The Darjeeling Limited

I despise the word “arty.” “Arty” carries with it a sort of elitist connotation. It is considered not something for all people. People use the word to say such statements as: “Oh, I don’t want to see that film, it is too “arty.” “Arty” has kept people away from good movies for far too long. The Darjeeling Limited and a great deal of movies like it are what inspired these negative connotations.

Leaving the screening of the film the other day I remember describing the film like a fish. Not just any fish, but a beautiful tropical fish, dying on the shore. Wes Anderson, the acclaimed director, with the exception of his tour-de-force Rushmore, always makes “dying fish” movies. There lovely for a moment as they have many bright beautiful colours. But ultimately the proverbial water (or emotional resonance) necessary for survival (sustained interest in the film) kills the film fish.

The story begins with a short film called “Hotel Chavieler.” The story is, of course, quirky and introduces us to one of the main characters Jack Whitman (Jason Schwartzman) and Jack’s ex-girlfriend (Natalie Portman.) This short film is actually quite good and actually very funny. Portman’s performance is some of the best of her work I have ever seen. However, the actual film that follows is unfunny, trite and above all, the greatest of cinematic sins, deadly boring.
The movies begins in India where three rich brother including Jack from the short film and Peter (Adrein Brody) and Francis (Owen Wilson) take a train throughout India. Only Francis, the oldest and bruised brother, knows exactly why they are on this journey. Each brother carries with him both literal and figurative baggage and, imagine this, together they confront their pasts through a series of “life-affirming” events, that are in no way interesting or, as the word comedy would suggest, funny.

However, you can never fault Anderson for his lack of style. Ever single frame of this film is shot Anderson-y. There are lots of unique shades of colours. Prefect frames filled to the brim with glorious life, like a bright beautiful tropical fish. But, let us be honest, a fish is just a fish. Without humour and a quality story the film is nothing more than pretty shots combined with annoying clichés.

There is no law of films that insists upon us liking the characters. Some movies even make us loathe the main characters. But in this film, we need to like the character in order to connect with their journey. All I found though, where rich brats, who like everyone else has a few family issues. Boo-hoo boys, boo-hoo.

One day I know Wes Anderson is going to make another great film and he will be hailed and lifted up on the shoulders of critics and handed a golden statue to honour his masterpiece. But until then Wes, please give us films that are, at the very least, not boring.