In the world of cinematography, Wes Anderson is an institution. The American filmmaker has a very particular style that distinguishes him from other directors. His movies are always a bit surreal, his colors strangely vivid and his decors almost too symmetrical. Over the years, Anderson has conquered the hearts of many amongst us with movies like ‘The Royal Tenenbaums’, ‘The Darjeeling Limited’, ‘The Grand Budapest Hotel’ and – very recently – ‘The French Dispatch’. And if after watching those titles you want to fully immerge yourself in Anderson’s world, you can now do so. You just have to catch the train.
Trains are a recurring setting in Anderson’s movies. ‘The Darjeeling Limited’, for example, entirely takes place aboard a luxury train. The filmmaker therefore already spent quite a bit of time thinking about carriages and how to decorate them successfully. And that’s why it shouldn’t come as a surprise that Anderson has now joined forces with hospitality company Belmond. Together, they gave a new life to the British Pullman train and that, of course, in Anderson-style.
A never-ending love story
“I love trains! I have often had the chance to invent train compartments and carriages in my movies — so I was immediately pleased to say ‘yes’ to this real life opportunity, and very eager to make something new while also participating in the process of preservation which accompanies all the classic Belmond train projects. They are keeping something special alive; – igniting this endangered species of travel into anew golden era”, Anderson commented on the collaboration with Belmond.
So, what to expect? The carriage in itself is Art Deco-inspired, an aspect Anderson clearly wanted to preserve. Yet of course, all while giving it a modern twist. On the walls, you’ll find a wooden cladding, here and there interrupted by a beautifully symmetrical mirror. The curtains, couches and floor on the one hand have a distinctive green color but it wouldn’t be Wes Anderson if he didn’t balance that out with a bubbly pink colored ceiling. Another recurring theme is the swan, a reference to Cygnus, a Greek god of balance.
You probably will have guessed so already, yet a ride on Anderson’s train doesn’t come for free. ‘Pullman Dining by Wes Anderson’ starts from £400 (475 euros) per person, while the ‘Pullman coupé by Wes Anderson’ starts from £1,800 (2.140 euros) per coupé. The full carriage hire price is available on request.
