A New Video Essay Asks — and Answers — an Important Question: ‘What Does a Wes Anderson Movie Sound Like?’

Wes Anderson is well known for meticulously crafting his cinematic worlds, but the “Isle of Dogs” director tends to get more attention for his visuals than he does for his sounds. Fandor has published a new video essay of sorts in an effort to correct that oversight: “What Does a Wes Anderson Movie Sound Like?” Though barely 90 seconds long, it’s an insightful look at the director’s aural technique. Watch it here.

Here’s the statement Luís Azevedo wrote to accompany his video:

“When you think of director Wes Anderson certain things come to mind: His use of modern yet classic colors, like Millennial Pink, the whimsical way he approaches storytelling, and his predilection for arranging his shots symmetrically are considered hallmarks. But what might not come immediately to mind is Anderson’s use of soundscapes. Besides his evocative soundtracks, Anderson uses ambient sound and foley techniques for a number of effects, from complimenting the preciousness of a moment to suddenly upending and frightening his characters. Watch – and listen – as we demonstrate how Wes Anderson creates moments of wonder, tension, and dramatic atmosphere through his use of sound.”

The video contains brief, spliced-together clips of the most sonically distinct moments from Anderson’s films: bread and cheese being sliced in “The Grand Budapest Hotel,” a mole playing piano in “Fantastic Mr. Fox,” a marching band in “Rushmore,” bells ringing in “Moonrise Kingdom.”