In true Anderson fashion, even the smallest props—like vintage-inspired Montblanc pens—are rich in character.
Montblanc’s legendary craftsmanship takes a cinematic turn in The Phoenician Scheme, the latest film from visionary director Wes Anderson. Known for his meticulously stylized storytelling and distinctive visual language, Anderson collaborated with Montblanc to create two custom writing instruments that feature prominently in the film—each crafted to reflect both the era and the emotional tone of the story.
Wes Anderson: A master of aesthetic storytelling
With a career spanning more than two decades, Wes Anderson has become synonymous with whimsical, meticulously curated worlds. His signature style—characterized by symmetrical framing, pastel color palettes, quirky characters, and vintage props—has made films like The Grand Budapest Hotel, Moonrise Kingdom, The Royal Tenenbaums, and The French Dispatch instantly recognizable.
Anderson’s films aren’t just known for how they look—they’re celebrated for how every detail serves the story. In The Phoenician Scheme, that includes the pens.
Related story: Montblanc enlists Wes Anderson to celebrate 100 years of Meisterstück
Related story: Prada teams up with film director Wong Kar Wai
Related story: 10 films with Oscar nominations and where to stream them
A nod to the 1920s: Heritage Rouge et Noir Coral
One of the featured pens is the Heritage Rouge et Noir Coral, complete with a serpentine clip. Originally discontinued in 2019, this model was revived exclusively for the film. Montblanc produced just seven bespoke pieces for The Phoenician Scheme. While the original was already a homage to a 1920s design, the film’s prop masters worked with Montblanc to customize it even further—painting the cone of each pen black to mirror its vintage ancestor more closely.
Icon reimagined: Meisterstück 149 ‘50s Look
Also making a screen appearance is a specially designed Meisterstück 149, dubbed the “Birthright Pen” in the film. To align with the movie’s 1950s setting, two custom versions were created to replicate the look of the iconic pen during that era. Featuring two-toned rings on the cap and a ‘149’ engraving on the cone, this version blends timeless elegance with period authenticity.
A cinematic collaboration
The Meisterstück, first introduced in 1924, has long been Montblanc’s most recognizable icon—symbolizing prestige, creativity, and the power of the written word. As part of its centennial celebration in 2024, Montblanc collaborated with Wes Anderson on a short film titled 100 Years of Meisterstück, which offers a stylized journey through the Maison’s rich legacy—filtered through Anderson’s unmistakable lens.
Whether on the page or the silver screen, Montblanc continues to shape the narrative of writing culture—one handcrafted detail at a time.
Related story: Inside Loewe Crafted World Tokyo, an immersive art space made of vivid dreams
Related story: The indefatigable Hayao Miyazaki and why ‘The Boy and the Heron’ is significant
