Wes Anderson has already released four short films on Netflix, based on Roald Dahl stories. They starred six actors, all in multiple roles — Ralph Fiennes, Benedict Cumberbatch, Ben Kingsley, Dev Patel, Rupert Friend and Richard Ayoade.
“Henry Sugar,” 37 minutes, was the best of the four, followed by “Poison,” “Ratcatcher” and “The Swan.” Three of these films were shot on a stage and each one ends up having a very distinct look. DP Robert Yeoman and Anderson’s decision to shoot on 16mm gave the stories an uber retro look, as if they were made at the exact time Dahl wrote the tales.
I’m now hearing that Anderson actually shot, at least, two more shorts that haven’t been released yet — one of them is an adaptation of Dahl’s “Lucky Break.” I have no idea when they will get released on Netflix, but I would imagine sooner rather than later.
Regardless, I highly recommend watching the other four shorts, but especially the inventive Russian doll narrative of “Henry Sugar.” I’d go as far as to call that one a mini-masterwork. Does it count as a movie? You bet. It’s very cinematic, fourth-wall shattering, with the usual wonderfully meticulous art direction that comes with every Anderson.