Dear Suzy, Dear Sam

Image of "Moonrise Kingdom" - Focus Features

At some point in our lives, we’ve all experienced a forbidden love towards another that couldn’t be ours. In our youth, such rebellious love affair is seen as an adventure, however as we cross the path of harsh adulthood, it becomes more of a heartbreaking saunter of pain and confusion. In Wes Anderson’s newest eccentric voyage, Moonrise Kingdom, we empathetically observe such transformation between two pre-teens entering their last stage of innocence. The magical simplicity of childhood is a part of a past that all adults yearn for; Anderson expertly prods at this stifled emotion thus causing us viewers to cheer on the young lovers’ great escape.

The film is set in a fabricated “one-cop town” called New Penzance, near Summer’s End, in New England. It may be the year 1965, however the era is painted in such a light that it could be set in both the present and past. In the Wes Anderson fashion, the town is illustrated as dysfunctional, quirky, kitschy, handmade, homemade, but more importantly, inviting. Humanity set in a whimsical vision. The warm buttery yellow tinge throughout the film presents the story like an old, beloved photograph that had been improperly stored away in a dusty attic.  Each building looks like large-scale versions of miniature sets and dollhouses illuminated by theatrical lighting. It’s humorous without overstepping the boundary into cartoonish. This is a common theme that spreads even into the actors’ performances. The whole production is like one grand theatrical play at a local summer camp.

The opening sequence of the film begins with three young boys listening to Benjamin Britten’s “The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra”. It goes without saying that much like the orchestra, each individual in the town will encounter a force of separation before being put back together again. In order to interact with others, one has to understand their role and purpose. The only person, other than the narrator, to acknowledge our presence is a young girl in a pink dress fiercely watching us at the top of a lighthouse with her midnight black binoculars. Much like a deer in the woods, she signals that she knows that we are within observing range, watching every move each character makes.

Sam Schakowsky, a loner orphan, flees the Khaki Scouts at Camp Ivanhoe to reunite with Suzy Bishop, a misunderstood schoolgirl with a poignant personality due to her overbearing parents. The two met at a church performance of “Noye’s Fludde” (Noah’s Ark) a year earlier. “What kind of bird are you?”, Sam inquired. “I’m a raven”, Suzy replied. A biblical allegory that these two wild animals were destined to fly away and seek refuge from social order together. A brilliant nod to French New Wave’s Jean-Luc Godard’s “Le Pierrot Fou”; a common reverence seen in Anderson’s former films such as, “The Royal Tenenbaums”. Their getaway certainly stirs up a storm. Frantically, Suzy’s lawyer parents (Bill Murray and Frances McDormand), the town’s lone officer (Bruce Willis), Camp Ivanhoe’s Scout Master Ward (Edward Norton) and “Social Services” (Tilda Swinton) hunt down the two lovebirds. While the adults embark on their own journey, we learn that they too are sad, lonely people who have desires to be loved. Such journey reminded them about their forgotten inner youth that pushed them to capture the one they loved. It’s a moving tale that certainly has a beat of its own. “Poems don’t always have to rhyme, you know. They’re just suppose to be creative”.

While Anderson transports you in this capricious, yet life-affirming saga, be sure to take note on the actors’ shortened pants (a la Anderson’s personal wardrobe style), the unique use of vehicle pov shots as well as the fun, obscure soundtrack. I challenge you to not get Hank Williams “Kaw Liga” stuck in your head.

Restaurant Recommendation: The Melting Pot's "Campfire S'mores Martini"

Though this specialty drink is only served at The Melting Pot during the winter season, lucky for us all, I found the recipe that will surely go into your First Aid survival kit. Find your favorite book, turn on your portable record player and relax by the camp fire with this delectable treat. 

Campfire S'mores Martini

Ingredients

• 2oz SKYY Vodka or Smirnoff Fluffed Marshmallow Vodka
• 1oz Monin Toasted Marshmallow Syrup (4pumps)
• 1oz Hershey's Chocolate Syrup
• 1oz Half & Half
• Graham cracker crumbs
• Ice
• Chocolate shavings
• Large Marshmallows

Directions

- Dip rim of glass into Monin Toasted Marshmallow, then into graham cracker crumbs.

- Fill cocktail shaker with ice, vodka, Monin Toasted Marshmallow, Hershey's syrup and half & half. 

- Cap and shake, shake, shake!

- Drizzle chocolate syrup in glass, then strain cocktail into glass.

- Garnish with chocolate shavings and marshmallow. 

- Drink and say "Yum!"

*As for the young ones, replace Vodka with vanilla ice cream.*