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Danny Glover, Gene Hackman, Gwyneth Paltrow, Ben Stiller, Bill Murray ... see more see more... , Anjelica Huston , Luke Wilson , Owen Wilson , Seymour Cassel , Kumar Pallana , Alec Baldwin , Grant Rosenmeyer , Jonah Meyerson , Stephen Lee Sheppard

Director Wes Anderson and his longtime friend and writing partner Owen Wilson follow up Bottle Rocket (1996) and Rushmore (1998) with this similarly offbeat comedy about a dysfunctional family reunion... read more read more.... Royal Tenenbaum (Gene Hackman) was a successful attorney who had three children with his wife Etheline (Anjelica Huston), an archaeologist. Each of the Tenenbaum kids was a precocious genius: Chas (Ben Stiller) made a killing as a child investor. Richie (Luke Wilson) was a junior tennis champ and three-time U.S. Nationals winner. The adopted Margot (Gwyneth Paltrow) was a playwright who won a 50,000-dollar Braverman Grant in the ninth grade. When Royal abruptly left his family, however, it was the beginning of two decades of betrayal and failure that would scar the Tenenbaums for life. Their past resentments are bitterly held against Royal when he suddenly reappears, claiming to have six weeks to live and a desire to reconnect with his family. Typically, Royal's story is a sham, but his presence and sincere desire for absolution soon have a profound effect on the Tenenbaums, who are each dealing with thwarted desires and relationships. Among them are Richie's lifelong love for Margot, who's unhappily married to Raleigh St.Clair (Bill Murray) and Etheline's eccentric engagement to Henry Sherman (Danny Glover), who wishes to marry her. The Royal Tenenbaums also co-stars Owen Wilson and features narration provided by Alec Baldwin. ~ Karl Williams, Rovi

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80% liked it

173 critics

R, 1 hr. 50 min.

Directed by: Wes Anderson

Release Date: January 4, 2002

Keywords: family, funny, odd, quirky

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DVD Release Date: July 9, 2002

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Stats: 16,967 reviews

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The Royal Tenenbaums The Royal Tenenbaums Margot spending her 6 hours a day in the bathroom Royal Tenembaums The Royal Tenenbaums stand up straight, let me get a good look at you Chas and sons Ari & Uzi The Royal Tenenbaums The Royal Tenenbaums Michael Greenholt's version of Ari and Uzi Richie's attempted suicide Chas and sons Ari & Uzi Margot and Richie Chas and Royal in game room The Royal Tenenbaums Margot Tenenbaum Dudley Royal getting kicked out
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Flixster Reviews (16,967)

  • fb1576983399
    May 26, 2012
    fb1576983399
    There is some whiff of the golf club with Wes Anderson for me. He is sometimes funny, but what he perceives as humor leaves a lot to be desired. This movie has the makings of a good one, but never quite gets over the hedge. This is just an empty film.
  • fb100001048934982
    March 16, 2012
    fb100001048934982
    Wes Anderson's 'The Royal Tenenbaums' is a remarkable piece of filmmaking. Every scene oozes charm, delight, whimsy, and brilliance. Anderson and Wilson create another amazing script with great bouts of dialogue and interesting character development. The cast is so strong, each c... read moreharacter is not only acted to perfection (especially Hackman) but easy to fall in love with. I didn't find it as funny as Anderson's sophomore bout 'Rushmore', but the Tenenbaums exceed that film with its melancholic punch and emotional relevance. All in all, 'The Royal Tenenbaums' is a freakishly fun film you'll love to absorb again and again.
  • paulkoh110
    February 11, 2012
    paulkoh110
    Very odd but the characters are all amusing with an interesting story about family. A must watch to hipsters everywhere!
  • fb100001592288964
    January 16, 2012
    fb100001592288964
    Hilarious in both ironic and absurdist ways, but also conveys very well-constructed themes of melancholy and redemption. A perfect introduction to my foray into the work of Wes Anderson!
  • fb1664868775
    October 21, 2011
    fb1664868775
    An absolute classic. Top 5. An example of perfect casting. The detail of this movie is amazing. Favorite scene is when Hackman tells Angelica Huston that he's dying, then that he's not dying, then again that he is dying. Can't believe this only has 80% on the meter.
  • TomBowler
    September 27, 2011
    TomBowler
    If anyone has seen a Wes Anderson film, it's an experience you're not likely to forget in a hurry. The characters are just the little bit left of centre, the plot is just a little strange and the script is just a little bit completely insane. And this is his masterpiece.

