Wes Anderson, filmmaker and train enthusiast, has redesigned the interior of a Pullman Cygnus carriage. Photo / Supplied, Belmond
Wes Anderson, filmmaker and train enthusiast, has redesigned the interior of a Pullman Cygnus carriage. Photo / Supplied, Belmond
Rails run through direct Wes Anderson's films like the Grand Central of a European capital, so his latest project to redesign the interiors of a Pullman rail carriage is a match made in travel cinema heaven.
Movie fans can soon book a ticket to ride on the 1950s carriage witha unique Wes Anderson twist.
From his railway adventure The Darjeeling Limited (2007) to The Grand Hotel Budapest (2014), trains are the perfect mode of transport to transition between the meticulously art directed scenes.
Cygnus: The theme of silver swan follow passengers around Wes Anderson's carriage. Photo / Supplied, Belmond
The 1950s Cygnus silver swan themed carriage is pleasingly symmetrical. With a kaleidoscope of retro patterns and polished walnut panelling - there is a LOT going on in the pink and raw umber upholstery.
Operators of the Venice-Simplon Orient-Express, the famous carriages have appeared in countless film-remakes of the Agatha Christie whodunnit.
The Silver Swan theme: Wes Anderson's Pullman England Carriage. Photo / Supplied, Belmond
Hopefully, there will be less drama for passengers aboard the Wes Anderson Express.
The director is obviously loco for locomotives. He spent months hand-decorating a Bengal Lancer train for The Darjeeling Express, before sending it through India's Thar Desert from Jodhpur to Jaisalmer.
"I love trains! I have often had the chance to invent train compartments and carriages in my movies, so I was immediately pleased to say 'yes' to this real-life opportunity," said Anderson in a statement.
Wes Anderson Express: Cinephiles and Trainspotters will be able to book trips from December. Photo / Supplied, Belmond
The director was "very eager to make something new while also participating in the process of preservation which accompanies all the classic Belmond train projects. They are keeping something special alive, igniting this endangered species of travel into a new golden era."
The Darjeeling Limited: Wes Anderson 'loves trains'. Photo / Screenshot
Cinemaphiles and trainspotters will be able to book Poirot-inspired murder mystery lunches aboard the Cygnus. Or just enjoy a whimsical journey through south England and Wales on the tracks between London and Cardiff.
The train's first voyage will be on Wednesday, 13 October 13, carrying cast and guests to the theatrical premiere of Wes Anderson's new film, The French Dispatch. Tickets begin at £400 (about $790) per person in the open dining car and £1800 (or about $3,530) for a coupé compartment, which seats up to 4 guests.
