Review of The Darjeeling Limited (2007) by Jeffrey K — 22 Jul 2014

I wanted to like this movie, but could not. I wanted to hate this movie, but could not. Wes Anderson's latest film represents his regression from master storyteller to bright-eyed film student with potential.

The Darjeeling Limited is really a pointless movie. Its characters are so indulgent and one-dimensional that they garner almost no sympathy or understanding. Even worse, Anderson fetishizes India as an exotic background without giving any sincere meaning to the country's spiritual atmosphere. The entire movie is like a degrading cabinet of curios.

That said, there are aspects of the film that are impressive, most notably, the cinematography and directing. Although he fails at the writing desk, Anderson shines behind the camera.

Here is the problem: Anderson is obviously a talented filmmaker. However, he has ceased making movies for the public and instead looks to entertain only himself. Good films need to have an epiphany or some dissection of events or people. It is not enough to have beautiful scenery and amusingly blaze characters.

Anderson needs to bring the humanity back into his characters and to balance the blaze with the tragic and shallow facades with deep pain.