Without a doubt, director Wes Anderson is one of cinema’s most visually gifted stylists.
It has been debated quite regularly that Anderson’s works are more style over substance.
There is an argument among critics that his work is whimsical and self-indulgent, emotionally empty, and sticky.
In each of his films, Anderson creates reality with impeccably executed and emotionally devoid environments, quirky stock characters, nostalgia-driven music, and lots of Futura fonts.With a filmography that includes such distinctive films as The Royal Tenenbaums, Rushmore, The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou, The Fantastic Mr. Fox, Moonrise Kingdom, and his latest, The Grand Budapest Hotel, there’s no question that Anderson continues to invoke reactions from audiences.
And while arguments continue on his film work, there’s no debate that as an auteur, his work in commercials is distinctive, creative, and memorable.
SoftBank
Anderson and Brad Pitt collaborated in this spot for SoftBank, a Japanese telecommunications and internet company. In the spot, filmed at a French seaside town, Anderson pays homage to Jacques Tati’s Monsieur Hulot’s Holiday with Pitt taking on the iconic role in this spot composed of one continuous shot.
Stella Artois
Co-directed by collaborator Roman Coppola (and certainly influenced by his own film, CQ), this stylish ad captures the 60’s pop culture aesthetic.
Prada Candy
Perfume ads co-directed with Roman Coppola depict a love triangle heavily inspired by the French new wave including François Truffaut’s Jules et Jim and Jean-Luc Godard’s Bande à part.
American Express—“My Life. My Card”
Anderson’s best spot ever features regular collaborators Jason Schwartzman, Waris Ahluwalia, and cinematographer Robert Yeoman in this self-parodying video depicting Anderson directing an action film and paying homage to François Truffaut’s Day for Night.