Why the 'Meta' Structure to the Movie?

A Playwright (Edward Norton) comes onscreen to introduce us to his fictional play 'Asteroid City' which we get to watch (with act and scene numbers included) and the 'action' of the fictional play is interspersed with (B&W) scenes of the actors and writer and their observations.

I understand that Anderson does 'odd' movies and that is fine, but having an insight into writing and acting (within the movie) gives the show a 'Meta' vibe, or a 'Play within a movie' vibe, so much so that there are 'boxes within boxes' or a 'Russian doll' configuration to the film.

Fine and good, but apart from simply being odd, does the 'Meta' presentation of the movie serve any actual purpose?

Please answer below, I would appreciate any comments.