‘The Darjeeling Limited’

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By Madeline Brown

Wes Anderson did it again.

With some the same actors and similar themes involving family conflict and sweet, sad love, many people out there complain that “The Darjeeling Limited” is simply a carbon copy of “The Royal Tenenbaums” and “The Life Aquatic of Steve Zissou.”

His latest film may evoke deja vu at times, but I’d say he’s tweaking his formula for unconventional cult classics. Anderson presents more of the same surreal beauty and magic, set behind more sibling rivalry and bittersweet relationships.

Seeing as how this movie was not released in Baton Rouge theaters, you’ll have to rent the DVD released last month to find out if you’re still an Andersonite.

Brothers Peter, Jack and Francis Whitman (played by Adrien Brody, Jason Schwartzman and Owen Wilson respectively) haven’t spoken to each other in one year. The oldest brother Francis organizes a train ride for them across India to seek spiritual enlightenment and a reconnection.

Best-laid plans go awry on their strict itinerary full of temples, spiritual rituals and abrasive Eastern/Western culture clashes. They travel in a haze of Indian pain-killers and tranquilizers. But they sort of find what they set out for under unexpected, tragic circumstances.

“Hotel Chevalier” is a short film played before the film, giving insight on brother Jack’s relationship before the trip to India. Anderson wrote and directed it, and it stars Schwartzman and Natalie Portman.

It’s a bit dull and self-indulgent, kind of like the middle of “The Darjeeling Limited” when the story slows down a bit. The American brothers become a little pompous and annoying right before they reach some level of enlightenment. But overall, this film is another great Anderson film.

“The Darjeeling Limited” is directed, produced and co-written (with Roman Coppola) by Anderson.

E-mail the author at Madeline@tigerweekly.com

Originally Published: Issue 601 - March 26, 2008

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