If anything, See It for the Soundtrack.

Today I saw Wes Anderson's latest movie, The Darjeeling Limited. I've liked everything he's done so far, with the exception of the Life Aquatic, which I simply didn't understand.

It seems the "limited" part of the title refers to the fact that this movie is only in limited release. I had to bike all the way out to Evanston to see it. The movie is getting really bad reviews, and for the life of me, I simply cannot understand why. It is a visual masterpiece. All of the performances were strong, convincing, and enjoyable. And the storyline is interesting enough. Sure, I'd like to see Mr. Anderson build a story around other characters than his standard rich, estranged, and messed up family. But it seems there are more stories to be written about for the wealthy and borderline psychotic than I could have ever imagined.

As for the actors:

1. This is the first movie Adrien Brody has worked on since The Pianist that wasn't doomed by a crappy script. Also, seeing him play someone who is kind of neurotic made me realize that if there were ever a revival of the Odd Couple, he's be the man to play Felix Unger.
2. Owen Wilson: a perfect example of life imitating art. Kind of creepy, really.
3. Jason Schwartzman has a very George Harrison-esque look about him in this movie. It works for him, very well. I never would have thought of him as attractive before. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that he's 10 years younger than I am.
   
4. Angelica Huston: her part was too small. She played the affected mother as well as she done everything else. But wow - she's looking more and more masculine with each movie she does.
   

While I would put Anderson's movies at the bottom of my top 10, his soundtracks are always stunning. I've got them all, and believe you me, the first thing I did after returning home from the 'burbs today was to download this soundtrack. It is heavy on the Kinks, has some great music by Indian artists, a piece performed by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and includes the sweetest little song ever written in French, "Les Champs-Élysées." Even if you've hated everything Anderson has directed, check out this soundtrack.