“The Darjeeling Limited” doesn’t quite have the same rolling-on-the-floor hilarity as writer/director Wes Anderson’s previous film, “The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou.” But the dry, quirky charm that sets Anderson apart is still there – and, for bonus points, Bill Murray gets an amusing cameo. Better yet, there’s also a dramatic undercurrent flowing gently beneath the humourous surface, quiet but unmistakably poignant. With a certain metaphorical quality to the film – for example, a train stands in for a car, which itself represents the journey, in what is essentially a road movie – “The Darjeeling Limited” is all about reconciliation. Events follow the train’s travel through India and reflect the three brothers’ decreasing estrangement, a family alienation book-ended by the death of their father and the culmination of their self-styled spiritual quest. Although the film’s themes are a continuation of themes examined by “The Royal Tenenbaums” and “The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou,” the film is notable in how it is the absence of parents that wields a stronger influence than their presence. Like a ghost, or the sword of Damocles, the brothers’ deceased father looms heavily over their ability to connect with one another.
Salute to Seamlessness
Particularly compelling, other than the inspired
gathering of Adrien Brody, Owen Wilson, and Jason Schwartzmann in the
roles of the three brothers and a lovely supporting cast, is how the
writing doesn’t overplay the drama.
“The Darjeeling Limited” doesn’t feel like a story that leaps episodically from event to event – thereby increasing the chances of melodrama – but comes across as a continuous journey. Though there are “big moments” in the film, they are more like the keystone subtly holding an arch together than brightly lit signposts advertising changes in direction. A sense of the brothers’ lives outside of the film’s events permeates the story to give it a rich texture that almost matches the film’s lush visuals. The expression “slice of life” is perfectly appropriate.
Speaking of visuals, “The Darjeeling Limited” offers a cornucopia of delights for the eyes, thanks to cinematography by veteran Anderson collaborator Robert Yeoman. Filmed in Jodhpur, Rhajastan, India, the film pops with bright colours and gritty details. When Brody’s character, Peter, wistfully says, “I love the way this country smells. I'll never forget it. It's kind of spicy,” we understand what he means. From towns bustling with people, traders, small cars, to small, sedate villages, we get a beautiful, loving glimpse of India accompanied by a dynamic, eclectic score whose parts have been borrowed from various Indian films. It’s a National Geographic setting for a humble tale of people trying desperately to connect in the context of unresolved parent-children issues. If there is a criticism to be made, it is simply that the film doesn’t quite achieve the emotional intensity or human drama of Anderson’s past efforts.
Technical Quality: ** (out of two)
Entertainment Value: ** (out of two)
The Darjeeling Limited. Written by Wes Anderson, Jason Schwartzman, and Roman Coppola. Directed by Wes Anderson. Starring Adrien Brody, Jason Schwartzman, and Owen Wilson. 91 minutes. Rated R (for language).
