A Bucket List for Wes Anderson Lovers
When I think of Wes Anderson, I think of pastel colors, twee fashion, and summertime adventures. My favorite movies like Moonrise Kingdom, The Grand Budapest Hotel, and French Dispatch all encapsulate a certain whimsicality and nostalgia distinct to Wes Anderson films. Each of his works always has a unique look that is just classically and unapologetically Wes Anderson.
So, why not create a bucket list of the perfect activities for every Wes Anderson lover to do this summer? Maybe it's running away and having a lakeside picnic at sunset. Maybe it’s taking a trip and exploring a historic landmark. Maybe it’s writing poetry and sitting in a cafe. Whatever it is, make sure it has the Wes Anderson spirit.
Search around a local antique shop for vintage trinkets.
Whether it’s a vintage jewelry box or a flower vase, antique stores offer a unique variety of treasures from the past. Travel back in time to discover items reminiscent of movies like The Grand Budapest Hotel set in the 1930s or The Royal Tenenbaums set in the 1970s. Going antiquing allows you to transport yourself into a new era and immerse yourself in the time period of some of your favorite Wes Anderson movies.
Pack a picnic full of delicious movie-inspired snacks.
Mouth-watering snacks like the nutmeg ginger apple snaps from Fantastic Mr. Fox and marrons glacés from The French Dispatch truly elevate the experience of a typical summer picnic. Including famous foods from the movies provides a creative and tasty way to bring the movie magic into real life. Find your red gingham blanket, wicker basket, and start baking these Wes Anderson desserts for your picnic!
Play your favorite childhood board games outside.
Connect with your inner child again and embrace the simplicity of escaping into a board game. Maybe running away on an adventurous excursion like Sam and Suzy in Moonrise Kingdom is a bit too ambitious for you. So, why don’t you find that curiosity and wonder you used to have as a kid and channel it into a game of Candyland or Monopoly and have our own mini adventure?
Pick up a few summertime reads at an independent bookstore.
Take a trip back to school like Max Fischer from Rushmore and read up on books that explore your quirky interests, hobbies, and passions. Just like he spends most of his time on bizarre extracurriculars instead of school work, take this time during the summer to research ways to learn more about whatever you fancy. Going to an independent bookstore offers you the opportunity to expand the limits of your imagination.
Explore the history of nearby historic landmarks.
Much of Wes Anderson’s movies play upon an element of nostalgia, venturing into the worlds of past decades. Since it is a bit challenging to fly to Budapest, France, or New York, try searching for historic landmarks in your area to go visit. Sometimes, they will offer tours or information sessions so it is a phenomenal chance to explore the pieces of history that still exist today.
Go to a thrift store and design outfits inspired by the movies.
Perhaps, you want to dress like Margot from The Royal Tenenbaums or Suzy from Moonrise Kingdom. Thrift shopping offers a fresh and funky way to really embody the character and add your own flair to the original costume designs. It makes you develop a deeper appreciation for the time and effort put into creating the outfits featured in the movies.
Write the day away in a local cafe.
Channel the impassioned writer in you and take some time to just relax and write. Pretend as if you’re a journalist in The French Dispatch and spend the whole day spilling out everything in your life and the world around. It serves as a cathartic way to reflect on your day, your week, or your year to keep you mindful and grounded.
Enjoy a Wes Anderson movie marathon night.
Save a few days in the summer as designated Wes Anderson movie nights! Gather a group of friends and fellow Wes Anderson lovers to share the experience. Start from his debut movie, Bottle Rocket, and watch all of his work until you reach his most recent movie, The French Dispatch! Afterward, try to discuss and debate your respective likes and dislikes of the movies to create a detailed ranking of all of them.