Saying Wes Anderson is unconventional could be considered an understatement. Known for his eclectic filmmaking style, it's no surprise that he garners attention for various reasons.
Recently, the director of The Phoenician Scheme participated in a panel at Cannes 2025 to answer questions from journalists and media personnel. Anderson took most inquiries seriously until the focus of the conversation shifted to upcoming tariffs on films.
When asked about Trump's proposed tariffs on movies made outside the U.S., Anderson wasn't sure what to make of them. The Trump administration reportedly wants to impose a hundred percent tariffs on films, which Anderson jokingly interpreted as the government wanting to "get all the money." He quipped with, "What does that leave us?"
Anderson took his barbs a step further by speaking about the implementation process. He pointed out that films don't go through customs, like physical goods imported into the country. Anderson redundantly asked if the movie would get "held up in customs." Anderson concluded with, "They [movies] don't ship that way." You can check out the entire clip below.
For anyone out of the loop, the Trump Administration has been on a tear lately, attempting to impose tariffs on virtually anything imported into the country. The administration's latest drive focused on the filmmaking industry. They've even appointed three celebrities, Sylvester Stallone, Jon Voight, and Mel Gibson, as special ambassadors to address what they consider to be a "troubled" Hollywood.
Bear in mind that the industry is thriving and doesn't appear to be on a decline anytime soon; the entertainment industry employs four million people and generates over a billion dollars annually. If that's not telling of success, what is?
Moreover, the label "troubled" doesn't accurately reflect the current state. The entertainment industry may wind up that way if creative expression continues to be stifled, having already witnessed the pressure on major studios like Disney; evidenced by the studio's reluctance to feature a drag character in the upcoming Lilo and Stitch movie. But, for now, Hollywood is doing fine on its own. The industry doesn't need the oversight of Special Ambassadors with far-right views to fix anything.
While tariffs should be taken seriously, it's difficult to place any stock in the current administration's attempt to use them. They lack a clear strategy for how to enforce the suggested tariffs, and they seem genuinely unaware of how films are transported internationally. It's usually done digitally—essentially through email.
The Phoenician Scheme releases in theaters on May 30, 2025.