The Royal Tenenbaums (2001) (original) (raw)

The Royal Tenenbaums

Rating

Plugin not supported.

where to watch

justwatch-logo

Original title

The Royal Tenenbaums

Year

2001

Running time

108 min.

Country

United States United States

Director

Screenwriter

Cast

Music

Cinematography

Producer

Genre

Comedy. Drama | Comedy-Drama. Family Relationships. Paternity. Independent Film (US)

Synopsis

In their youth, the Tenenbaums--an eccentric New York family--were extraordinary. They were all geniuses. Royal Tenenbaum (Gene Hackman) was a successful litigator. His wife Etheline (Angelica Huston) raised their children to be ambitious, entrepreneurial, and creative--then published an acclaimed book about her child-rearing techniques. Adopted daughter Margot (Gwyneth Paltrow) was a gifted playwright. Son Chas (Ben Stiller) was a masterful businessman with a taste for real estate. And the other son, Richie (Luke Wilson), was a natural tennis champ. However, when Royal packed up his life and left his wife and his family in a cloud of betrayal, everything fell apart. Twenty years later, the Tenenbaums are a dejected and alienated bunch, each having found that their early successes did not carry over into adulthood. When washed-up Royal learns that his distant wife Etheline, who has become an archaeologist, may remarry, he feigns illness as an excuse to reunite with his estranged family.
From Wes Anderson, director of RUSHMORE, this film is full of quirky comedy that will have audiences reeling and reflecting simultaneously. The brilliant script is impeccable with choppy, intentionally awkward language delivered with dry wit by the well-appointed (almost too good to be true) cast. Dramatic sets are emphasized by the film's masterful orchestration of scene changes and chapter separations. The photography beautifully captures a faded, vintage 1980s New York. And the eclectic soundtrack features much-loved tunes by Nico, The Velvet Underground, The Clash, and the Vince Guaraldi Trio.

Awards

2001: Nominated for Oscar: Best Screenplay (Wes Anderson & Owen Wilson)

2001: Golden Globe: Best Actor Comedy (Gene Hackman)

2001: Nominated for BAFTA Awards: Best Original Screenplay

2002: Berlin Film Festival: Official Selection

2001: New York Film Critics Circle: Nominated for Best Screenplay

2001: Writers Guild of America (WGA): Nominated for Best Original Screenplay

Critics' reviews

Movie Soulmates' ratings

Register so you can access movie recommendations tailored to your movie taste.

Friends' ratings

Register so you can check out ratings by your friends, family members, and like-minded members of the FA community.

Ranking Lists Position

Is the synopsis/plot summary missing? Do you want to report a spoiler, error or omission? Please send us a message.
If you are not a registered user please send us an email to [email protected]

All copyrighted material (movie posters, DVD covers, stills, trailers) and trademarks belong to their respective producers and/or distributors.

For US ratings information please visit: www.mpaa.org www.filmratings.com www.parentalguide.org