Product Description

This is the screenplay for the acclaimed film, directed by Wes Anderson. There were three extraordinary children in the Tenenbaum family; Chas Tenenbaum (Ben Stiller) was a financial expert and started buying real estate in his early teens; Margot Tenenbaum (Gwyneth Paltrow) was an acclaimed playwright and won a Pulitzer Prize in the 9th grade; Richie Tenenbaum (Luke Wilson) was a champion tennis player ranked 2nd in the world by the age 17. They were brilliant. They were famous. They were unlucky enough to be the children of a man named Royal Tenenbaum (Gene Hackman). Now for the first time in 25 years, they're all living together under the same roof. After having largely gone their separate ways they're looking to mend fences—and themselves in the process.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #58632 in Books
• Published on: 2002-01-30
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 160 pages

Review
"Wes Anderson has only two previous features, Bottle Rocket (1996) and Rushmore (1999), but it's already clear that this 32-year-old writer-director possesses one of the freshest voices in American movies. His is a talent that Jean Renoir might have admired."—Dave Kehr, The New York Times

"The Royal Tenenbaums speaks in its own singular voice: at once tender and probing, mindful of New York and its special mixture of grit and glory, but confident enough to mold it into a big, faded magic playhouse, a limitless extension of the Tenenbaum family's private universe. I've never seen moments like these in any other movie."—Kent Jones, Film Comment

"Memorable . . . Charming . . . A strong imagination is at work in every part of the picture."—Stuart Klawans, The Nation
-- Review

'The film of the year... The Royal Tenenbaums speaks in its own singular voice: at once tender and probing, mindful of New York and its special mixture of grit and glory but confident enough to mould it into a big, faded magic playhouse.' Film Comment 'Wes Anderson's first unqualified masterpiece.' Los Angeles Daily News 'A terrific film that has to be seen twice: first to be dazzled, then to be moved.' Premiere"

Review
"Wes Anderson has only two previous features, Bottle Rocket (1996) and Rushmore (1999), but it's already clear that this 32-year-old writer-director possesses one of the freshest voices in American movies. His is a talent that Jean Renoir might have admired."—Dave Kehr, The New York Times

"The Royal Tenenbaums speaks in its own singular voice: at once tender and probing, mindful of New York and its special mixture of grit and glory, but confident enough to mold it into a big, faded magic playhouse, a limitless extension of the Tenenbaum family's private universe. I've never seen moments like these in any other movie."—Kent Jones, Film Comment

"Memorable . . . Charming . . . A strong imagination is at work in every part of the picture."—Stuart Klawans, The Nation

About the Author
Wes Anderson is the director and co-writer, along with Owen Wilson, of Bottle Rocket and Rushmore.

Customer Reviews

Royal Tenenbaums
This is a great book to have if you are a fan of Wes Anderson or of the film.

Must have for Wes Anderson fans.
My favorite thing about this screenplay is being able to read scenes that did not end up in the movie or the deleted scenes. I would recommend this for any Royal Tenebaums or Wes Anderson fan.

A Superb and Unique Screenplay
"The Royal Tenenbaums" is really a great and clever film. Although it's not really classified as a solid comedy, it had me laughing aloud from start to finish. Then again, I like that weird kind of humor. To me, it was just a great film that took chances. It wasn't out to win a popularity contest. Wes Anderson makes films the way he envisions them and the way he wants them to be.

The thing that stands out the most in "The Royal Tenenbaums" is the brilliant script that was written by Wes Anderson and Owen Wilson. The dialogue witty and realistic, and each character stands out and leaves an impression on us.

The story is about Royal Tenenbaum and his dysfunctional family. Him and his wife separated many years ago, but the divorce was never final. His wife, Etheline, kept the house and raised the children by herself. They each reached to fame in some way or another, but not without problems lurking about. After many years have passed, Royal finds out that Etheline has been asked to take somebody's hand in marriage. Royal comes up with a scheme on how to get himself back into the picture, bringing forth a crazy and unexpected family reunion like you have never seen.

With only set directions and dialogue, this reads more like a play. There are no camera angels, which is why it reads like a script for a play. You'll appreciate it more if you've seen the movie, but reading it is just as enriching and enjoyable to me. You get to relive your favorite moments and exchanges through words.

"The Royal Tenenbaums" by Wes Anderson and Owen Wilson is a magnificent screenplay and can be enjoyed many times over. With great dialogue exchanges, characters, and out-of-control and unpredictable situations, this is a screenplay worth reading over and over again. A work of art, if you ask me.

Favorite line from the movie: "Anybody feel like grabbing a couple of burgers and hitting the cemetery?" - Royal Tenenbaum