The Darjeeling Limited and Hotel Chevalier: Review

Few filmmakers have as devoted a cult following as Wes Anderson, best known for films such as Rushmore, The Royal Tennebaums and The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou, and in a sense, I may be included in that group. I adored each of the aforementioned films and I suppose it is with a sense of disappointment that Anderson's latest effort, The Darjeeling Limited feels like something of a step back, or rather a step to the side when one keeps hoping for a giant leap forward. The Darjeeling Limited looks and feels like a Wes Anderson movie and that is precisely why it isn't as successful as his previous works (Yes, even the divisive The Life Aquatic which is criminally underrated). It seems that Anderson, who is an undeniably talented filmmaker, is either unable or unwilling (here's hoping it is the latter) at this point to make that step. As a result, The Darjeeling Limited, while still an entertaining excursion, feels incomplete and rehashed.

That’s not to say the film is not worth your time or money; I would say it still is, for a disappointing Wes Anderson film is still as good as most everyday releases. The Darjeeling Limited possesses a homemade feel to it, a lovingly crafted story about a journey three brothers, Francis, Peter and Jack (Owen Wilson, Adrien Brody and Jason Schwartzman respectively) take across India. This plan, hatched by Francis as a way to reunited the brothers, who have not seen each other since their father's funeral over a year ago, is for a spiritual journey; a way for the brothers to come back together and be a family again. However, when the brothers board their train (which shares the name of the film) for their trip, the group is met with hostility and hesitation. None of brothers want to fully open up to each other, strategically telling each other their true plans for the trip. Of course, since the negative feelings run throughout the group, everyone else's secrets are quickly known to everyone else and the trip degrades into a brawl, a shot of pepper spray to the face and the train (humorously) getting lost. Before they know it, the brothers have been thrown off the train, forced to experience a true journey, not one safely undertook with modern transportation.

The cast here is stellar with each of the leads nailing their roles with equal parts comedic gusto and reserved melancholy. Brody is particularly good here, reminding the audience what a unique talent he is, able to easily morph to fit whichever role he takes. Despite being often times forgotten, he continues to contribute some of the best cinematic acting of the times and deserves any praise he receives. Wilson is is fine form here as well, giving a strong performance that one would expect from the Anderson veteran. Wilson has been intricately involved in every film Anderson has made and the two work together particularly well, with each of Wilson's best performances coming in Anderson's work. The rest of the cast is stellar as well, with highlights from Angelica Huston as the guys' mother and Bill Murray, in a short cameo, of a businessman trying to catch a train. Anderson fans will recognize most of the faces here, as Anderson continues to use a stable of actors that work well with his style.

However, it is that style that could use a kick in the pants. With Rushmore, Anderson built on his debut Bottle Rocket, by adding a hefty dose of melancholy into the proceedings. He expanded his emotional pallet in The Royal Tennebaums, deliciously skewering family dynamics. Finally, The Life Aquatic has enough frenzied chaos to pull itself along. None of his films are perfect (Rushmore comes closest) but each possess a certain quality that allow the audiences to overlook the films flaws and enjoy themselves. However, with The Darjeeling Limited, Anderson returns to themes he has previously covered without much to add. Never does Darjeeling reach the heights of Tennebaums examinations of family, nor the inspired creativity of Life Aquatic. It strikes me closest to Rushmore, only with less heart and more existential ponderings. While its geography is a bold step away from anything he has done before and it certainly adds to Darjeeling, it is not enough to pull it away from the rest of his work.

I really don't mean to say that this is a bad film, far from it. For Anderson devotees, they will enjoy it (I did) but may find themselves wanting a little more. Anderson is obviously a unique and interesting talent, an individual who makes films that stand out from the pack with their narratives and style. This may be a misstep for Anderson, but its a small one at best, one that feels like he is treading water when he could be moving forward. There is no reason to think that it is anything else than that and judging by his track record, I eagerly await Anderson's next film as a full out return to form. For those who felt like Darjeeling was incomplete, The Darjeeling Limited is thankfully accompanied in tone and narrative (but not in theatres) by Hotel Chevalier, a short that acts as the prologue to Darjeeling. Chevalier, starring Schwartzman and Natalie Portman is Anderson at his best, a master stylist with an exquisite eye for color and composition. The dialogue is sharp and quick and the short's plot of the tail end of a relationship is a must for viewers who want the full Darjeeling Limited experience. Chevalier is available as a free download on the iTunes Music Store (and probably, at this point, on YouTube as well). Check it out.

*** (The Darjeeling Limited)
**** (Hotel Chevalier)

EDIT: Apparently, for its wider release, the two films will be shown together so for all you lucky bastards who have not seen it yet, you'll get the full experience for the $10.25 you're paying.