The Darjeeling Limited: a rewatch of this gentle dramedy by Wes Anderson showcases that, indeed, this film disputes the common notion that his films are generally devoid of emotion. There’s a moment when the trio of protagonists (brothers who are grieving their deceased father and missing their estranged mother while on a spiritual journey through India) wonder if they would have been friends if they were not brothers; their relationship is filled with pain, barely beneath the surface. Anderson’s light, humanist touch keeps the film from becoming a heavy melodrama.

The three brothers are played by Owen Wilson (the control freak eldest), Adrien Brody (the father-to-be with, allegedly, sticky fingers), and Jason Schwartzman (the romantic one) quietly, and with a great deal of vulnerability; they are all needy, but not quite sure what for. It’s a typically fine bit of acting by the trio. Production designer Mark Friedberg, costume designer Milena Canonero, and cinematographer Robert Yeoman make exceptional use of the local hues of India, creating a colourful visual spectacle. The needle drops are excellent, from the extensive use of Satyajit Ray’s compositions from his films (as well as other Indian cinema musical scores) to pop songs of many origins; they never feel wrong.

Its companion piece, the short film Hotel Chevalier presented below, stars Jason Schwartzman and Natalie Portman, exploring further that brother’s romantic adventures prior to the beginning of the feature. It’s lovely in its own right and gives a bit of additional insight into that character.

Read what I wrote before: The Darjeeling Limited