the kind of jocularity you prefer, if it is only slapstick comedy, then this is not the thing for you, as well as when one has an adversity for the absurd – the under signed has, perhaps reasonably, given that he had spent about twenty five years in the most ludicrous system of all…would you guess which is it.
Gene Hackman is sensational, divine as he always is when he has something to work with in the role of Royal Tenenbaum, the complex, perhaps we should say rather negative paterfamilias, who shoots at one son, albeit without deadly ammunition, during a game, steals assets form the same and generally behaves with criminal neglect, breaks the law and shows repugnant indifference to his family during a long period.
He unexpectedly appears at the house of the family that he had abandoned and approaches Etheline aka Anjelica Huston, the wife he had left and says he wants to come back, when asked why he explains that he has cancer, then when she is aggrieved denies it, only to affirm it again after he is slapped and pushed…
Chas Tenenbaum aka Ben Stiller is one of the children, who is the father of Uzi and Ari, a widower now, very angry with the parent that had shot him, stolen property for which he had sued and confronted him legally.
Chas rejects his father when he learns about the terminal condition and does not want him to interfere with his sons, but the intrepid, nefarious Royal finds ways to approach his grandchildren, take them to shops where they…shoplift, then they throw objects at passing cars and when the driver steps out, they run away…
This irresponsible and amusing grandparent is bewildered and angered by the apparent intense affection, perhaps love between his wife – they are still officially married, although separated for so many years – and Henry Sherman aka Danny Glover, a gentle, sophisticated, generous scholar.
Pagoda aka Kumar Pallana is a very interesting character, who had saved the life of Royal in India, when he had been stabbed by the…same Pagoda, who would then carry on his back his victim to the hospital and then go on to work for him.
Pagoda is a member of the household staying with Etheline and her children after her husband leaves and he has evidently divided loyalties, faithful somehow to both Etheline and Royal, informing the latter on what goes on in the house, supporting up to a point his false claim that he is dying.
Margot Tenenbaum aka the now unloved Gwyneth Paltrow is yet another outré, provocative figure in the bizarre lineup, adoptive daughter of the family, married with Raleigh St. Clair aka the Comedy God Bill Murray, she is now in a quandary as to where her affections are heading.
She is involved with Eli Cash aka the co-writer of the script Owen Wilson, but she has deeper feelings for her brother – fortunately they are not biologically related – Richie Tenenbaum aka Luke Wilson, who used to be star tennis player, up to the point where Margot married Raleigh.
The marital vows had such a traumatic effect upon the champion player that the next day he would offer an unseen before performance, when faced with Gandhi – names are part of the comedy game for Wes Anderson – he would send every possible ball into the stratosphere or anyway off the field.
Richie has taken the option of self-imposed exile after the catastrophe of his final game and he has retired from tennis completely, navigating when he learns about his father’s deadly disease and he returns home to spend time with him.
As they talk on the top floor terrace, the hawk that he had trained and then released - for bids should not stay in cages – theory with which I agree although I have two macaws, which spend little time in their cage and the rest out in the home and outside when the weather is nice – returns.
Royal confronts Henry Sherman, jealous as he is and wishing his rival to disappear, and the two nearly come to blows, an incident after which the suspicious Henry decides to investigate and find the truth about the claims made by the returning husband, starting with his pills.
They are mint drops and when he calls to talk with the doctor that had prescribed the medicine; he finds that the hospital where he allegedly works had been closed decades before.
Confronted with the facts and the undeniable evidence, Royal admits he does not have cancer, but he is truthful when he says that he is broke and had to leave the hotel where he had been leaving over the past years.
He has to take job and the former upper class man becomes an elevator operator with his former help, Pagoda, and his friend Dusty, while at the house a terrible incident takes place, involving Richie.
The latter, facing his impossible love for Margot decides to commit suicide, after he had seen evidence of her affection for Eli – prompted by Raleigh, Richie had taken part in meetings with a private investigator.
