Francis, Peter and Jack are three brothers who haven't been in touch for the year following their father's untimely death. In an attempt to reconnect with his siblings, Francis (Owen Wilson) books passage for three on The Darjeeling Limited, a train that travels through India, for what he calls a spiritual journey.
It's a promising scenario for a story of reconciliation and healing from the grief of a shared tragedy. All three men have something in their lives that is draining them emotionally, and this sojourn should bring them together in support of one another, to help them know that they are not alone and that those who love them will be there in their time of need.
Unfortunately, the promise falls far short of its potential. While the landscapes of India make a beautiful backdrop, with several breathtaking panoramic views scattered throughout, the impressive cinematography isn't enough to make up for what the story lacks in depth and substance. Even the casting screams impending brilliance, but it's hard to tell whether it's the script or Wes Anderson's unusual directing style that sucks the life out of this film.
Listless Characters
Francis is trying to re-establish some sense of cohesiveness among the three - he wants them to feel and act like brothers again. His character is a tad controlling and even obsessive-compulsive, which implies an inherent humor; however, his potentially funny lines are delivered with too much reserve to convey any sense of flippancy.
One of the key elements of Francis's character is that his head is bandaged throughout most of the film. He's initially vague about how he received the injuries, but when that secret is finally revealed, it's so glossed over that its poignancy is lost. Wilson is a competent actor, but this role doesn't do much to validate his abilities.
The same is true for Adrien Brody, who plays middle brother Peter. While his wife Alice is at home, about to give birth to their first child, Peter is overwhelmed by the fact that they're about to start a family when he was certain the marriage would end in divorce. Sadly, his 'overwhelmed' is delivered with the same flat tonelessness as his joy at finding out the sex of the baby.
Jack (Jason Schwartzman) is trying to escape his memories of a recently failed relationship. His solution is to become involved with Rita, a pretty young woman who works on the train and also happens to be involved with the chief steward. The problem is, a young man who should come across as insecure but charming instead plays as just smarmy.
Moving in the Wrong Direction
It's possible that writer/director Wes Anderson's (The Royal Tenenbaums) style just takes some getting used to. Other reviewers have called this film brilliant. Appreciation of a film of this nature - of any film in general - is, of course, a subjective process. However, for all its potential to be a moving comedy-drama, The Darjeeling Limited is surprisingly and disappointingly motionless.
Starring Owen Wilson, Adrien Brody, Jason Schwartzman
Fox Searchlight Pictures, 2007
Directed by Wes Anderson
Rated: R (language)
Running Time: 91 minutes
Available on DVD
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