"The Darjeeling Limited" ** (out of ****)I don't know if I have hated a movie more in the past year than this one. I've usually made the correct choice and have avoided Mr. Anderson's films, which include "Rushmore" and "The Royal Tenebaums". I saw his film "Rushmore", was not terribly impressed and decided not to give Wes Anderson a second chance, until now. When will I learn?
But clearly I am in the minority here. If you ever talk to young inspiring filmmakers you will hear Anderson's name tossed around quite a bit. As I recent college graduate from a liberal arts school I can testify to that. All you would hear the film majors talk about was Wes Anderson and Michel Gondry.
There is something about Anderson's style that annoys me. The only adjectives you can use to described his movies are offbeat, eccentric, and whimsical. But his films seem to be too eccentric, too whimsical for there own good.
Lets look at Anderson's latest film, "The Darjeeling Limited" as an example. Here three brothers; Francis (Owen Wilson), Peter (Adrian Brody) and Jack (Jason Schwartzman) decided to go on a "spiritual journey" in India. The three brothers have not spoken to each other in over a year, since the death of their father.
The vacation was the idea of Francis, the oldest brother. But Francis has more up his sleeve than just wanting to visit various temples and find a spiritual awakening. He brought his two brothers along because he has tracked down their estrange mother (Anjelica Huston). Who has since become a nun.
Now perhaps on paper this all sounds like it could work, but, there is nothing for the viewer to relate to. These characters seem more like cliches, comedic devices rather than people. Of course an argument could be made suggesting the Marx Brothers were not individuals eithers. True, but do you want to compare Jason Schwartzman to Groucho Marx? The Marx Brothers were at least funny and socially revelant. Wes Anderson is not.
But as much as I hate this movie, it is not to suggest it is a diaster. There was nothing for me to relate to, and I did not laugh once at any of the "jokes" or "humor" in the film, but it is technically a well made film. There is nice cinematography and, an at times, pleasant musical score. But even the music is eccentric and wanting to be ultra-hip.
When it comes down to it, Wes Anderson's films lack heart. He is a souless filmmaker. Is any of his films based on his own experiences? I surely hope not. But, even if they aren't that is fine. His films still lack emotion. Anderson does not have the ability to create characters and/or situations which gain my sympathy. The viewer has no investment in these people. And if all of that were not enough. They aren't funny! And that is unforgiveable.
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