What Is the Story About?
Netflix and Wes Anderson’s ‘The Wonderful Story Of Henry Sugar’ is a live-action adaptation of the lesser-known Roald Dahl story of the same name. The film centres on a rich man named Henry Sugar (Benedict Cumberbatch), who loves gambling. When he learns about a man in India who could see without using his eyes, he sets out to master the skill, in order to cheat at gambling. His future, however, plays out quite differently than what he had envisioned.
Performances?
Benedict Cumberbatch is in smashing form as Henry Sugar. His electric and sophisticated performance brings the character to life in myriad delightful ways. Ben Kingsley is superb as Imdad Khan, the theatre artist who can see with his eyes closed. He makes another appearance as the croupier at the casino, and aces his role yet again.
Dev Patel as Dr Z.Z Chatterjee is brilliant. His rapid-fire delivery of dialogue while enacting his role, along with the quick head movements needed to address the audience at every line, is a masterclass in performance. He also plays Henry Sugar’s accountant John Winston with equal skill and flair. Richard Ayoade is good as Dr Marshall, but he’s excellent as the eccentric old Indian yogi.
Finally, Ralph Fiennes is simply superb as Roald Dahl. He brings equal touches of whimsy and cynicism to his character. His portrayal of the policeman character is top notch too, not to say, it’s the triggering point that takes the story into another realm altogether.
Analysis
Wes Anderson is at his quirky, whimsical best in The Wonderful Story Of Henry Sugar. He stays true to the source material, but at the same time, infuses it with his trademark style of storytelling and distinctive visual style. Anderson also sticks to Roald Dahl’s writing style, with sharp dialogues and sparkling humour capturing the flavour of the story perfectly.
Before one knows it, and before you can barely catch your breath, the 39-minute short film whirls by in a flurry of pacy dialogue and pacier storytelling. The dialogue is terrific. Take note of Roald Dahl’s description of Henry Sugar, right at the start of the film. Tinged with sarcasm and something else, it is simply delightful.
The best part of The Wonderful Story Of Henry Sugar is the innovative style adapted by Wes Anderson to narrate the story. It gives one the feeling of watching a play being performed live on stage. Beautifully-detailed movable sets form apt backdrops for different stages of the story. The tactic used to depict the guru levitating in the middle of the jungle is outstanding – old-school yet fun to watch.
The same set of actors playing multiple roles adds to the stage performance feel of the film. Various distinctive moments in the narrative give a quirky undertone to the storytelling, primary being the appearance of stagehands in the middle of scenes to help out the actors on stage….errr, on screen.
The story itself is disarmingly sweet – quite a departure from Dahl’s usually darker narratives. Its narration is sweeter, sucking you into the depths of its world even in such a short time. The stellar cast, terrific production design, superb sets, and the masterful storytelling all come together spectacularly, to make The Wonderful Story Of Henry Sugar a must-watch film.
Music and Other Departments?
Every department engaged in the production of The Wonderful Story Of Henry Sugar has done a brilliant job. Alexandre Desplat’s music is quirky and whimsical, and enhances the narrative impeccably. Production designer Adam Stockhausen’s sets are mesmerising. Kasia Walicka Maimone’s costume design is breathtaking, especially Henry Sugar’s sophisticated, rich-man wardrobe.
Frances Hannon’s makeup design is outstanding. Cinematographer Robert Yeoman’s work is picture perfect as always. Also, the film is a triumph coz of the deft editing skills of Barney Pilling and Andrew Weisblum.
Highlights?
The cast, and performances
The storytelling and direction
The sparkling dialogue
All the technical and creative work involved
Drawbacks?
None
Did I Enjoy It?
I loved it.
Will You Recommend It?
Totally; it’s a must-watch!
The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar Movie Review by Binged Bureau
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