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The Royal Tenenbaums

The 21st Century’s 100 greatest films (BBC)

6.9

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Original title

The Royal Tenenbaums

Year

2001

Running time

108 min.

Country

United States

Director

Wes Anderson

Screenwriter

Wes Anderson, Owen Wilson

Cast

Music

Mark Mothersbaugh

Cinematography

Robert D. Yeoman

Producer

Touchstone Pictures, American Empirical Pictures

Genre

Comedy. Drama | Comedy-Drama. Family Relationships. Independent Film (US)

Synopsis

In their youth, the Tenenbaums--an eccentric New York family--were extraordinary. They were all geniuses. Royal Tenenbaum (Gene Hackman) was a successful litigator. His wife Etheline (Angelica Huston) raised their children to be ambitious, entrepreneurial, and creative--then published an acclaimed book about her child-rearing techniques. Adopted daughter Margot (Gwyneth Paltrow) was a gifted playwright. Son Chas (Ben Stiller) was a masterful businessman with a taste for real estate. And the other son, Richie (Luke Wilson), was a natural tennis champ. However, when Royal packed up his life and left his wife and his family in a cloud of betrayal, everything fell apart. Twenty years later, the Tenenbaums are a dejected and alienated bunch, each having found that their early successes did not carry over into adulthood. When washed-up Royal learns that his distant wife Etheline, who has become an archaeologist, may remarry, he feigns illness as an excuse to reunite with his estranged family.
From Wes Anderson, director of RUSHMORE, this film is full of quirky comedy that will have audiences reeling and reflecting simultaneously. The brilliant script is impeccable with choppy, intentionally awkward language delivered with dry wit by the well-appointed (almost too good to be true) cast. Dramatic sets are emphasized by the film's masterful orchestration of scene changes and chapter separations. The photography beautifully captures a faded, vintage 1980s New York. And the eclectic soundtrack features much-loved tunes by Nico, The Velvet Underground, The Clash, and the Vince Guaraldi Trio.

Awards: 2001: Nominated for Oscar: Best Screenplay (Wes Anderson & Owen Wilson)

2001: Golden Globe: Best Actor Comedy (Gene Hackman)

2001: Nominated for BAFTA Awards: Best Original Screenplay

2002: Berlin Film Festival: Official Selection

2001: New York Film Critics Circle: Nominated for Best Screenplay

2001: Writers Guild of America (WGA): Nominated for Best Original Screenplay

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Ranking Lists Position

23 My Top 10 Movies from 2001 (138)

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The Royal Tenenbaums

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