This great comedy reminds one of the other Wes Anderson accomplishments – Isle of Dogs, The Grand Budapest Hotel, The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou among them – but also of The Addams Family – where Anjelica Huston also had a leading role.
March 12, 2015
Bucket List:
A.) Cut head off, stand on it, and tell people I'm a foot taller.
B.) Modify existing laugh: Thinking a short laugh with something sharp in it.
C.) Be the first at a crime scene so that I can use my joke: Q: "Who shot him?" Me: "Someone with a gun."
D.) Finish my novel. All I have currently is "The first policeman I saw needed a shave."
E.) Dissect people into two groups: Those who can manage their pronunciation of 'D' and those who cannot.
F.) Change my opening bar pickup line from "You aren't a bootlegger, are you?" to something a bit more modern.
G.) Stay away from awkward phrases like "When I die I'm going to sit at the right hand of God, provided that God doesn't mind looking at bullet holes."
A.) Cut head off, stand on it, and tell people I'm a foot taller.
B.) Modify existing laugh: Thinking a short laugh with something sharp in it.
C.) Be the first at a crime scene so that I can use my joke: Q: "Who shot him?" Me: "Someone with a gun."
D.) Finish my novel. All I have currently is "The first policeman I saw needed a shave."
E.) Dissect people into two groups: Those who can manage their pronunciation of 'D' and those who cannot.
F.) Change my opening bar pickup line from "You aren't a bootlegger, are you?" to something a bit more modern.
G.) Stay away from awkward phrases like "When I die I'm going to sit at the right hand of God, provided that God doesn't mind looking at bullet holes."
January 5, 2025
Ongelooflijk hoe dit screenplay al weergeeft hoe Anderson The Royal Tenenbaums voor zich zag. Ontzettend leuk om te lezen. De film is uiteraard vijf sterren waard… vandaar dit boekje vier.
October 24, 2016
It is a testament to Wes Anderson's genius (and this, his masterpiece) that the script for The Royal Tenebaums is itself a leading character. The rest is trademark Anderson: the nostalgia for juvenile games, the cozy intimacy of family (even if, or especially if, dysfunctional), the endearing other (Pagoda), and the lovable asshole (Royal). The digs at the snob intellectual are dear to my heart, as is the homage to the suffering playwright (if you're a fan, you know who I mean). Hands down my favorite Wes Anderson film, and a screenplay to learn from, page after page.
January 31, 2009
It's the script for the movie. If you're obsessed with the movie as much as I am then read this. It gives you just a little something more
May 6, 2012
I was lucky enough to watch this movie in theaters and the 's' as I have been to the cinema 3 times actually just for this movie and never regret it.
I still watch it once in awhile and the movie still gives me this lively shiver every single time.
For this I got the script and briefly, it's incredibly sapid, moving and it leaves you with something that you never can tell yet it feels good.
I still watch it once in awhile and the movie still gives me this lively shiver every single time.
For this I got the script and briefly, it's incredibly sapid, moving and it leaves you with something that you never can tell yet it feels good.
July 9, 2023
Perhaps my favorite movie of all time, I found this script in a Little Free Library in my neighborhood.
I know the movie well enough to be able to hear the actors reading it, which is enlightening. Makes me appreciate the actors's interpretations. There are also some parts that did not make it into the final film. Maybe they were shot and cut, or maybe just cut before shooting? I dunno, but I like that behind-the-scenes glimpse.
Recommended for fans of inside tents.
I know the movie well enough to be able to hear the actors reading it, which is enlightening. Makes me appreciate the actors's interpretations. There are also some parts that did not make it into the final film. Maybe they were shot and cut, or maybe just cut before shooting? I dunno, but I like that behind-the-scenes glimpse.
Recommended for fans of inside tents.
January 2, 2023
I loved it. It’s my favorite movie and I’ve seen it 1,000 times, so I was excited to check out the script to see how it looks on the page and I was not disappointed. There are extra scenes and more jokes. Lovely writing.