    The R... read moreoyal Tenenbaums documents the lives of three "highly gifted" children and their family, extending to their friend and neighbour Eli, to-be stepfather Henry, brother-in-law Raleigh, Raleigh's test subject Dudley, the family butler Pagoda and other assorted "family" members.

    The first thing to know about Wes Anderson's film is that it is, very definitely, Wes Anderson's film. Despite the powerhouse ensemble, Anderson's vision is clearly visible throughout the whole picture, both in his direction and in his script. His peculiar framing techniques, notably the ridiculously wide shots which include only the subject head and shoulders, aren't used to intentionally distract, rather to point out the subtle absurdity of the situation. His fluid style extends to glimpses of cinema verite style but is more controlled than the shaky cam we see more of today. He is able to transition from formalist to realist in a heartbeat and the thought behind every shot is palpable. In other words, this, especially in terms of direction, is a hell of a film. He is also able to add moments of humour or extra emotion to a scene simply by moving the camera a few degrees. The way he keeps the scene emotionlessly static during a few more heartrending scenes is restraint at its finest. And despite the obscure angles and strange framing, this is one of the overriding factors in the film: restraint. Rather than point out every little thing or make sure there's a close-up for the audience's sake, Anderson trusts his audience enough to let them figure it out for themselves. This makes multiple viewings not only a must but a joy as deeper and deeper levels of meaning and humour become apparent each time.

    The same can be said of the script. After each viewing, new jokes make themselves known, new levels of emotion can be discovered. Anderson's bone-dry deadpan in many situation works to great avail, especially in the humour side of things. Anderson also makes a very important distinction in his film: many of the moments may seem absurd, even surreal, but none of them ever excced the limitations of the possible. Each situation or moment is plausible in light of the characters which makes it all the more hilarious. Anderson's script is, first and foremost, a comedy and he is able to wring humour out of the most banal of situations, whether it's finding a javalina or walking into a closet. Secondly, though, it is a drama, and Wes is able to add in some truly beautiful moments as well as emotionally harrowing. Don't be surprised if you find yourself laughing and crying at the same time, at the same thing. Richie's bathroom sequence is one of the most amazing in the film and the ending is a beautiful example of indie weirdness with true emotion. Anderson's ability to juggle such a variety of complex relationships is truly commendable as well. He never relies on cliche or uses the obvious setup, despite having a huge interlocking network of characters on hand. Chas' fractured relationship with Royal together with his slowly devolving mental state is beautifully executed and pays off brilliantly.

