Director: Wes Anderson
Starring: Ralph Fiennes, Benedict Cumberbatch and Dev Patel
‘A Meaningful Masterpiece’
Not many actors have made movies that shine as bright as Ralph Fiennes. Ever since his rise to fame in the 1990’s, Fiennes has become an icon. Whether it is preachers, Nazi commanders or bold political leaders, Fiennes has always portrayed many strong characters. Arguably, Fiennes’ greatest strength as an actor has always been his strong commitment to his craft. He is one of those actors that has often had talent for stealing the show in supporting roles with limited screen time. Even when he’s not the central focus of a movie, Fiennes always leaves a lasting impression. An actor with bold commitment, Fiennes has proven a celebrated icon in entertainment. Although he is arguably best known for his iconic role as Voldemort in the Harry Potter franchise, Fiennes has proven he can make engaging films in every single genre. Throughout a long lasting career, Fiennes has made many memorable movies that definitely are worth talking about.
I’m a huge fan of Fiennes and adore all the movies he has made in his career. However, “The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar” may be my his most underrated work. Released in 2023, Wes Anderson’s short film offered a strong adaptation of a beloved Roald Dahl book. Packed with engaging visuals, strong storytelling and phenomenal acting, it’s one of the best short movies ever made. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Ralph Fiennes, who embodies a police-officer in tension. Ultimately, what makes “The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar” an amazing adaptation is its universal appeal. Viewers don’t need to be fans of the Roald Dahl book to appreciate it. A mesmerizing adaptation of a celebrated book, there are many strong reasons why “The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar” is a commemorated movie worth watching.
Based on the beloved book “The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar” tells a story of a rich man that seeks to become a bold gambler. Benedict Cumberbatch plays Henry Sugar, a wealthy man with dreams of becoming a gambler. When he learns of a guru that can see without using eyes (Dev Patel), Henry is given an opportunity to turn his dreams into reality. However, Henry’s lie changes when discovers the consequences of becoming a gambler. Hunted down by a bold policeman (Ralph Fiennes), Henry is forced to wonder whether it’s possible to become a gambler. Faced with a dilemma, Henry questions his love for a profession that he once regarded with charisma.
Wes Anderson has always been fascinated with the stories of con-artists. A fantastic filmmaker, Anderson has often made great movies about conmen in disaster. With “The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar”, however, Anderson made his first Roald Dahl literary adaptation. It was the filmmaker’s attempt to adapt a classic story by an iconic author, but he succeeded immensely. Using strong cinematography, Anderson captures a guru embarking on a journey to discover identity. Evoking Mel Stuart’s “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory”, Anderson successfully uses point of view shots to capture intense hardships endured by children. For instance, the POV shots enhance the guru meetings scene. During this memorable scene, Henry has a meeting with a guru to help him with his gambling. Through stunning POV shots, Anderson constructs a portrait of gambling that’s compelling. POV shots are tricky to use in most movies. As Steven Spielberg’s “Schindler’s List” illustrated, POV shots are suited to movies about the Holocaust. That being said, they work immensely. Through stunning visuals. Anderson captures tension gamblers are facing.
Another amazing aspect of “The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar” is production. From a technical perspective, the film is well made. Evoking Danny DeVito’s “Matilda”, Anderson effectively uses costumes to showcase the tension gurus are always experiencing. For instance, costumes enhance the gambling scene. During this memorable scene, Henry Sugar has a tense gambling session which causes tension. Through strong costumes, Anderson captures tensions that gamblers are facing. Furthermore, the musical score is magnificent. Chris Scarabosio’s music is key to the success of the movie. It gives the movie a tense atmosphere. Through strong production, Anderson created a compelling portrait of gambling.
Storytelling is one of the main reasons why “The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar” is a Roald Dahl adaptation that is compelling. The film is beautifully written, and expertly uses dramatic monologues to capture the tensions which gamblers are experiencing. Evoking Anthony Minghella’s “The English Patiemy”, Anderson effecttively uses voice narration to capture broken families are often facing. Narration is a tricky technique to use in film. As Robert Zemeckis’ “Forrest Gump” suggested, monologues enhance movies about childhood. Nevertheless, it work well in this movie. Through a solid screenplay, Anderson captures the lives of gamblers facing a price to pay.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Ralph Fiennes delivers one of his greatest performances as a policeman. Fiennes first earned appreciation playing commanding Nazi officers in history dramas. With “The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar”, however, he took on his most comical role. It’s difficult to play a policeman in a Roald Dahl story but he succeeds immensely. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever seen him before: intense, funny and emotional in his most memorable role. With riveting expressions, he captures the angst, bravery and grief of a policeman. It’s a powerful performance from one of the most commemorated actors today.
While the film is a great showcase for Ralph Fiennes, the supporting cast is also great and merits praise. Benedict Cumberbatch is brilliant, capturing the heroic personality of a gambler that seeks success in profession that’s tragic. Dev Patel is powerful, bringing charisma to a guru with a strong desire to tell stories that excel. Lastly, Ben Kingsley merits appreciation. As a Doctor, he brings hilarious comical relief to the movie.
Fans of Ralph Fiennes will absolutely enjoy “The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar” and so would movie-goers seeking engrossing entertainment. A remarkable adaptation, it honours an actor that deserves celebration.
Nearly 2 years following the release of a groundbreaking film about a wonderful gambler seeking help from a guru, it’s a breathtaking reminder of an actor that’s achieved a following through ability to play compelling characters in memorable movies with themes that are easy to relate to which audiences value.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 