I’ve really enjoyed most of Wes Andersons to one level or another. I like Owen Wilson, Adrien Brody and Jason Schwartzman. I’ve even like the quirky sounding premise of The Darjeeling Limited and I’ve been looking forward to seeing it for a while now. But as early reviews of the film start to slip out… it’s not looking too good.
Take for example The Hollywood Reporter, who says of the film:
“The whimsical and insightful charm that Wes Anderson and his filmmaking pals have displayed in such films as “Rushmore” and “The Royal Tenenbaums” curdles ruinously in the Indian sun that shines so brightly in their smug and self-satisfied new film “The Darjeeling Limited.”
But The Hollywood Reporter isn’t the only one. I’ve come across pretty much universal bashing for the new film… which is a bit strange since critics generally love Anderson films. But this one is being labeled as “not funny in the least” but each of the 3 or 4 reviews I’ve read about the film.
I certainly hope this isn’t a case of people allowing the currently situation with Owen Wilson to cloud their thoughts or view of the film. Maybe that’s it… or maybe… Anderson just didn’t deliver on this one and The Darjeeling Limited really is that bad? Who knows.
One important thing to keep in mind though is that this is all just based on the 3 or 4 early reviews I’ve read. There are still hundreds of critics that still need to chime in, and just because the first couple of critics to get their reviews out did or didn’t like a film, doesn’t mean the majority of the rest of them won’t like or dislike it… it could swing the totally opposite way. Personally, I’m still curious to see this film… unless 50 more reviews come out all bashing it. We’ll see.
I have read various positive reviews of this movie and I have also seen it. If you are a Wes Anderson fan then go see it, I loved it. This one does seem stranger than the others but that only made me love it more. Also, the soundtrack is outstanding. Go see it, stop reading reviews and decide for yourself.
I don’t know. I love all of Wes Anderson’s other films, not to mention I think that the trailer is the best one of the year. I’ve disagreed with critics very strongly before. Still, this worries me slightly.
I think this is where Owen Wilson’s suicide attempt became surreal because in this film, he attempted suicide and that’s why his character has so many bandages on.
Interesting that you say “universal bashing” but then reveal that you’ve only read “3 or 4” reviews…
Hard to tell if they are reviewing a film or a suicide attempt, but I’m not a fan of Wes Anderson’s stuff, so I’ll pass.
Variety appeared to like it.
I think Wes Anderson’s quirky movies are getting stale. Bottle Rocket is my favorite of all his films, but I do love Rushmore & Tenenbaums. I hated A Life Aquatic. I think he should try & branch also.
They should have just named it “Wes Anderson Movie”.
There’ so little variation in his films. He needs to branch out a bit.