The Darjeeling Limited

[Josh]

My review of Wes Anderson's new film, The Darjeeling Limited, has been posted at CT Movies.

As I try to indicate in the review, I think Anderson's movies tend to be unfairly judged by critics who just don't understand what he's trying to do. These are subtle works, and this one as much as any of them-- much of the emotion and gravity of the story comes in little looks and glances from the actors, from scattered bits of dialogue, even from little details of the wardrobe or the set design or the soundtrack. It's a film that rewards patient moviegoers, and indeed, it's only grown easier to appreciate in my mind as I've reflected on it and written about it.

Wes Anderson is crafting a remarkable body of work that speaks to loss, failure, brokenness, and the need for family in a language all his own, and Darjeeling is another wonderful entry in that canon.

[murlough23]

much of the emotion and gravity of the story comes in little looks and glances from the actors, from scattered bits of dialogue, even from little details of the wardrobe or the set design or the soundtrack.

How about having it come from the actual story?

I can't say whether it's true about this film because I haven't seen it, but one thing that bugs me about some "indie" films is how they seem to be so much in love with the creative process that it seems to really be a love letter to the camera. I suppose that would interest me more if I were a filmmaker, but as a moviegoer, I tend to want the story to be the #1 priority.

Same thing with musicians who seem to be more interested in tweaking things around in the studio than in actually making enjoyable music, though that's less of an issue for me because I understand the nuts and bolts a little better. Still, you've got to realize that you're making music or movies for more than just the small percentage of your audience that is in the know on all of the little details of how these things are made.

[bloop]

Still, you've got to realize that you're making music or movies for more than just the small percentage of your audience that is in the know on all of the little details of how these things are made.

Hmm . . . why?  What's inherently wrong with making your film or album with a different audience in mind than Joe Average?

Sufjan thread

[murlough23]

Hmm . . . why?  What's inherently wrong with making your film or album with a different audience in mind than Joe Average?

Maybe nothing inherently... but once I see enough movies made that way, it starts to bug me. It feels like a big race to prove who's more in love with cinematography.

[bloop]

Maybe nothing inherently... but once I see enough movies made that way, it starts to bug me.

Well, of course, you do realize that there is a very simple solution for that.   

[murlough23]

Well, of course, you do realize that there is a very simple solution for that.   

What, see less indie films? Nah, then I might miss out on the ones that win you over with quirky cinematography while telling an excellent story. The little idiosyncracies can be great if they're not the primary thing that the film relies on.

[murlough23]

What, see less indie films? Nah, then I might miss out on the ones that win you over with quirky cinematography while telling an excellent story. The little idiosyncracies can be great if they're not the primary thing that the film relies on.

Since I saw this last night, I thought I'd resuscitate this thread in order to point out that The Darjeeling Limited turned out to be a great example of what I'm talking about in the above quote.

[spacebrat311]

I think I might love this film more than is healthy.

[bethany]

I generally love Wes Anderson, and I didn't even make it all the way thru this one.