Words for My Enjoyment

The Darjeeling Is Limited

September 13th, 2007

I am sad sad sad sad sad.

The reason I am five-times sad is because I recently got the opportunity to see the latest film by my filmmaking idol Wes Anderson and I found myself wondering what happened to my good friend and his ability to create unique characters, amusing situations and a narrative through-line that was engaging and entertaining. I wondered throughout the movie if the reason had something to do with the fact that Owen Wilson didn’t help write this one. I wondered if it was me who had changed and Anderson who had remained the same…over time.

But the reality, of course, is that The Darjeeling Limited…is limited.

The film, in a nutshell, tells the story of three estranged brothers (Owen Wilson, Adrian Brody & Jason Schwartzman) who go on a “soul searching” trip through India on a train called The Darjeeling Limited. While they’re on the train they find themselves in a handful of mildly-amusing and heart-wrenching situations that are supposed to bring the three of them together. Sadly, the short film (a mere 90 minutes, which is quite quick for Anderson) doesn’t really tell a satisfying story or provide us with the typically-charming Andersonesque character journeys that we’re used to from such gems as Rushmore, The Royal Tenenbaums or Bottle Rocket.

On the positive side, we’re treated to some great music, a unique visual (and colorful) style, and a few laugh out loud moments that come from dialogue and character quirks. But just like the film documents the meandering journey of three discordant brothers…so too does the film feel meandering…and unfocused.

What’s even more unique about Anderson’s most recent film is that he’s created and releasing what he’s calling The Darjeeling Limited, Part 1. A film short starring Jason Schwartzman and a scantily-clad Natalie Portman that he hopes audiences will watch online before screening Part 2 (the actual feature film). The film short has a lot of great dialogue, great style and if the feature film had the same feel I wouldn’t be five-times sad. But, honestly, who is going to remember to see the short before they watch the film?

Exactly.

That being said, there are moments and references in the film that are directly connected to the film short, which I think is a bad idea. This way, people are going to be confused when they see Natalie Portman show up in a sequence, or hear references to certain moments in the short — that they have no knowledge of. Personally, I think Anderson should just have the short included with the feature, and not just online.

In the end — if you love love love love love (five-times love) Anderson, then you’re still going to see this film. If you five-times love The Life Aquatic you will love this even more for its more cohesive story telling and its humor. If you prefer Anderson’s first three films, you’ll walk out confused and disoriented.

His fifth film will either find you five-times sad or the opposite. But either way I wish Anderson luck on the next one, which happens to be an adaptation of a Ronald Dahl book and Anderson’s first fully animated film. Maybe the sixth time will be the charm.

Posted under Bottle Rocket, Darjeeling Limited, Movies, Rushmore, The Royal Tenenbaums, Wes Anderson. |