As a TV-philia civilisation, we have grinned at the Christmas spots of John Lewis and Marks and Spencer. But never have we needed to hear a message of love and Peace more than today, as the political world seems to have gone amok all year long and left us uncertain of a safe and prosperous future. So it comes as a surprise when H&M releases a beautiful short film by Wes Anderson, the director who gave us the magnificent Grand Budapest Hotel. The film is only 3 minutes but it encompasses everything that the festive season should be about, and it reminds us beautifully of some truths of life.
So it comes as a surprise when H&M releases a beautiful short film by Wes Anderson, the director who gave us the magnificent Grand Budapest Hotel. The film is only 3 minutes but it encompasses everything that the festive season should be about, and it reminds us beautifully of some truths of life.
Come together even if it doesn't go as planned
As the film starts, the controller, played by Adrien Brody whom you may know from the acclaimed "Pianist" by Roman Polanski, announces that the train arrival is delayed due to the weather conditions. For many passengers, this means missing the Christmas celebrations with their loved ones. As the camera pans through the train, we discover the passengers' quarters, each showing the picture of a cherished one.
Yet, the controller has a cunning plan to save the Christmas spirit. With this information, we watch as all passengers are encouraged to come together for a final surprise. This is the togetherness that makes Christmas for these people, and so should it for us too.
Come together and let it be a night of peace
The distant Christmas carol that follows the movement of the camera, as we discover the universe of pastel colours built by Wes Anderson, goes almost unnoticed.
Every year is the same, it is impossible to avoid the Christmas choir. So it may seem an obvious choice for Anderson, but naturally, this isn't the only song. As the Christmas tree is revealed in the last scene, we watch a coming together from all backgrounds, all nodding quietly to John Lennon's War is Over (Happy Xmas). It is a simple and effective film. One may reproach its sentimentality to Wes Anderson, but perhaps this year we needed to be reminded what Christmas is about.
