The French Dispatch (2021)

Directed by: Wes Anderson

Synopsis: A collection of stories are presented taken from a publication called The French Dispatch, a magazine started by a American midwestern editor living in the French town of Ennui-sur-Blasé.

Purr Blur: Near the beginning of the film a waiter is carrying a tray full of various items up to the French Dispatch office at the top of a building. A black cat is sitting on a garbage can near the door at the bottom.

The French Dispatch - black cat on garbage can at bottom of building

The cat moves up and down the stairs a bit as the scene progresses.

The French Dispatch - black cat near stairs at bottom of building

Cat Cattle Call: In the segment in which Herbsaint Sazerac (Owen Wilson) is taking his readers on a cycling tour of Ennui, he outlines the vermin which inhabits the city. After showing the numerous rats in the subway, he then offers a plate of food to a ridiculously large amount of cats hanging out on the rooftops of the town.

The French Dispatch - Herbsaint Sazerac Owen Wilson putting out plate of food for huge amount of cats on rooftops
The French Dispatch - Herbsaint Sazerac Owen Wilson  putting out plate of food for huge amount of cats on rooftops
The French Dispatch - Herbsaint Sazerac Owen Wilson  putting out plate of food for huge amount of cats on rooftops animated gif

Cartoon Cats: During a later story, the film switches to animation to depict a police chasing a car. Some cats run across the road just before the speeding cars reach them.

The French Dispatch - cartoon cats running across road as cars approach in background
The French Dispatch - cartoon cat running across road as cars approach in background
The French Dispatch - cartoon cat running across road as cars approach in background

During the end credits, some French Dispatch illustrated covers are shown. Two of these include cats.

The French Dispatch - magazine cover with black cat arching back to sound of violin being played by girl
The French Dispatch - magazine cover with cartoon cats in great numbers on French rooftops

Cats were also featured on posters for the movie, although in the case of the cartoon one you have to look very closely to spot the cat!

The French Dispatch - magazine cover movie poster with tiny black cat on roof
The French Dispatch - closer detail of magazine cover with black cat on roof
The French Dispatch - movie posters with cats sitting with cats

Final Mewsings: Cats can appreciate quirkiness!

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