From July 10 to 12 at the Hollywood Bowl, the LA Phil presents Music from the Films of Wes Anderson—a three-day celebration of the auteur filmmaker and the uniquely personal music that scores and soundtracks his films. Listening to a Wes Anderson soundtrack is like getting a mixtape from your most clued-in friend, so we’re picking up that same spirit with a guide to making the most of your night.
While You’re Here
Bowl Map
Need help making your way from the Criterion Mobile Closet to the merch tent? We’ve got you covered.
Criterion Channel
In its biggest-ever on-site activation, The Criterion Channel brings not only its famous Criterion Mobile Closet, but also the debut of the Criterion Cinema, an on-site movie house screening some of Wes Anderson’s favorites. Plus, you can sample the soundtracks to his films in a Listening Booth. Read full details on the Criterion website.
Our Favorite Wes Anderson Songs
The Who — “A Quick One While He’s Away” from Rushmore
The inspiring sound of Max Fischer’s reign of terror.
Nico — “These Days” from The Royal Tenenbaums
Who knew public transportation could be so emotional?
Maurice Ravel — String Quartet in F Major (Second Movement) from The Royal Tenenbaums
A classical needle-drop that’s nearly Kubrickian in how perfectly it matches the scene.
Mark Mothersbaugh — “Ping Island/Lightning Strike Rescue Op” from The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou
Handing the motif from minimal synthesizers to a full orchestra without losing a beat? Thrilling stuff for a thrilling moment.
David Bowie — “Queen Bitch” from The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou
Bowie’s ode to drag queens is the perfect endcap to the story of a crusty sea explorer. Who knew?
Alexandre Desplat — “Shinto Shrine” from Isle of Dogs
Who let the dogs out? Alexandre Desplat, maybe.
Asteroid City cast — “Dear Alien (Who Art in Heaven)” from Asteroid City
Thanks for scribbling up a little warble, Dwight!
Igor Stravinsky — Apollon musagète from The Phoenician Scheme
"Get the hand grenades."
Go Deeper
The New York Times: Wes Anderson’s Best Needle Drops
Lindsay Zoladz shares her picks for the most memorable moments across Wes Anderson’s filmography.
Drake’s: Randall Poster: The Man Hollywood Listens To
Go behind the scenes with the music supervisor who’s profoundly shaped the sound of Wes Anderson’s films.
(Nearly) Every Song in a Wes Anderson Movie
From Bottle Rocket through Asteroid City.
Wes & Randy Poster (his music supervisor, who has become a great friend of mine) have created some of the most unique soundtrack albums of the past 30 years. My personal favorite being “Chansons d’Ennui,” a spin-off from The French Dispatch, which allowed me to realize a long-held ambition to record some of my favorite songs in the French language. I mean—who else would green-light an album sung by a character who is never actually seen in the movie?"