While the latest James Bond film was filled with action scenes and car chases that involved svelte performance cars like the Aston Martin DB5 and several Jaguars, Wes Anderson is a little different. The director, who has made a name for himself with his distinctive, and sometimes eccentric, films has filled his latest feature with suitably odd cars.
“The French Dispatch” is inspired by France’s crime dramas from the ’30, ’40s, and ’50s, and the cars chosen for the film reflect that, according to Anderson.
“The visual base of the film, the costumes, the sets, everything… it’s all informed by research,” he said. “Even though it’s a kind of confection and it’s sort of invented stuff with a fantasy element to it, it is basically all grounded by reference.”
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Among the many vehicles featured are the Citroen Type H, as well as the 2 CV, the Ami 6, the DS, and the GS. The car with perhaps the most exciting role, though, is the Citroen Traction, which stars in its very own car chase.
Making things easier for the stunt team, the action becomes animated before the car chase actually begins, another nod to the “Cartoon Capital of France,” Angoulême, where the scene was shot.
This isn’t Anderson’s first time using Citroens in his films. The director, known for his diorama-like cinematography, is a fan of the brand, having used the French cars before in 2004’s “The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou,” a loving ode to the films of Jacques Cousteau. The film features a Citroen Mehari in its climax when the team go to rescue hostages on an island.
A Citroen 2CV has also even featured in Bond films, including 1981’s “For Your Eyes Only”. Those looking to see an animated chase with a Citroen Traction can do so in “The French Dispatch”, which is in theaters now.