The Darjeeling Limited (Wes Anderson, 2007)

The Darjeeling Limited (Wes Anderson, 2007)
Rating: 8.3

With only five films to his name, Wes Anderson has established himself as one of the most original filmmakers working today with his distinct visual style (long lenses, slow motion, fast pans, musical selections, color unique pallets, elaborate set and costume design, etc.) brand of subtle dramedy, and stable of actors. Perhaps most impressive is the fact that his films are released on DVD under Criterion. The Darjeeling Limited like any of his other films could only be realized as a Wes Anderson film. The opening shot has virtually every element of his style as Bill Murray makes a cameo as a business man trying to catch a train in a hilarious sequence that ends with him running after it next to Adrien Brody's character in slow motion as Peter Sarstedt's 1960s hit "Where Do You Go To My Lovely" chimes in on the soundtrack. Anderson continues to explore familial relations as three brothers coming from a wealthy family whose parents have separated long ago reunite for a spiritual journey. Each of them has their own personal reasons and issues to deal with along with shared problems one year after the death of their father. Many critics complain that they'd like to see Wes Anderson attempt something different, and I agree to some extent as the film doesn't really offer anything new that we haven't seen from him in the past, but on the other hand I'm perfectly content watching his familiar style. I still prefer Anderson's previous four works to The Darjeeling Limited, but never-the-less it is an enjoyable film.