2008 Woodie Awards
Anderson's "Darjeeling Limited" is a typical mix of humor and darkness
Adrienne Mauro '09
Issue date: 10/24/07 Section: Entertainment
- Page 1 of 1
Bright colors, attention to detail, and the seamless shift from quirky to melancholy indicate another work of Wes Anderson.
"The Darjeeling Limited," Anderson's fifth feature film, may possess his distinct signature, but it also explores new types of relationships and physical settings. The film follows the journey of three brothers on an emotional train ride through India. Francis Whitman (Owen Wilson), the oldest brother, plans the entire trip and in the hope that he and his kin can bond and "be brothers like [they] used to be." Their entire trip is overshadowed by the death of their father and, as revealed late in the film, and the quest to find their mother who has run off to become a nun.
Throughout "The Darjeeling Limited" all three brothers are seen with the monogrammed, orange, animal print luggage from their late father. Peter (Adrien Brody), the middle son, is also rarely seen without his father's sunglasses on his face. Francis' face is also important to notice as it is entirely bandaged and bruised from his suicide attempt after his father's sudden passing. The youngest son, Jack (Jason Schwartzman), is not left unscathed, as his relationship problems unfold throughout the film. Francis, Peter, and Jack, although all very obviously different, handle their grief in similar fashions. Each makes his own ridiculous touristy purchases in India (including Peter's poisonous snake) and takes full advantage of India's lax policy on attaining painkillers, as the country does not actually require a prescription.
Just when it seems that there is no light at the end of the tunnel and the brothers are leaving the train from which they were booted the night before, they come across three Indian children trying to cross a rushing river. Peter realizes that their raft is going to flip and the brothers instantly rush into action. They save two of the three children and are then swept into the family rituals involved in the remaining child's funeral. They become immersed in the family's culture and have a chance to forget about their own problems.
Though the storyline may seem depressing, Wes Anderson sprinkles the film with his own funny touches. "The Darjeeling Limited" will keep you contemplating the brothers' relationships and laughing at the results of their absurd encounters.
Before the movie begins, a trailer for Anderson's "Hotel Chevalier" is shown. "Hotel Chevalier," a prequel to the film that delves deeper into the relationship with Jack Whitman, can be viewed for free online at www.hotelchevalier.com. Natalie Portman plays Jack's girlfriend, and through her understated self-loathing and bruises, insight can be gained into their dysfunctional relationship.
"The Darjeeling Limited" is only playing in select theaters around the country. It is definitely a first-rate addition to Wes Anderson's already impressive list of feature films.
"The Darjeeling Limited," Anderson's fifth feature film, may possess his distinct signature, but it also explores new types of relationships and physical settings. The film follows the journey of three brothers on an emotional train ride through India. Francis Whitman (Owen Wilson), the oldest brother, plans the entire trip and in the hope that he and his kin can bond and "be brothers like [they] used to be." Their entire trip is overshadowed by the death of their father and, as revealed late in the film, and the quest to find their mother who has run off to become a nun.
Throughout "The Darjeeling Limited" all three brothers are seen with the monogrammed, orange, animal print luggage from their late father. Peter (Adrien Brody), the middle son, is also rarely seen without his father's sunglasses on his face. Francis' face is also important to notice as it is entirely bandaged and bruised from his suicide attempt after his father's sudden passing. The youngest son, Jack (Jason Schwartzman), is not left unscathed, as his relationship problems unfold throughout the film. Francis, Peter, and Jack, although all very obviously different, handle their grief in similar fashions. Each makes his own ridiculous touristy purchases in India (including Peter's poisonous snake) and takes full advantage of India's lax policy on attaining painkillers, as the country does not actually require a prescription.
Just when it seems that there is no light at the end of the tunnel and the brothers are leaving the train from which they were booted the night before, they come across three Indian children trying to cross a rushing river. Peter realizes that their raft is going to flip and the brothers instantly rush into action. They save two of the three children and are then swept into the family rituals involved in the remaining child's funeral. They become immersed in the family's culture and have a chance to forget about their own problems.
Though the storyline may seem depressing, Wes Anderson sprinkles the film with his own funny touches. "The Darjeeling Limited" will keep you contemplating the brothers' relationships and laughing at the results of their absurd encounters.
Before the movie begins, a trailer for Anderson's "Hotel Chevalier" is shown. "Hotel Chevalier," a prequel to the film that delves deeper into the relationship with Jack Whitman, can be viewed for free online at www.hotelchevalier.com. Natalie Portman plays Jack's girlfriend, and through her understated self-loathing and bruises, insight can be gained into their dysfunctional relationship.
"The Darjeeling Limited" is only playing in select theaters around the country. It is definitely a first-rate addition to Wes Anderson's already impressive list of feature films.
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