Cannes: Wes Brings The Whimsy in ‘Phoenician Scheme’ Press Conference

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Leave it to Wes Anderson to bring a touch of whimsy to the Trump tariff war.

During a press conference for his latest film, “The Phoenician Scheme,” at Cannes, director Anderson seemed puzzled when asked about Trump’s plan to impose a 100% tariff on movies produced outside the U.S.

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At the Cannes press event for his new production, “The Phoenician Scheme,” Anderson appeared bewildered upon being questioned about Trump’s proposed 100% tax on foreign-made films.

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Asked at a press conference in Cannes for his film “The Phoenician Scheme” about Trump’s idea of imposing a 100% tariff on non-American movies, Anderson looked puzzled.

The director pondered, as he’s not an expert on this economic matter, ‘A 100% tariff…it seems like he would keep all the money, and then what’s left for us?’ He asked, ‘Could you delay the import of movies at customs? I don’t believe that’s how they’re shipped. I need more information before I can give a definitive response.'”

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“Pondering his lack of expertise in economics, the director mused, ‘If a 100% tariff is implemented, it appears as though all the money would be taken, leaving nothing behind for us.’ He requested, ‘Can you delay the customs clearance for movies? I don’t think they’re usually shipped that way. I need further details before I can provide a conclusive answer.’

As a devoted fan, I found myself jam-packed alongside Anderson and an illustrious group of cinematic luminaries at the Cannes press conference, all gathered to discuss his latest masterpiece that graced our screens during the competition on Sunday night. The ensemble cast of the captivating Phonecian Scheme was well-represented, with stars like Benicio del Toro, Mia Threapleton, Michael Cera, Riz Ahmed, Jeffrey Wright, Benedict Cumberbatch, Rupert Friend, and Richard Ayoade gracing the room. The ever-present Bill Murray, a regular collaborator of Anderson’s, was in attendance, springing to his feet as the cast entered, instigating a warm welcome from the audience.

The movie had a vibe reminiscent of an Anderson production: It was airy, playful, and brimming with humor. During the discussion about the film’s central themes of family, Anderson pointed out his collaborator, Roman Coppola, and his daughter in the audience who was celebrating her 14th birthday. Without delay, Murray encouraged both Coppolas to stand up and initiated the crowd in singing “Happy Birthday.

As an ardent admirer, let me share my take on the plot of “The Phoenician Scheme.” In this captivating tale, Guillermo del Toro plays the enigmatic Zsa-zsa Korda, a powerful 1950s tycoon who narrowly escapes another assassination attempt. Pondering his lasting impact, he devises an unconventional plan: he chooses to place his distant daughter Liesl (Threapleton), a novice nun, at the helm of his morally questionable business empire – an offer she reluctantly accepts under stringent terms and conditions.

Located in the fictional realm of Modern Greater Independent Phoenicia, this film seamlessly combines Anderson’s distinctive visual aesthetics with a storyline that explores themes such as inheritance, redemption, and the complexities of power. According to THR‘s review, this film represents a comeback for Anderson following the narrative mishaps of his previous works, The French Dispatch and Asteroid City. As put by reviewer Lovia Gyarkye, this movie might not win over die-hard critics, but it will surely lure back those who felt disconnected.

Set in the fictional world of Modern Greater Independent Phoenicia, this film beautifully integrates Anderson’s signature visual style with a narrative that delves into themes like inheritance, redemption, and the nuances of power. According to THR‘s review, the film signifies a return to form for Anderson after the experimental missteps of his recent productions, The French Dispatch and Asteroid City. As stated by Lovia Gyarkye, this movie may not change the minds of hardcore critics, but it will definitely attract those who felt disengaged.

Anderson originally planned for the movie to have a “fairly somber” tone, but it ultimately took a different direction.

As a huge fan of Wes Anderson’s work, I was absolutely floored when I landed my first significant leading role. “I double-checked with my agent to make sure it wasn’t an error,” I said. “She confirmed that it wasn’t a mix-up. Then, I had a lengthy emotional moment.” Being the daughter of the legendary Kate Winslet, the British actress in me had always dreamed of working with Anderson since I was a child. Diving back into my old journals, I discovered an entry from 2013: “Watched Moonrise Kingdom again. I absolutely adore this movie. I really hope I could work with Wes Anderson one day.

British comedian and actor Richard Ayoade, a fresh addition to Anderson’s team, playfully suggested that he thought his casting in the movie was a mistake, but when he realized Anderson intended to make the error, he showed up. Clearly, he is one of the greats. And this won’t be their last collaboration, as Anderson has revealed he is jointly writing his next, unnamed film with Ayoade, alongside Coppola.

Additionally, Anderson expressed his willingness for another collaboration with Cera, going as far as sealing the agreement in the presence of the assembled reporters by a handshake.

Cumberbatch mentioned that watching Anderson collaborate with the Canadian actor from “Superbad” was similar to God finding water – Michael seemed so perfectly suited for Wes’s creative toolkit.

Anderson has now premiered four films at the festival, with “Moonrise Kingdom” from 2012, followed by “The French Dispatch” in 2021, and most recently, “Asteroid City” in 2023.

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2025-05-19 14:54