The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar
A Whimsical Dive into Anderson’s Delightful World
Rating: ★★★★★
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Wes Anderson’s “The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar” is a delightful 37-minute escapade, offering a whimsical journey into the eccentric universe of Roald Dahl. This Netflix short film, part of a quartet based on Dahl’s works, beautifully marries Anderson’s signature style with Dahl’s narrative magic.
As the narrative unfolds, the story introduces us to Henry Sugar, portrayed by Benedict Cumberbatch, a wealthy and acquisitive bachelor. The film explores Henry’s intriguing journey, driven by greed and the desire to master the ability to see through objects, an ability he discovers in an Indian stage performer’s medical case history. This character-driven tale is narrated through a unique lens, incorporating a playfully constructed narrative structure, much like a Russian doll.
Anderson’s meticulous attention to detail is evident throughout, as he weaves a tale that takes the audience through different acts and settings. The film’s structure is akin to a stage play, with scene-settings resembling theatrical flats, artfully revealing the scenes and then dismantling them with whimsical flair. The…
