THE DARJEELING LIMITED
THE DARJEELING LIMITED: BROTHERLY LOVE
With a silliness that could only be Wes Anderson, The Darjeeling Limited is the tale of three brothers on a bonding trip throughout India. It is colorful and upbeat one moment, emotional the next.
Francis, Peter, and Jack Whitman are riding on a train in India. There is not a lot of brotherly love. Francis (Owen Wilson) is controlling. Peter (Adrien Brody) is a thief. Jack (Jason Schwartzman) just wants to get laid. They are still reeling from their father’s death. When their hijinks get them kicked off the train, Francis reveals that he has found their mother (Anjelica Huston) and that he planned for them to go and see her. This angers both brothers. Everything changes for the guys when they come upon some young boys who need their help. Their rescue and its subsequent results change the brothers and their relationship.
Wes Anderson’s humor is a dry one. The Royal Tenenbaums, Rushmore, and Bottle Rocket deal with the pushes and pulls of relationships. They can be funny and sad at the same time. The Darjeeling Limited is no different. The banter between the brothers is hilarious. When the boys get off the train the movie becomes more serious and real. Each brother has his own distinctive personality. Owen Wilson and Jason Schwartzman are regular players for Anderson. Wilson plays the same character in every movie he does, whether it is for Wes or not. Adrien Brody is an amusing asset. Anjelica Huston and Bill Murray make cameos as it has become custom for this director. India and its beautiful colors and people are the true stars. When the boys venture off the train, it is then the audience is treated to eye candy that you can’t get enough off. Their cultural traditions are shown but also felt.
Owen Wilson and some acting lessons would have only made the film better. He has ridden the gravy train of the same role over and over and it is starting to lose its appeal.
With The Darjeeling Limited, fans of Wes Anderson will not be disappointed. It is better than The Life Aquatic with Zissou but not as good as The Royal Tenebaums. The mostly funny cast and beautiful landscape and culture of India work hand in hand to create an enjoyable movie.
Report Card:
Story-B
Acting-B-
Visuals-B+
Originality/Innovation-B
Enjoyability Grade–B
DVD Extras-B
Overall Grade-B
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