The Phoenician Scheme

Although The Phoenician Scheme may be lesser Wes Anderson, it's still exquisite filmmaking. Its convoluted plot muddles the story's strengths. A father-daughter relationship fuels the drama while its themes ponder faith, family, and business. Despite this substance, many might find the narrative cold or thin because it's too busy to breathe. That, combined with its irreverent disposition, can feel flippant. Nevertheless, there's quippy dialogue, dry comedy, motifs, and twists. Though the acting could be considered one-note, each performance brings deadpan humor, timing, underlying charisma, and layers. Thus, The Phoenician Scheme has craft beneath its opaque surface.

The Phoenician Scheme is meticulously manicured. Its direction conveys a singular aesthetic and tone. Despite spotty momentum, the editing creates an intuitive structure via rhythmic patterns. Symmetry, coordinated movement, straight angles, and neat lighting are unified through its immaculate imagery. The crisp sound concisely contributes to the experience. Its signature production design utilizes color palettes, tactile detail, and exaggeration. Playing on their types for maximized fit, the cast is deep with stars. Practical yet artificial, its effects suit the style. The jazzy music heightens theatrics. Overall, The Phoenician Scheme remains a work of artful passion.

Writing: 7/10

Direction: 10/10

Cinematography: 10/10

Acting: 8/10

Editing: 8/10

Sound: 8/10

Score/Soundtrack: 8/10

Production Design: 10/10

Casting: 10/10

Effects: 8/10

Overall Score: 8.7/10

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