Wes Anderson appeared before reporters Monday to discuss his new film, The Phoenician Scheme, and address President Trump’s recently mentioned plan for a 100 percent tariff on films made outside the U.S. Speaking at the Cannes Film Festival alongside Benicio Del Toro, Benedict Cumberbatch, Riz Ahmed and Mia Threapleton, Anderson said he needs more information before responding.
“I’ve never heard of a 100 percent tariff,” he said, then asked the press, “Can you hold up the movie in customs? I want to know the details first.” His remarks drew laughter from the room, where crew and cast packed the press room.
The Phoenician Scheme, Anderson’s fourth competition entry at Cannes, follows Zsa-zsa Korda (Del Toro), a reclusive magnate threatened by multiple attempts on his life. At the center is Korda’s cryptic plan to transfer his wealth to his daughter, a young nun, through an elaborate financial operation. The film’s premiere on Sunday night received a six-minute standing ovation, and Focus Features will release it widely on June 6.
Anderson acknowledged the familiar style of his work. “Someone said they watch my trailers and know it’s mine in five seconds,” he said. “I understand what they mean. Each film feels different when I’m making it.”
Benedict Cumberbatch, who also appears in Anderson’s Oscar-winning short The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar, described working within the director’s precise aesthetic. “It’s a constraint and a discipline,” he said. “You strip away everything you expect to bring to a performance.”
Riz Ahmed, who plays a key role in the new film, compared the environment to a vivid dream. “The world feels heightened,” he said. “You look around and want to nick every prop.”
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Bill Murray sat in the front row for the event, rising to applause when the cast entered. When Anderson mentioned it was Roman Coppola’s daughter’s 14th birthday, Murray encouraged her to stand and take a bow.
During the conference, Anderson teased his next collaboration with Coppola and British comedian-director Richard Ayoade, though he shared no plot details. Ayoade appears in The Phoenician Scheme, while Coppola co-wrote and produces.
Focus Features has supported Anderson’s work in recent years, releasing Asteroid City and The French Dispatch. The director’s Cannes track record dates back to Moonrise Kingdom in 2012, establishing him as a fixture of the festival’s main competition.
