The Darjeeling Limited
Rated: R
Let's make an agreement: we'll accept Wes Anderson's charming visual style and narrative motifs even if they no longer emotionally affect us as they once did. After The Life Aquatic, I said to no one in particular that I enjoyed the film but that I wouldn't tolerate another one like it from Anderson. I had no problem with his style, but the reheated theme of competition between fathers and sons as they attempt to forgive each other, needed to be put aside in favor of fresh stories. In The Darjeeling Limited, Anderson, along with co-writers Jason Schwartzmann (who also stars in the film) and Roman Coppola, tell the story of three brothers…who are in competition as they attempt to reconcile with each other and their mother a year after their father's death. So it's a small step in the direction of something fresh. I appreciate almost everything the film has to offer. The culture of India meshes well with Anderson's visual style yet he creates something distinct from the story-book quality of his previous films. The symbolism is thoughtful if a little overdone to the point of humorous effect (the brothers are carrying around baggage wherever they go; figure it out). But for all that Anderson gets right, the film just never connected with me like his previous works. I don't know why I don't find Indian culture intriguing or relate to the brothers or enjoy the soundtrack. I’m sure others will and they will enjoy this film more than I. I greatly appreciate The Darjeeling Limited and I've come to terms with Anderson's visual style to where he can tell any story and charm his way into my good graces through his thoughtful, Ashby-like direction. I can only hope that the stories he chooses to tell in the future will be different than the ones that came before. Words by |