The Grand Budapest Hotel
Secret Cinema
Reviewed on Wednesday 26th February 2014
The idea behind Secret Cinema is to immerse people in a film's story, bringing theatre and film together to form one experience. Nobody knows where they're going or what to expect and characters appear from all over the place. Normally the film is a classic - such as Ghostbusters - meaning most people have seen it and know what to expect. However, The Grand Budapest Hotel - Wes Anderson's most recent film - has not yet been released so the only clues come from the trailer. What will happen inside the hotel? Why must we bring such specific objects with us?
Shortly after our arrival we were directed to the destination and our mobile phones were confiscated (a surprisingly welcome gesture). We then queued (for much longer than was probably necessary) to get to the hotel. Once we saw it though, the wait was almost worthwhile because of the sheer beauty of the building in front of us. A magnificent pale pink hotel stared down at us and snow fell in front of the building's façade.
Once inside the concierge checked us in (noting that I was looking as lovely as ever and how long it had been since my last visit), before pointing us towards the bar. With no real agenda we wandered aimlessly exploring the hotel, which was laid out over four floors. Although some bedrooms warned "Do Not Disturb", several had peep holes through which we could see various degrees of misbehaviour going on behind the closed doors.
Everywhere we went there were discreet scenes being acted out between some of the guests, and formidable men in leather trench coats stomped about making everyone slightly uneasy, especially the Hitler-esque man with a moustache. Past a coffin covered in pink flowers (aha!) we heard the reading of the deceased's Will. Sadly, she did not leave us anything, but several guests were bequeathed money or other coveted items... and the man with a moustache was there again, staring us down.
The film itself was fantastic, with a wonderful cast and Anderson's clever and surreal cinematography. Ralph Fiennes gave what is perhaps his best performance as Gustave H. and as we watched, a few of the references started to slot together and make sense. Others were so subtle you'd almost miss them and some remain a mystery.
Although a little more structure would have been nice, the overall evening was very enjoyable. The mystique is effective, but you want to make sure you've experienced everything the hotel has on offer, rather than just wandering around hopefully. We (obviously) played along and chatted to guests and staff, asking questions and so on. The 'hotel staff' were most obliging, but those employed as security guards had no idea what we were talking about or where anything was - in fact they didn't conform to the evening's practice at all which was a shame.
However, the professionalism and discretion of the 'cast' and the standard of the decor was incredible. We really did feel we'd been transported back in time and had a thoroughly wonderful evening... although I still have no idea why I needed to bring an Alpine postcard with me!
Reviewed by Michaela Clement-Hayes
michaela@westendframe.com
Photo Credit 1&2: Hanson Leatherby
Photo Credit 3: Ugne Henriko
Reviewed by Michaela Clement-Hayes
michaela@westendframe.com
Photo Credit 1&2: Hanson Leatherby
Photo Credit 3: Ugne Henriko
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