Darjeeling Limited - Wes Anderson's Imagination is Limit-less!
Darjeeling Limited is an American film, with a soul that’s purely Indian! Director Wes Anderson, who happens to be an ardent admirer of Indian director Satyajit Ray, sends Owen Wilson, Adrien Brody, and Jason Schwartzman off to India for an experience that only our heritage could provide!
What does a Wes Anderson film mean to our Karan Johar, Yash Raj, on occasion Mira Nair, and Nagesh Kukunoor, loving audience? Probably not much. A foreign name for most of our viewers, director Wes Anderson is accomplished in his own right, with some of the biggest names in Hollywood begging to work with him. His films speak not to demographics as ethnicity, socio-economic standing, gender, or age, but to unique personalities. His screenplays can be complex to interpret due to their peculiar nature, but still he manages to reach across and strike a chord with select audiences.
The Darjeeling Limited is the story of how three dissociated brothers bond through the course of their train trip in the land of enlightenment. India is the backdrop where opulent awakenings take place. The land, the people, the vibrations set the mode. The elements of the location end up being key for the development of the characters. Each character has been shaped with dexterity. Owen, Brody, and Schwartzman play anomalous characters with personal ramifications. No one from the notable cast disappoints. Anjelica Huston is perfect in her brief appearance. Irrfan Khan, Amara Karan, and Waris Ahluwalia are the Indian names that stand out. Amara Karan and Waris Ahluwalia are excellent. Irrfan Khan is present only for face value.
One would think the film is lively and full of fun and games, but this is no Wedding Crashers or of the like. There is crude, dry humor, but the film is not carefree and requires the viewer to dig deeper and think hard to understand the big picture. But don’t think too hard, otherwise you’ll over-analyze, only to find there is more style than substance to the film. A quirky film, you have to walk a fine line to appreciate the erratic madness.
Director Wes Anderson has done a fine job showcasing the simplicity and warm traditions. The cinematography is bright and beautiful with striking colors that give the otherwise subdued pace energy. A major highlight of the film, ironically being American, is its music! The soundtrack, made up of pieces by Satyajit Ray and Merchant Ivory is awesome.
The Darjeeling Limited offers Indian viewers with a delectable look at classic India meshed with the humorous outlook of estranged eyes. Although playing characters, it’s fascinating to see huge Hollywood names as Owen Wilson, Adrien Brody, and Jason Schwartzman react to the unparallel ways of the east. The body of the presentation may be questionable, but certainly not out of the question as a watch. A great soundtrack, exotic sights, and cogent performances in a film of artistic tenor are what viewers are likely to applaud.
Check out the prologue to the film, a 13-minute short, Hotel Chavalier, featuring Natalie Portman. It’s a peak at Anderson’s style waiting for you on the internet!