The Darjeeling Limited

Went to see "The Darjeeling Limited" at the Uptown theater in Minneapolis before we left.(Which has its own little seventies groove going on inside. There is only one screen, but the theater is outfitted with a gigantic balcony. The walls are swathed in blue velvet and decked out with giant plastic murals of Columbus discovering the New World opposite a scene of bathing Greek gods...)

I thought this film was far better than "The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou", and though it still glossed over the emotional dysfunction of the family, that was sort of the point. These characters are not interested in delving too deep. They are much more concerned about getting a power adapter in the middle of their spiritual journey through India or showing off their talent for fashion accessorising.

There were loads of the signature Wes Anderson visuals that are so enjoyable. If you look at this film as a moving picture book instead of a plot driven story, you can't help but enjoy yourself. I haven't been to India yet, but when I get there, I'm sure I'll wish it looked a little more like it did in this movie. Those train car interiors! Those marigold leis! Those fantastic vintage sunglasses...and of course, that luggage! (Even if it does seem to symbolize the burden of their wealth and priveledge and their inability to relate to and interact with the rest of the world...it was awfully cool.)

That luggage stole the show, if you ask me. I kept waiting to see another shot of it. I did some poking around and it turns out it was made for the film by Marc Jacobs for Louis Vuitton and the safari animals were painstakingly hand painted by Wes' art director brother Eric. After the film it was auctioned off for charity, so I guess it will never be mine, but a girl can always dream...