    Despite the director's prowess and the incredible script, a lot of the film relies on the cast. Thankfully, everyone seems to have decided to save their best performances for this film. Ben Stiller, Gwyneth Paltrow and Luke Wilson play the three children and are each amazing in their portrayals. Ben Stiller, especially, shows a maturity of performance and depth that you won't find in the likes of Zoolander, as well as finding the humour in every situation. In many ways he is the straight man to a lot of the cast, especially his father. Speaking of whom, Gene Hackman plays Royal, the eccentric/borderline insane patriach of the Tenenbaums. Estranged from his wife and childre, Royal is running out of money and so takes to deception to win his way back into the family. Hackman's performance in the film is one of those that you only get once every ten years. He is at once loveable and detestable, sympathetic and despicable and so much larger than the screen he's on. He brings an air of gravitas to the role which makes him believable and enigmatic. It's a brilliant performance which combines a keen comedic sense with a bombastic disposition and he pulls it off without a single bum note. Gwyneth Paltrow's performance is strangely restrained, lacking the charming smile which has gained her fans worldwide, trading it in for an almost bored quality where everything is unnecessary and a chore to get through. Even though she has a long line of fantastic films, her performance here is so beautifully measured, this may be her best. Luke Wilson's Richie is fantastic as well, though he doesn't have the emotional moment which many of the other roles are afforded. Where Hackman's deception finally gives way to true emotion, Stiller's rage gives way to breaking down and Paltrow's disconnection gives way to feelings, Wilson's zen-like attitude doesn't give way, visibly, to any specific emotion. Despite his "needle in the hay" scene having great impact emotionally, his detached sensibility stays intact, outwardly, throughout everything. This makes his performance all the more impressive as the emotion which occassionally leaks out speaks volumes as to what's going on underneath. It's a tribute to his performance that we are able to see this happening at all. The rest of the cast turn in fantastic supporting roles, especially Bill Murray and Anjelica Huston. Owen Wilson also turns a great performance, as does Danny Glover. The ensemble nature of the film means that each performance has its own specific nuance which can be appreciated more and more on repeat viewings.

    Anderson's use of music in the film is fantastically diverse and inventive to a fault. Beginning with the Mutato Muzika Orchestra's version of Hey Jude, the songs become more eclectic as the film goes on, but not for the sake of being diverse in itself. Each song works within the crux of the scene, adding emotion and atmosphere equally. Soundtrack standouts include Needle in the Hay by Elliot Smith and Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard by Paul Simon.

    The Royal Tenenbaums is beautifully planned, designed and executed and only gets better after repeat viewings. Having Alec Baldwin as a narrator doesn't hurt either.

    Defining Scene:
    It's a toss up between the bathroom scene and the ending montage but I'm going to say the ending for sheer emotional weight.

    Quotes:
    How long have you been a smoker?
    22 years...
    I think you should quit.

    Where's that red one gonna go?

    You've made a cuckold of me my dear. Again.

    How come he gets to do that?
    He's depressed.
    So am I!
    So are you what?

    Everyone's against me.
    It's your fault man.
    I know but dammit, I want this family to love me. How much money you got?
    I don't have.
    What? You're broke? How are we gonna pay for this room?

    He has the cancer.

    That's just one man's opinion!

    Four minutes, forty-eight seconds. We're all dead. Burned to a crisp.

    What did you say?
    Hmm? I didn't say anything.
    When? Right now?

    She's balling Eli Cash.

    Margot said you told her I was in love with her.
    Why would she tell you that when I specifically asked her not to?
    I might ask you the same thing.
    Yes, and rightfully so.

    Anybody interested in grabbing a couple of burgers and hittin' the cemetery?
  • fb1216165431
    September 9, 2011
    fb1216165431
    The magnum opus of Wes Anderson, The Royal Tenenbaums features the reconciliation of a father with his family in pale drama, appealing humor, and peculiar style. Royal, indeed.
  • yona71
    July 18, 2011
    yona71
    This is a brilliant film with a score which couldn't be more apt.
    The Tenenbaums are a family of "geniuses" consisting of Royal Tenenbaum(Gene Hackman), his wife Etheline(Anjelica Huston), and their three children. Chas(Ben Stiller) started buying real estate in his early teens w... read moreith his preternatural understanding of international finance, Richie(Luke Wilson) the junior tennis champion in his Bjorn Borg Fila and Diadora attire who wins the U.S. Nationals three years in a row, and Margot(Gwyneth Paltrow) the adopted child playwright who received a Braverman grant of fifty thousand dollars in the ninth grade. Clearly quite an auspicious beginning for the Tenenbaum children, but this was all nearly erased by two decades of failure, betrayal, and disaster which was pretty much considered to be the fault of the "Royal" father.
    The tale follows the paths of the five family members who fall into a sudden and quite unexpected family reunion in a more recent winter in NYC.
  • jarobb3
    July 7, 2011
    jarobb3
    Not my favorite Wes Anderson -- easy to see that he's refined his style over the years -- but definitely another strong entry if you're a fan. As always, he's helped out by great performances from top notch actors, with Gene Hackman turning in a Firth-esque (can I coin that?) lea... read mored act.
  • fb535316333
    May 30, 2011
    fb535316333
    A movie so rich in style and character, yet never forgets to resonate in it's family feud complexities. It's a masterpiece of quirky oddities that rarely misses it's intended emotional marks while simultaneously hitting all the right comedic chords.

