Detailed Summary
Introduction and Setting
The Grand Budapest Hotel is a 2014 comedy-drama film directed by Wes Anderson, starring Ralph Fiennes, Tony Revolori, Saoirse Ronan, Adrien Brody, Willem Dafoe, and others. The film is set in the fictional Republic of Zubrowka, primarily in the 1930s, and revolves around the adventures of Gustave H., a concierge at the eponymous hotel, and Zero Moustafa, his protégé.
The Story Unfolds
Meeting Zero
The story begins in the present day with a young girl visiting the grave of a renowned author. The narrative then shifts to the 1980s, where the Author (Tom Wilkinson) recounts a trip he made to the Grand Budapest Hotel in the late 1960s. The film shifts again to the 1930s, where the young Author (Jude Law) meets Mr. Moustafa (F. Murray Abraham), the hotel’s owner. Moustafa recounts his story, taking the narrative back to the hotel’s heyday.
Gustave H. and Madame D.
In the 1930s, the Grand Budapest Hotel is a glamorous European establishment, and Gustave H. (Ralph Fiennes) is the beloved concierge. Gustave has a penchant for seducing wealthy older women, including Madame D. (Tilda Swinton). When Madame D. dies under mysterious circumstances, Gustave and Zero (Tony Revolori), the hotel’s new lobby boy, travel to her estate. There, they discover that she has left Gustave a valuable painting, “Boy with Apple,” much to the chagrin of her family, especially her son Dmitri (Adrien Brody).
The Climax and Resolution
Theft and Arrest
Gustave and Zero steal the painting and return to the Grand Budapest, hiding it in the hotel’s safe. However, they are soon pursued by the police and Dmitri’s henchman, Jopling (Willem Dafoe). Gustave is arrested and imprisoned for Madame D.’s murder, but he manages to escape with the help of Zero, Agatha (Saoirse Ronan), and some fellow inmates.
The Final Confrontation
Gustave and Zero embark on a quest to clear Gustave’s name, which involves a series of adventurous and comedic events, including a chase on a funicular railway and a shootout in a monastery. Eventually, they discover a second will from Madame D. that proves Gustave’s innocence and bequeaths her entire fortune to him.
The Conclusion
Epilogue
In the 1960s, the Author learns that Gustave was killed by soldiers shortly after inheriting Madame D.’s fortune. Zero inherited the hotel but chose to keep it running in Gustave’s honor. The film returns to the present day with the young girl reading the Author’s book at his grave, underscoring the themes of nostalgia and the passage of time.
Movie Ending
The Grand Budapest Hotel ends with Zero recounting the legacy of Gustave H., his mentor and friend, and how he kept the spirit of the hotel alive despite its decline. The story emphasizes themes of loyalty, friendship, and the impermanence of grandeur and beauty.
Post-Credits Scene
There are no post-credits scenes in The Grand Budapest Hotel.
Type of Movie
The Grand Budapest Hotel is a comedy-drama film that combines elements of adventure, mystery, and farce, focusing on themes of loyalty, friendship, and the passage of time.
Cast
- Ralph Fiennes as Monsieur Gustave H.
- Tony Revolori as young Zero Moustafa
- F. Murray Abraham as older Zero Moustafa
- Saoirse Ronan as Agatha
- Adrien Brody as Dmitri Desgoffe und Taxis
- Willem Dafoe as J.G. Jopling
- Jude Law as young Author
- Tom Wilkinson as older Author
- Tilda Swinton as Madame D.
Film Music and Composer
The film’s score was composed by Alexandre Desplat, whose music enhances the whimsical and nostalgic tone of the film. The soundtrack features a mix of original compositions and classical pieces that complement the film’s setting and style.
Filming Locations
The Grand Budapest Hotel was filmed in various locations in Germany, including:
- Görlitz, Saxony: The primary filming location, including the interior and exterior of the fictional Grand Budapest Hotel.
- Studio Babelsberg, Potsdam: For additional interior scenes.
- The Czech Republic: For some exterior shots.
Awards and Nominations
The Grand Budapest Hotel received numerous prestigious awards and nominations, including:
- Academy Awards: Won Best Production Design, Best Costume Design, Best Makeup and Hairstyling, and Best Original Score. Nominated for Best Picture, Best Director (Wes Anderson), Best Original Screenplay, Best Cinematography, and Best Film Editing.
- Golden Globe Awards: Won Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy. Nominated for Best Director, Best Actor (Ralph Fiennes), and Best Screenplay.
- BAFTA Awards: Won Best Original Screenplay, Best Production Design, Best Costume Design, and Best Makeup and Hair. Nominated for Best Film, Best Director, Best Original Music, and Best Cinematography.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Wes Anderson drew inspiration from the writings of Stefan Zweig, an Austrian novelist, and the visual style of early 20th-century European culture.
- The intricate sets and miniatures used in the film reflect Anderson’s distinctive visual style and meticulous attention to detail.
- The film features a large ensemble cast, many of whom are frequent collaborators with Anderson.
Inspirations and References
The Grand Budapest Hotel is inspired by the works of Stefan Zweig, as well as the grand hotels and opulent lifestyles of early 20th-century Europe. The film’s visual style and narrative structure reflect Anderson’s unique blend of humor, melancholy, and nostalgia.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
The final cut of The Grand Budapest Hotel closely follows Anderson’s original vision. Some deleted scenes and additional content are available in special editions and DVD releases, providing further context and character development.
Book Adaptations and Differences
While The Grand Budapest Hotel is not based on a specific book, it is heavily inspired by the works of Stefan Zweig. Anderson has cited Zweig’s memoirs and novels as significant influences on the film’s themes and narrative structure.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- Gustave and Zero’s theft of the “Boy with Apple” painting.
- Gustave’s imprisonment and daring escape.
- The chase scene on the funicular railway.
- The shootout at the monastery.
- The final revelation of Madame D.’s second will.
Iconic Quotes
- “Keep your hands off my lobby boy!” – Gustave H.
- “Rudeness is merely an expression of fear.” – Gustave H.
- “There are still faint glimmers of civilization left in this barbaric slaughterhouse that was once known as humanity.” – Gustave H.
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- The film features numerous visual references to classic cinema and European art, reflecting Anderson’s eclectic influences.
- The use of different aspect ratios (1.37:1, 1.85:1, and 2.35:1) signifies the different time periods depicted in the film.
Trivia
- The film’s budget was approximately $25 million, and it grossed over $172 million worldwide.
- Ralph Fiennes’ portrayal of Gustave H. was widely praised, marking a departure from his typical roles in more serious dramas.
- The Grand Budapest Hotel is Wes Anderson’s highest-grossing film to date.
Why Watch?
The Grand Budapest Hotel offers a visually stunning and whimsically crafted exploration of loyalty, friendship, and the fleeting nature of beauty and grandeur, featuring standout performances, particularly by Ralph Fiennes, and masterful direction by Wes Anderson. Its blend of humor, adventure, and nostalgia makes it a must-watch for fans of character-driven stories and cinematic artistry.
Director’s Other Movies
Wes Anderson also directed:
- The Royal Tenenbaums (2001)
- Moonrise Kingdom (2012)
- The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2004)
- Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)
- Isle of Dogs (2018)
Recommended Films for Fans
- Amélie (2001)
- Moonrise Kingdom (2012)
- The Royal Tenenbaums (2001)
- Rushmore (1998)
- The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2004)
