Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)

Fantastic Mr. Fox is a stop-motion animated comedy directed by Wes Anderson, based on Roald Dahl’s beloved 1970 children’s novel of the same name. Known for its meticulous production design, quirky humor, and sophisticated storytelling, the film has become a cult favorite among both children and adults.

Detailed Summary

Introduction: Mr. Fox’s Wild Side

Mr. Fox (voiced by George Clooney) is a cunning, confident animal who once lived for the thrill of stealing chickens. After promising his wife, Mrs. Fox (voiced by Meryl Streep), that he’d give up his dangerous lifestyle for a safer one, he becomes a newspaper columnist. But the call of adventure—and his old habits—soon tempts him back into mischief.

The Three Farmers

Mr. Fox sets his sights on the farms of three cruel and greedy men: Boggis (chickens), Bunce (ducks and geese), and Bean (turkeys and cider). Against his better judgment, he starts stealing from them again with the help of his friend Kylie the opossum. Unfortunately, the farmers catch on and declare war on Mr. Fox.

The Battle Escalates

The farmers try to shoot Mr. Fox, managing to blow off his tail. They dig up his home, forcing Mr. Fox, his family, and the other animals underground. In retaliation, Mr. Fox stages a series of clever raids on the farmers’ properties, stealing food and cider to keep the animals alive. Meanwhile, Ash (Jason Schwartzman), Mr. Fox’s insecure and quirky son, struggles with jealousy toward his talented cousin Kristofferson.

The Kidnapping and Rescue

When the farmers kidnap Kristofferson to lure Mr. Fox out, the situation becomes personal. Mr. Fox organizes a daring rescue mission that involves an elaborate sewer infiltration. This is where the tension peaks, and the film’s signature blend of action, comedy, and heart shines through.

Movie Ending

Mr. Fox successfully rescues Kristofferson in a tense showdown inside Bean’s cider cellar, narrowly avoiding capture thanks to his quick thinking. He even confronts a wolf—an animal he admires—on the way back, in a quietly poetic moment that symbolizes his acceptance of his wild nature.
In the final scenes, Mr. Fox leads all the animals to a secret underground access point to a supermarket owned by the farmers. Here, they can steal food anytime without being detected. The closing moments show them celebrating a feast in the store’s basement, dancing and embracing their freedom despite living underground permanently. It’s a bittersweet but hopeful ending: they’ve lost their home above ground but gained a new sense of community and survival.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

No, Fantastic Mr. Fox does not have a post-credits scene. The story wraps neatly before the credits roll, with no hidden teases or bonus sequences.

Type of Movie

Stop-motion animated comedy-adventure with elements of family drama and satire.

Cast

• George Clooney – Mr. Fox
• Meryl Streep – Mrs. Fox
• Jason Schwartzman – Ash
• Bill Murray – Badger
• Willem Dafoe – Rat
• Owen Wilson – Coach Skip
• Eric Chase Anderson – Kristofferson
• Michael Gambon – Franklin Bean

Film Music and Composer

The score was composed by Alexandre Desplat, blending jaunty, whimsical tunes with folk influences. The soundtrack also includes classic tracks from The Beach Boys, The Rolling Stones, and Burl Ives, adding layers of humor and nostalgia.

Filming Locations

Although entirely animated, the film was produced at Three Mills Studios in London. The handcrafted sets and puppets were painstakingly created with real textures, fabrics, and miniature props, giving the movie its distinctive tactile charm.

Awards and Nominations

• Nominated – Academy Award for Best Animated Feature
• Nominated – Academy Award for Best Original Score
• Won – Various critics’ awards for animation and design
  Despite losing the Oscar to Up, it has remained a critics’ darling for its artistry.

Behind the Scenes Insights

• Wes Anderson directed much of the film remotely from Paris, sending detailed notes to the animators in London.
• The cast recorded their dialogue together on real locations like farms and forests to capture a natural rhythm.
• George Clooney’s voice recordings were sometimes done in his own backyard to create authentic outdoor acoustics.

Inspirations and References

• Based directly on Roald Dahl’s novel, though greatly expanded with new subplots and characters.
• Anderson infused the film with his signature symmetrical visuals, dry humor, and mid-century aesthetic.
• Some animal mannerisms were inspired by nature documentaries.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

Several minor sequences were cut for pacing, including extended conversations between side characters. One deleted scene involved a longer, more comedic interaction between Mr. Fox and the Wolf. No drastically different ending was produced.

Book Adaptations and Differences

The book is a much shorter, simpler story focusing purely on Mr. Fox’s raids and the farmers’ retaliation. The film expands the plot with:

• New characters like Kylie and Kristofferson
• A father-son subplot with Ash
• The Wolf scene (absent in the book)
• More detailed world-building and dialogue

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

• Mr. Fox’s “whack-bat” game with Ash
• The dinner table argument about stealing from the farmers
• The Wolf encounter in the wilderness
• The supermarket feast at the end

Iconic Quotes

• “I am who I am.” – Mr. Fox
• “I’m different… and I like it.” – Ash
• “If what I think is happening is happening… it better not be.” – Mrs. Fox

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

• The farmers’ names (Boggis, Bunce, Bean) are taken directly from Dahl’s book.
• Several background props are modeled after real mid-century products.
• Mr. Fox wears a corduroy suit inspired by Wes Anderson’s own wardrobe.

Trivia

• Each second of film took roughly 12 stop-motion frames to animate.
• The puppets’ fur was intentionally left with visible fingerprints from animators.
• Wes Anderson consulted Dahl’s widow for approval on new story elements.

Why Watch?

It’s a rare animated film that works for kids and adults on completely different levels—funny and colorful for children, dry and satirical for adults. Its handcrafted charm, clever writing, and heartfelt ending make it a standout in modern animation.

Director’s Other Movies

• The Royal Tenenbaums (2001)
• Moonrise Kingdom (2012)
• The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)
• Isle of Dogs (2018)

Recommended Films for Fans

• Isle of Dogs (2018)
• Mary and Max (2009)
• Coraline (2009)
• The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
• Kubo and the Two Strings (2016)