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Critic Reviews

Richard Schickel
August 14, 2008
Richard Schickel, TIME Magazine

As with Anderson's Rushmore, there's a certain annoying preciousness to this film -- it's not so consistently wise or amusing as he thinks it is -- but it has its moments. Full Review

Todd McCarthy
July 22, 2008
Todd McCarthy, Variety

As richly conceived as the novel it pretends to be... Full Review

Jonathan Rosenbaum
May 27, 2008
Jonathan Rosenbaum, Chicago Reader

Whatever my qualms, it's still one of the funniest comedies around. Full Review

David Edelstein
March 22, 2002
David Edelstein, Slate

Apart from Hackman, the actors look more trapped by Anderson's rigid framing, color scheme, and enforced deadpan. Full Review

Peter Rainer
January 22, 2002
Peter Rainer, New York Magazine

Anderson is something of a prodigy himself, and he's riddled with talent, but he hasn't figured out how to be askew and heartfelt at the same time. Full Review

Jay Boyar
January 4, 2002
Jay Boyar, Orlando Sentinel

The movie is deeper than it appears to be.

Susan Stark
January 4, 2002
Susan Stark, Detroit News

The kind of movie that seems likely to inspire argument as to which is the choicest bit.

Terry Lawson
January 4, 2002
Terry Lawson, Detroit Free Press

Even at its most painfully precious, The Royal Tenenbaums is never less than entertaining and involving. Full Review

Joe Baltake
December 28, 2001
Joe Baltake, Sacramento Bee

All in all, this singular film is best described as an elegant freak show. Full Review

Bruce Westbrook
December 28, 2001
Bruce Westbrook, Houston Chronicle

[Anderson] makes us laugh, he makes us think, and he does it in a distinctive screwball style. Full Review

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

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Facts

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    • Richie Tenenbaum: I am going to kill myself tomorrow.
    • Royal Tenenbaum: You can't raise boys to be scared of life. You got to brew some recklessness into them.
    • Etheline Tenenbaum: I think that's terrible advice.
    • Royal Tenenbaum: Pagoda's in possession of a parcel containing my will and some instructions for the funeral including my epitaph, for when the time comes. Proofread it for me before they carve it on the headstone, okay?
    • Royal Tenenbaum: Henry Sherman, do you know him?
    • Richie Tenenbaum: Yeah.
    • Royal Tenenbaum: Is he worth a damn?
    • Richie Tenenbaum: [emphatically] I believe so.
    • Margot Tenenbaum: You probably don't even know my middle name.
    • Royal Tenenbaum: That's a trick question. You don't have one.
    • Margot Tenenbaum: Helen.
    • Royal Tenenbaum: That was my mother's name.
    • Margot Tenenbaum: I know it was.
    • Raleigh St. Clair: [after learning from a private investigator that Margot had been previously married and has had several affairs with both men and women] So, she smokes.
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The Royal Tenenbaums Trivia

  • Guess the tagline!: "Family isn't a word. It's a sentence."  Answer »
  • What Movie had the mistake of this: A rolling stone album playing in the background, while the songs "she smiled sweetly" and "ruby tuesday' played in consecutive order (it is clear no songs are skipped) even though no Stones album has ever had the songs in that order?  Answer »
  • Who plays Raleigh St. Clair in 'The Royal Tenenbaums'?  Answer »
  • Which actor was not in the movie The Royal Tenenbaums?  Answer »
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