The Royal Tenenbaums (Paperback)

by Wes Anderson (Author), Owen Wilson (Author)

Editorial Reviews

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

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

See all Editorial Reviews

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Product Details Paperback: 160 pages Publisher: Faber & Faber; illustrated edition edition (January 30, 2002) Language: English ISBN-10: 0571215459 ISBN-13: 978-0571215454 Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 5 x 0.7 inches Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies) Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews) Amazon.com Sales Rank: #144,379 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books) Popular in these categories: (What's this?) #50 in  Books > Entertainment > Movies > Screenplays #92 in  Books > Entertainment > Movies > Screenwriting

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Citations (learn more)

35 books cite this book:

• Through a Screen Darkly by Jeffrey Overstreet on page 46, page 223, and Back Matter
• Ultimate DVD: The Essential Guide to Building Your DVD Collection by Peter M. Bracke on page 287, page 288, and page 289
• The Pocket Guide to Collecting Movies on DVD: Building an Essential Movie Collection-With Information on the Best DVD Extras, Supplements and Special Features-and the Best DVDs for Kids by Steven H. Scheuer on page 277, page 278, and page 279
• Rebels on the Backlot: Six Maverick Directors and How They Conquered the Hollywood Studio System by Sharon Waxman on page 247, page 352, and Back Matter
• Style by Kate Spade on page 19, and page 20

See all 35 books citing this book

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What Do Customers Ultimately Buy After Viewing This Item?

	56% buy the item featured on this page: The Royal Tenenbaums 4.8 out of 5 stars (6) $10.88
	25% buy The Royal Tenenbaums (The Criterion Collection) 3.7 out of 5 stars (652) $13.99
	8% buy The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou - Criterion Collection 3.5 out of 5 stars (339) $19.99
	8% buy Rushmore 4.3 out of 5 stars (477) $9.99

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Customer Reviews

6 Reviews 5 star:  (5) 4 star:  (1) 3 star:    (0) 2 star:    (0) 1 star:    (0)           Average Customer Review 4.8 out of 5 stars (6 customer reviews)		Share your thoughts with other customers:
Most Helpful Customer Reviews 21 of 26 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars This is not a novel..., May 2, 2002 By  Debra (Ridgewood, NY United States) - See all my reviews It is the screenplay of the movie, the same one that should have won the Oscar this year. For people who haven't seen the movie, reading the screenplay first may not be such a great idea. I know this movie went over a lot of people's heads, and I'm not positive one can fully appreciate the story from just reading it. However, I definately recommend reading it after seeing the movie, there is so much great dialogue that is easily missed and a lot of subtle humor that is more obvious written on the page. This was one of the best movies of 2001 and the screenplay is a great way to appreciate it again while waiting for the dvd. 4 of 6 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars Great screenplay., February 20, 2002 By  "mikejrichards" (Edmonds, Washington United States) - See all my reviews A great screenplay for a great movie worth the money for sure. 6 of 10 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars A Superb and Unique Screenplay, January 9, 2003 By  Michael Crane (Orland Park, IL USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    "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		Ad feedback   Most Recent Customer Reviews 5.0 out of 5 stars Royal Tenenbaums This is a great book to have if you are a fan of Wes Anderson or of the film. Published 17 months ago by Ferny 4.0 out of 5 stars 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. Read more Published 21 months ago by Mint910 5.0 out of 5 stars SIMPLY BREATHTAKING I thought that the Royal Tenebaums was one of the best films I have seen this year, after what I thought had been a disasterous year of film making,it was a breath of fresh air,... Read more Published on April 8, 2002 by hannahbell Search Customer Reviews Only search this product's reviews

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Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Faber & Faber; illustrated edition edition (January 30, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0571215459
• ISBN-13: 978-0571215454
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #144,379 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #50 in	Books > Entertainment > Movies > Screenplays
  #92 in	Books > Entertainment > Movies > Screenwriting

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is not a novel..., May 2, 2002

By	Debra (Ridgewood, NY United States) - See all my reviews

It is the screenplay of the movie, the same one that should have won the Oscar this year. For people who haven't seen the movie, reading the screenplay first may not be such a great idea. I know this movie went over a lot of people's heads, and I'm not positive one can fully appreciate the story from just reading it. However, I definately recommend reading it after seeing the movie, there is so much great dialogue that is easily missed and a lot of subtle humor that is more obvious written on the page. This was one of the best movies of 2001 and the screenplay is a great way to appreciate it again while waiting for the dvd.

4 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great screenplay., February 20, 2002

By	"mikejrichards" (Edmonds, Washington United States) - See all my reviews

A great screenplay for a great movie worth the money for sure.

6 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Superb and Unique Screenplay, January 9, 2003

By	Michael Crane (Orland Park, IL USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

"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