December 29, 2024
never felt more connected to a movie
November 14, 2015
Well, now I guess I have to see the movie. Reading a screenplay is certainly an interesting experience, and as much as I've enjoyed other works by Anderson, I'm definitely eager to see these characters come to life in all their disfunctional glory.
Of course, the tale of the eccentric and privileged family figuring out how to deal with itself is a little insular and out-of-touch as pop culture tropes go. But it is a rich vein for comedy, particularly the dark sort that The Royal Tenenbaums exemplifies. Marrying that darkness with a warm touch, that is Anderson's gift as much as anything else.
Of course, the tale of the eccentric and privileged family figuring out how to deal with itself is a little insular and out-of-touch as pop culture tropes go. But it is a rich vein for comedy, particularly the dark sort that The Royal Tenenbaums exemplifies. Marrying that darkness with a warm touch, that is Anderson's gift as much as anything else.
March 24, 2009
It's shocking how well this reads, and even more surprising that so much layering was added through the performances--you wouldn't think it necessary from a script that already seems so complete. A real joy just to see it jump off the page.
August 27, 2019
This is one of the most special stories in the world to me. It’s in my top five favourite movies of all time and it was such a treat to read the character/action descriptions of this script I’ve marveled at for years. What an earnest, strange little delight.
October 22, 2007
I know you asshole.
July 12, 2015
One of the funniest screenplays I've ever read. This is a textbook for how to write smart, richly detailed tragi-comedy for the screen. The movie rocked, too!
May 9, 2022
When I was eighteen I fell in love with the movie Being John Malkovich and went on a binge to collect as much Malkovich merchandise as possible. This was early Internet so you couldn’t just buy weird things online. I sawed a poster off the wall of a dusty video rental shop (with permission), bought some unnecessary $30 album of music from HMV special orders, and, most importantly, bought the screenplay. It was a fascinating look behind the film with an introduction from screenwriter Charlie Kauffman himself as well as scenes written differently (or cut completely) from the film. I learned a lot about neat, crisp, compact writing and enjoyed the experience so much that when I saw The Royal Tenenbaums screenplay in a record store I bought it right away. The confidence, detail, and texture in the movie is on full display in this dense and descriptive screenplay. (Ain’t no skimmer here.) It’s a bit rigid and stilted though because I suppose so much of the heart and soul (and music) of the film… comes in the film. Still, a fun read.
February 3, 2020
It’s interesting after all these years it took me this long to read this screenplay. One would think not much would different from the film but there was definitely a few bits of new material that didn’t make it to the big screen that gave more insight to the characters. It enhanced my love of the story even more so and I’m glad I finally got around to it!
July 25, 2024
Y'all know I love reading screenplays and scripts and I finally got to read the screenplay to my favorite Wes Anderson film :) I've always loved seeing the source material for what has turned into a great movie!
February 4, 2025
Classic. So blessed to have found this is a little free library--this only made me love the movie more. Lex, if you're reading this you gotta come pry this screenplay out of my hands now that I'm no longer in the city xoxo
October 6, 2025
Wes Anderson and Owen Wilson portray Wes’s normal awkward humor and familial sadness in a screenplay that moves quick and really wins you over early on.
Wes does such an amazing job at setting the scene, especially with the introduction of each Tenenbaum.
Wes does such an amazing job at setting the scene, especially with the introduction of each Tenenbaum.
November 19, 2017
I love this movie, and the script adds an interesting layer to the experience.
October 23, 2018
fantastic
August 30, 2019
Great screenplay of a great movie
October 1, 2020
Not at all enjoyable for me. A crazy family with many troubles, try to come together.
May 4, 2021
I want to live inside wes andersons little world 🙁
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June 20, 2021I found this script in the wreckage of a destroyed sinking battleship.
November 22, 2021
one of my favorite movies of all time. had to get myself a copy of the script…for analysis purposes. actually flawless. love.
April 29, 2022
just neat
May 17, 2023
4.5 stars I caught onto a lot of things I missed during the film!!
July 5, 2023
Reading the screenplay makes you realize how much his movies are about pacing and how neurotic the man is about set details
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews