Wes Anderson Mocks Trump’s Movie Tariffs at Cannes: ‘Can You Hold Up the Movie in Customs? It Doesn’t Ship That Way’

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At a Cannes press conference for his latest movie, “The Phoenician Scheme,” filmmaker Wes Anderson voiced concerns about Donald Trump’s suggested foreign film tariff, expressing doubts on its practicality.

The director asked if they could temporarily display the movie at customs, explaining it couldn’t be sent that way, which caused everyone to laugh.

The production titled ‘The Phoenician Scheme’ has a large ensemble of actors who often work with Anderson, and it was filmed in Germany. When asked about tariffs, Anderson jokingly responded: “I thought you were asking for an endorsement or something. Did Trump watch it?

However, he proceeded to ridicule the notion: “The tariff is intriguing since I’ve never encountered a 100% tariff before. Frankly, I’m not versed in this aspect of economics, but it seems to imply that all the money will be taken. And then what do we get? It’s confusing to me. Could you possibly delay the movie at customs? It doesn’t work like that.”

Afterward, he jokingly criticized the idea: “The tariff is peculiar because I’ve never seen a 100% tariff before. To be honest, it seems to suggest he’s going to take all the money. But then what do we get? It doesn’t make sense to me. Can you temporarily halt the movie at customs? That’s not how it functions.

The movie is a humorous three-person drama featuring Benicio del Toro, Michael Cera, and debutant Mia Threapleton, who happens to be Kate Winslet’s daughter. Del Toro plays Zsa-zsa Korda, a wealthy European business magnate often targeted for assassination, while Threapleton takes on the role of his estranged daughter, a habitual smoker and heavy drinker disguised as Sister Liesel in a convent. Similar to Threapleton, Cera is a fresh face in Anderson’s cast, portraying a deceitful tutor named Bjorn Lund.

Regarding the origin of the film’s concept, Anderson mentioned that he and co-writer Roman Coppola initially envisioned writing a story that would be quite gloomy. It centered around a powerful businessman who didn’t seem too bothered by the impact of his decisions on the workforce populations or landscapes worldwide.

Anderson noted that the type of capitalism we were relying on had a “certain ominous quality,” leading us down an unexpected path. A psychotherapist’s office might provide a more comprehensive response, but even then, I remain uncertain. There seems to be a connection at the genetic level somehow.

Later, he unveiled his upcoming venture, a collaborative work with Coppola and Richard Ayoade, who is featured in “The Phoenician Scheme”. “Roman, Richard, and I are currently developing a movie script together,” Anderson shared, hinting at its ominous undertones. However, he cautioned against revealing too much, stating, “I won’t disclose any details about it.

As a devoted fan, I’m thrilled to see the stellar ensemble for the “Phoenician Scheme.” Among them is none other than Tom Hanks, Bryan Cranston, Jeffrey Wright, Riz Ahmed, Scarlett Johansson, Richard Ayoade, Mathieu Amalric, Rupert Friend, Hope Davis, and Benedict Cumberbatch. Interestingly, each of these talented individuals has graced a previous film directed by Anderson. What an incredible lineup!

Beginning May 30, “The Phoenician Scheme” will start its theatrical run, courtesy of Focus Features. On June 6, the movie will be available in more locations.

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2025-05-19 14:46