The Surprising Similarities and Contrasting Styles of Wes Anderson and Quentin Tarantino, According to Maya Hawke

In Asteroid City, Wes Anderson ventures into uncharted territory while still maintaining his distinctive cinematic style. The film is set in a fictional American desert town in 1955 and centers around a Junior Stargazer convention that is disrupted by a world-altering event. As expected, Anderson's signature dry humor, unique aesthetics, and specific performances are showcased, but Asteroid City also offers a more complex approach to storytelling and introspection that sets it apart from his previous works.

A star-studded cast is a recurring feature in Wes Anderson's films, and Asteroid City is no exception. The addition of Maya Hawke, who is best known for her role as Robin Buckley in Stranger Things and Flowerchild in Quentin Tarantino's Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood, expands Anderson's list of collaborators. When asked about the difference between working with Anderson and Tarantino in a recent interview with Screen Rant, Hawke had this to say:

Maya Hawke is One of Few Actors to Have Worked with Both Directors

Maya Hawke described the commonalities between Wes Anderson and Quentin Tarantino as having a specific vision, clarity of self-expression, excellent writing skills, and a passion for filmmaking. They also share the privilege of having the resources to create art films on a large scale. However, despite these similarities, their personalities are vastly different on set, with Wes being more disciplined and Quentin being more spontaneous. Despite their differences, they both share a deep passion for their work, which is a trait commonly found among auteurs.

Thanks to Asteroid City, Maya Hawke has joined a rare group of actors who have worked with both Wes Anderson and Quentin Tarantino. While there are a few notable actors who have appeared in films by both directors, such as Bruce Willis and Harvey Keitel, the overlap between their frequent collaborators is surprisingly small. However, thanks to Inglourious Basterds and The French Dispatch, Léa Seydoux and Christoph Waltz have also become members of this exclusive club.

The directors' distinct styles are highlighted in Hawke's astute observations. Despite their differences in filmmaking techniques, both Anderson and Tarantino possess a clear and unique vision that sets them apart. Anderson's methodical approach is fitting for his intricate films, while Tarantino's unpredictable and explosive endings can be described as untamed. Considering Hawke's insights, a double feature of Anderson and Tarantino's works could offer an intriguing way to appreciate Asteroid City.