"I always wanted to be a Tenenbaum."

On this episode of AT THE MOVIES IN THE NOUGHTIES (or 00s if you're into the whole brevity thing), Devon Elson doesn't need to pretend to be dying to get a guest on to discuss this incredible movie. The tragicomedy follows three fantastical child prodegies of the Tenenbaum family who all suffer from midlife crisises just as their absent father Royal announces his cancer in an effort to make up for lost time. Hiding behind the pastel artefice are powerfully complex emotions which paved the way for Wes Anderson's career, it's the 2001 The Royal Tenenbaums.

His special guest this week is Violet Hammond! Co-host of Movieversaries and Three Circles, and relentless guest on many more podcasts, she also grew up in New York and knows the film like the back of her hand.

Together they cover the emotional highs and lows of this family, debate blame and acceptance of their quirks, explore the bevy of takes and readings of Wes' writings, consider the fantasy NYC compared to the realities of 2001, and of course pay tribute to the incredible Gene Hackman by finding the real heart behind the mythic gossip surrounding his performance.

Host / Editor

Devon Elson

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Guest

Violet Hammond

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Executive Producer

A. J. Black

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Title and opening music:

'Just For Fun' by April Moon (c) epidemicsound.com

'Midside Notes' by Martin Landström (c) epidemicsound.com

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