Who could blame Wes Anderson for sticking with what he knows? He's cultivated a unique style that's as specific to his work as that of the most iconic American comedy auteurs (few of which are still working today and even fewer of which have emerged from his generation). His neurotic soul searchers, fast random dialogue exchanges, and busy layered frames are unique to him. And most importantly, even in their most banal incarnations, his ticks still outweigh a vast majority of the contemporary comedy landscape when it comes to out loud laughs and lasting sentiments. You could pick on the consciously adorable quirks of The Darjeeling Limited all too easily, but if you're a fan of Anderson (and it's all but certain that The Life Aquatic separated the Tenenbaums joyriders from the die hards) you'll be spellbound and gleeful at the sight of him at work once more. The Darjeeling Limited may be the least of Anderson's accomplishments, but in a filmography as consistent and timeless as his, it's hard to live up to self-made standards. It's a slight treasure, but a treasure nonetheless with endearing characters, lavish absurdities, and wit to spare.
Friday, February 29, 2008
DVD of the Week: The Darjeeling Limited
Who could blame Wes Anderson for sticking with what he knows? He's cultivated a unique style that's as specific to his work as that of the most iconic American comedy auteurs (few of which are still working today and even fewer of which have emerged from his generation). His neurotic soul searchers, fast random dialogue exchanges, and busy layered frames are unique to him. And most importantly, even in their most banal incarnations, his ticks still outweigh a vast majority of the contemporary comedy landscape when it comes to out loud laughs and lasting sentiments. You could pick on the consciously adorable quirks of The Darjeeling Limited all too easily, but if you're a fan of Anderson (and it's all but certain that The Life Aquatic separated the Tenenbaums joyriders from the die hards) you'll be spellbound and gleeful at the sight of him at work once more. The Darjeeling Limited may be the least of Anderson's accomplishments, but in a filmography as consistent and timeless as his, it's hard to live up to self-made standards. It's a slight treasure, but a treasure nonetheless with endearing characters, lavish absurdities, and wit to spare.
