Synopsis and Facts of 'THE WONDERFUL STORY OF HENRY SUGAR' by Wes Anderson, Depicting a Gambler Tired of Being Rich!

Kapanlagi.com - Written by Adinda Maulidya Ninggar

THE WONDERFUL STORY OF HENRY SUGAR is a 39-minute short film released by Netflix on September 27, 2023. Directed by Wes Anderson, this short film certainly presents a stylish tone and color as each scene uses a vibrant color palette and vivid yellow hue. According to USC Annenberg Media, the film is adapted from a novel titled THE WONDERFUL STORY OF HENRY SUGAR AND SIX MORE by Roald Dahl, published in 1977. With adventure, comedy, and drama genres, this film stars Benedict Cumberbatch, Ralph Fiennes, and Ben Kingsley. Let's check out the synopsis and facts of the latest film by Wes Anderson here!

1. Synopsis THE WONDERFUL STORY OF HENRY SUGAR

IMDb

Henry Sugar (a pseudonym) is a 41-year-old bachelor who is very wealthy and stingy. He uses his inheritance from his father to engage in his favorite activity, which is gambling. In addition to being rich and stingy, Henry Sugar is a very selfish person. He refuses to share his wealth with anyone, so Henry never gets married. Henry has a desire to enrich himself by making some 'investments', such as buying stocks, artworks, and even diamonds.

One day, Henry Sugar visits his friend named William W and spends time at William's home library. At first, he is not interested at all in the book collection in William's library. However, a blue book tucked in the middle of thick books catches his attention. Apparently, the book is a report about a man named Imdad Khan written by Dr.Z.Z.Chatterjee in 1935 in Calcutta. In it, the book contains notes about Imdad Khan who has the ability to visualize objects in front of him without using his eyes. He acquired this ability through training with a teacher named The Great Yogi.

Henry Sugar then hurried home with the book and practiced like Imdad did for 3 years. Henry truly followed Imdad's instructions perfectly, so he succeeded in having the same ability as Imdad. Henry Sugar finally used his ability to gamble and won a lot of money. However, one day he came home and realized that he no longer wanted the money. Then, Henry received advice from the Police to donate his money to an orphanage or charity. Finally, Henry successfully built 21 leading children's hospitals and orphanages.

2. Unique Facts THE WONDERFUL STORY OF HENRY SUGAR

IMDb

This film becomes even more interesting when you know that in its making, Wes Anderson does not rely on visual effects! According to USC Annenberg Media, this film actually emphasizes theater or drama concepts. You will be amazed when you see the open curtains, sliding walls, and lifted backgrounds when transitioning to other scenes in this film. Not to mention, Wes Anderson also highlights sound effects. When there is movement of props, you will hear it as if you are really watching a theater performance!

Talking about characters, this film showcases some unique aspects through its characters. There are several characters who act as narrators by delivering dialogues that are very suitable to the text of Roald Dahl's novel. In addition, they also have dual roles like in a theater performance. As reported by USC Annenberg Media, aside from playing Henry Sugar, Benedict Cumberbatch also plays the role of a makeup artist. He can be seen attaching fake hair and eyebrows to the narrator.

3. Similar Films to THE WONDERFUL STORY OF HENRY SUGAR

IMDb

Besides THE WONDERFUL STORY OF HENRY SUGAR, Wes Anderson also presents three other short films titled THE SWAN, THE RAT CATCHER, and POISON that share similar techniques with this film. The difference is that these three films have shorter durations, around 17 minutes. THE SWAN, THE RAT CATCHER, and POISON were released on September 28, 29, and 30 on Netflix.

(kpl/adn)