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Released in 2020, Accidentally Wes Anderson transformed a social media phenomenon into a book format and has been translated into eight different languages.
For those who might not be aware, the Accidentally Wes Anderson Instagram page was launched by Wally Koval in 2017 and has become a community filled with individuals inspired by the distinctive visual style present in the acclaimed American director’s films.
Widely recognized for his eccentric and imaginative films such as The Royal Tenenbaums, The Grand Budapest Hotel, The French Dispatch, and Asteroid City, Anderson’s unique visual language enhances the stories of his movies, making them even more engrossing.
The Instagram community of Accidentally Wes Anderson boasts nearly two million followers, with offshoots like photo excursions with the Kovals, known as ‘AWA adventures’.
Joining these excursions is Marjorie Becker, the chief adventure photographer for AWA, who spoke with us shortly before the launch of a new book, Accidentally Wes Anderson Adventures, which was available for purchase last October…
What responsibilities come with being the chief adventure photographer for Accidentally Wes Anderson?
Primarily, I embark on adventures alongside Wally, Amanda, and the rest of the team. We are sent to various locations, frequently collaborating with clients or sponsors to create specific images.
A significant amount of investigation occurs regarding our destinations and any additional spots that may interest our community.
My role primarily revolves around producing photographic content and the photography aspects. Many other team members concentrate on video creation; they also capture some photos and I shoot a few videos, but my main priority lies in crafting images that will feature in a book, on the website, or potentially displayed in an exhibition.
If any editing is required, or if an image needs a little enhancement or a creative crop, Wally and Amanda often seek my insights.
How would you characterize the Wes Anderson element that captivates many individuals?
I believe there isn’t merely one defining characteristic of Wes Anderson. Many might describe it as a symmetrical composition or a certain color scheme, yet I find it somewhat unjust to categorize Wes’ work or even the Accidentally Wes Anderson images solely by those attributes.
While these traits may be evident in numerous images, they represent only a fraction of what exists. Typically, each image narrates a story, often incorporating a quirky or whimsical aspect.
Wes’ films encompass not simply the plot but also the visually constructed world through his sets and architectural designs, the lighting, color, and even the manner in which he composes his scenes—at times showcasing grand open spaces, and at others, small, intimate settings like the inside of an elevator.
The way he layers scenes, similar to a theatrical presentation, and his method of moving the camera during editing, are techniques that weave a narrative with dramatic appeal.
I believe the Wes Anderson essence can arise from any assortment of these aspects. If you can tell, I am a fervent fan of Wes Anderson, and that was true long before I became involved with AWA.
I became enamored with his work after viewing The Royal Tenenbaums in the early 2000s, and it remains my all-time favorite film.
What do you believe has drawn the public’s interest to Accidentally Wes Anderson?
The types of visuals that AWA has curated are undoubtedly a treat for the eyes, but they also conjure feelings of adventure, playfulness, and escape. What attracts me most is that these locations are real, yet their portrayal often appears cinematic or dreamlike.
The opportunity for anyone to submit their own images or narratives not only makes AWA inclusive but also cultivates a community centered around the allure of the Wes Anderson aesthetic and the art of storytelling.
One aspect I genuinely appreciate is the comments beneath the images on Instagram. As someone who doesn’t consider myself a proficient writer, the way the community interacts with AWA and amongst themselves is highly entertaining and delightful – AWA has truly nurtured a culture that promotes joy and uplifts one another.
Which photographs from ‘Accidentally Wes Anderson Adventures’ are your personal favorites, and why?
I selected two images – the first appears on page 338 and showcases a broad scene of snowshoers trekking over Des Moines Point in Antarctica. This encapsulates a form of whimsical storytelling… each of the snowshoers exhibits a unique personality, reminiscent of a Where’s Waldo puzzle.
The glacier towering behind the snowshoers resembles majestic mountains, contrasted by the vast white snowfields framing it, which creates a sense of a desolate, uninhabited world. I believe this amplifies the feeling of adventure as the snowshoers continue their journey.
The second image is featured on page 207 and was captured in Angoulême, France. This location was chosen by Wes for filming TheFrench Dispatch so I was thrilled we had the opportunity to visit the actual locations and observe their real appearance.
The photo features a large yellow Ferris wheel, which was not included in our shooting agenda. It was captured right at the onset of travel restrictions being lifted amid the COVID pandemic, and Amanda and I were hurriedly trying to reach a pharmacy within 15 minutes for a COVID test when we spotted this enormous yellow Ferris wheel basking in perfect light.
We were compelled to pause and admire it, but we still needed to obtain this test, so I quickly grabbed my camera, took some rapid snapshots, and then dashed over to the pharmacy. It felt so spontaneous and ideal at once.
Reflecting on the Ferris wheel picture now brings me immense happiness, but it also makes me chuckle to recall how frantic and coincidental the shoot was.
Are the Accidentally Wes Anderson escapades enjoyable?
They are immensely enjoyable. The team approaches everything with a very cheerful attitude, particularly Wally and Amanda, who are fond of ‘going with the flow’.
We are all rather geeky and feel thrilled whenever we encounter something historical or intriguing; we adore interesting tidbits. When we spot an old mailbox, our excitement is palpable – and that enthusiasm is truly infectious.
Do you believe that Accidentally Wes Anderson will continue indefinitely – to echo Wally and Amanda’s characterization – because audiences relish discovering real-life analogs to the scenes Wes conjures?
Absolutely, I believe it will, as it’s centered around community. This isn’t one of those Instagram accounts with a single creator generating content that is entirely from themselves.
It’s community-driven, with submissions always welcome, and you don’t need to be a professional photographer to share a photo. It’s essentially a collection of individuals who observe beauty in their surroundings.
Wes’ artistic style is growing increasingly recognized and admired nowadays, and I think it resonates with many since it’s simply gorgeous. Encountering something in reality that captivates you in that way is delightful, and I sense there’s an abundance of positive energy surrounding that.
Yes, the Accidentally Wes Anderson community is what fuels it; everyone helps keep the experience enjoyable and uplifting, and at times, I feel that’s precisely what we require.
Purchase Accidentally Wes Anderson Adventures
Accidentally Wes Anderson Adventures is released by Laurence King Publishing (ISBN 978-1-398-72179-1) and is available now, priced at $40/£35
Marjorie Becker is a freelance photographer located in New York City, focusing on music and live events. In 2020, she began collaborating with Wally and Amanda Koval on their upcoming book Accidentally Wes Anderson. This partnership led to Becker being appointed AWA’s ‘Chief Adventure Photographer’, capturing images worldwide. AWA’s latest book showcases 61 of Becker’s photographs, and she provided valuable insights on images from other contributors.
Read more: An extended version of this interview appears in issue 288 (December 2024) of Digital Camera magazine. See below for subscription details – print subscribers gain access to digital issues dating back to 2009 (iOS) or 2012 (Windows).
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