The animated movie Fantastic Mr. Fox, directed by Wes Anderson, adapts Roald Dahl’s classic 1970 children’s novel of the same name. This 2009 stop-motion film is not only gorgeous with its visuals but also touches on deeper aspects such as family, and identity. The film’s protagonist, Mr. Fox, is a funky character with his instincts and responsibilities.
The story follows Mr. Fox, who promised his wife he would retire from his thieving ways but yearns to return to them. He does this by targeting three wealthy farmers—Boggis, Bunce, and Bean—who declare war on him and their community. This leads into a cat-and-mouse game that is humorous yet tense, with Mr. Fox and the fellow animals fighting back using their cunning and creativity.
What really makes Fantastic Mr. Fox stands apart, is Anderson’s unique aesthetic: the complex stop-motion animated, earth-tone, and retroness, the film takes on a texture all its own that really sets it apart from the standard animated movies. The wit and dark humor in the dialogue raises the film well above what could have been a simple children’s tale into a more refined narrative that works for both kids and adults.
At its heart, Fantastic Mr. Fox is a movie about embracing oneself and the balance between individuality and responsibility. In that respect, the journey of Mr. Fox shows the struggles almost anyone goes through when balancing personal wishes with commitments toward family and society. Combining adventure with humor and heart, this is an amazing film.
