‘Darjeeling’ a masterful look at heartbreak
Slow motion scenes with overlaying background music, broken family relationships, and oh, the cigarettes – sounds like a Wes Anderson movie.
“The Darjeeling Limited” is the newest film from writer/director Wes Anderson.
In typical Wes Anderson fashion, the film stars mostly actors from his former projects including Jason Schwartzman (who also co-wrote the film), Owen Wilson, Anjelica Huston and even a small cameo by Bill Murray. Accompanying these Anderson veterans is Adrian Brody (“The Pianist,” “The Village”).
This film contains many themes from his previous films — dysfunctional family, disappointment, a coming-of-age story accompanied with dry, quirky humor. But, this is a good thing.
Although Anderson may be criticized for the similarity of his works, this is where he thrives, and therefore creates great films. “The Darjeeling Limited” is no exception, as Anderson has clearly honed his craft.
The story revolves around three estranged brothers played by Owen Wilson, Jason Schwartzman and Adrian Brody as they travel through India on the Darjeeling Limited train in pursuit of spiritual truths.
There are humorous moments throughout the film, but there is a subtle despondent theme throughout.
Beyond the sorrow they all share stemming from the death of their father and abandonment by their mother, each brother brings their own emotional baggage. Peter (Brody) is about to become a father, Jack (Schwartzman) is desperately hung up on his ex-girlfriend and Francis (Wilson), the oldest brother, is recovering from a severe motorcycle crash. Throughout their travels, they must learn to deal with their problems in their own way.
Subtle details throughout the film provide insight into the profound depression consuming the brothers. As more and more is revealed about each character’s history, their awkward interactions transform into a lifetime of damaged family relationships.
Eventually Anderson is able to find context for his characters, as the Kinks put it in their song “Strangers”: “Where are you going I don’t mind, I’ve killed my world and I’ve killed my time . Strangers on this road we are on, we are not two, we are one.”
The short film, “Hotel Chevalier,” which was released on iTunes for free, is actually a prequel to “Darjeeling.” It discloses details of Jack’s odd link with his ex-girlfriend, played by Natalie Portman. The short is not essential to understanding the film, but it definitely adds to it.
Also complementing the film is an outstanding soundtrack. Throughout the film, Anderson employs a wide range of musical styles including great tracks by The Kinks and The Rolling Stones’ “Play with Fire.” Each song is worked seamlessly into each scene.
Wilson, Schwartzman and Brody all provide perfect portrayals of their characters. Wilson is believable as the responsible, yet, still insecure, older brother. This is very different from the usual fun-loving roles he’s generally cast in.
The cinematography itself is worth seeing the movie for. Anderson painted a beautiful masterpiece of the trials of dealing with heartbreak.
Contact Campus Press Staff Writer Devon Taylor at devon.taylor@colorado.edu.
