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Grand Editing for a Grand Hotel

The Grand Budapest Hotel, directed by Wes Anderson, uses seamless jump cuts to propel the narrative. Throughout the trailer, the sequence of shots are composed in quick and short snips which consequently show the urgency that is present throughout the film itself. Beginning with a simple, centered establishing shot, it is clear that the hotel and its employees are full of color. The quick jump cut to a low angle close up immediately increases the tension and magnifies the nervousness felt by the Lobby Boy as he begins his job.

The narration and constant conversation, layered with the fast pace of the music underneath, furthers the sense of urgency. The cut, to the Lobby Boy walking through the lobby is great at establishing the scene. It displays the bright colors present throughout the film, as well as the motion and bustle that the Lobby Boy experiences daily. It places it in perpetual motion, a busy hub for its tenants.

The shots then become more seamlessly edited. With shots where characters step into the frame, there is usually less motion to accompany the contemplation of the situation. Then, the rapid succession of shots immediately afterward jarringly displays the number of women Gustave H. was involved with. Then, throughout, it is clear that the cuts made show the motion throughout the scenes and reinforce the colorful place the Grand Budapest Hotel is.