Thursday, November 1, 2007
Most problems in films are a result of a mishandling of tone. That’s where Wes Anderson’s last film, The Life Aquatic, failed. He has always balanced serio-comic tales of dysfunction and ennui, but there was something too laconic and shaggy-dogged about Aquatic for any real emotional investment, especially because The Royal Tenenbaums found the perfect balance of tragedy and comedy. However, his new film, The Darjeeling Limited, cobbled together with co-writers Roman Coppola and Jason Swartzman, maintains its introspective tone without undercutting it with non-sequitors and indulgent set pieces.
Three brothers meet on the Darjeeling Limited, a long-range train through India. Having not spoken to each other in more than a year—since their father’s death—Francis Whitman (Owen Wilson) arranges this trip to bring his estranged brothers closer. Jack (Jason Swartzman) is an expatriate writer running from his lover. Peter (Adrien Brody) is uneasy about his life, facing upcoming fatherhood. All suffer from spiritual emptiness and self-medicate themselves through sex, social withdrawal, and Indian “cough syrup.” Bickering between the brothers gets them kicked off the train, rendering Francis’ laminated itineraries useless. Faced with the problem of getting back to civilization, their real walkabout begins, constituting some of the film’s most poignant scenes. Anderson asserts that the journey that happens instead of the journey you plan is the one that really matters. Even a mapped-out spirit quest can lead to moments of self-discovery, especially when you stop trying to get with the plan and get with the plan.
The dialogue remains witty, dry and detached; the story and overall presentation never borders the pretentiousness of Anderson’s last film. Rather, The Darjeeling Limited, though building from the same song Anderson has singing since Bottle Rocket, feels less cluttered by his aesthetic choices and more open to space. It’s a freer movie, reminding us that Anderson—for better or worse—is still one of the most original voices in American cinema.
Four stars
Jayhawk plays center in new movie
Marcus Owen, former Kansas offensive lineman, plays in front of Dwayne “The ...
Movie review: Inkheart
Popular children's book doesn't shine through on silver screen
Movie: Pride and Glory
Memory of Jason Wren educates students about ...
The Sigma Alpha Epsilon pledge died of alcohol poisoning in 2009.
Question & answer with Keanu Reeves and ...
Students, residents gather to view “The Day ...
Actor, director and producer answer questions about 25-year-old film, “The Day After”.
Schumaker: Disney trivializes women's struggles
This Summer, Pixar is releasing their latest animated film, “Brave.” Though the ...
Nichols: With spoof movies, the joke's on ...
A staggering tragedy
Friends and family look for answers while struggling to cope with an ...
Movie Review
Dan in Real Life
Who’s Who at KU: Kevin Willmott
Film and Media studies professor also works as a film director.
Movie Review: Cursed
Movie Magic
How KU Filmworks is helping young filmmakers reach their dreams.
Record-breaking runner in final season
Nickesha Anderson’s run has been historic, and she was part of the ...
University postpones aquatic center plan
Because of budget cuts next year, McGonigle calls plan “not the responsible ...
into the wild
Review
'Carnival of Souls'
Former KU Professor Hark Harvey directed the 1962 thriller, "Carnival of Souls."
Brother of MVP helping football team go ...
Chris Howard is playing an important role in the Kansas athletics department
Movie review: 'Waltz with Bashir'
3 1/2 out of 4 stars
Tragedy in transition: Ed's story
Ed Schroer cared for his ailing father while he was alive and ...
Student Senate discusses plans for KU aquatic ...
Student Senate is looking at three different plans for a possible aquatics ...
Get some culture: 'Good Dick'
It’s not all about fast food and beer pong.
Movie review: Extract
Mike Judge's newest functions as a kind of bookend piece to Office ...
Tragedy in transition: Lindy's story
Lindy Anderson had to deal with the death of her father mostly ...
Dillingham: 'Dirty Girl' introduces new, talented actors
Dillingham reviews the movie "Dirty Girl."
Tragedy in transition: When death interrupts college
Three students' college experiences were shattered by the loss of a parent.
Schumaker: Summer brings the heat with sizzling ...
This summer's blockbusters are sure to satisfy all types.
Coy: Film "Return" tells trials of returning ...
A new film, now on iTunes shows us the problems a returning ...
This movie is garbage. It's perfect!
A look at Lawrence’s cult film scene and a guide to understanding ...
A run to remember
Former Jayhawk Billy Mills won the impossible gold in the 10-k race ...
Hello, my name is Mandy Patinkin
Scott vaults over the competition
After two Big 12 championships, Jordan Scott is going for a third, ...
Movie Review: Cinderella Man
A winter classic reborn
Don't let your inner Ebenezer let you miss this one. "Scrooged" updates ...
The Hitchcock guide to a good scare
Take a break from gore-filled horror films such as Hostel and Saw ...
Movie review
The Kingdom
Schumaker: How to catch the Academy's eye
Four sure-fire ways to get the Oscar nod.
Schumaker: Prequel to "Watchmen" shouldn't be made
Film makers are planning a prequel to "Watchmen." This would ruin the ...
Coach starts small to dream big
Coach Ritch Price reflects on his experiences throughout the years that led ...
Movie Review
Zodiac -- 4.5 out of 5 stars
From left: Kimberlee Hinkle, Libby Johnson and Hannah ...
1 comment
Kansas Jayhawk fans hold aloft a reproduction of ...
2 comments
Erin Saupe, a Ph.D. student from St. Cloud, ...
1 comment
0 comments
Armed robbers continue to threaten.
3 comments
Lecture from Greg Mortenson, co-author of New York ...
0 comments
Comments
Use the comment form below to begin a discussion about this content.
Sign in to comment
Or login with:
OpenID