The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou
Running Time: 119 minutes
Marine biologist Steve Zissou (Bill Murray) is having a rough year. His career is tanking like an ocean liner that just hit an iceberg, his best friend was just killed by a rare species of shark, and his wife is about to run off with her ex--a man Steve suspects of being gay. And then, for the first time, he meets his son Ned (Owen Wilson).
Somewhat excited to actually have someone look up to him, Steve convinces Ned to join him and his crew on what may, if the trend continues, be his final expedition. His goal, despite what the law may say, is to slay the creature that killed his friend.
And so the motley crew sets off, including some rather prominent characters: Klaus (Willem Defoe), the faithful companion to Zissou and (it would seem) second-in-command; Jane (Cate Blanchett), the reporter who promises a cover story to make Zissou big again yet whose motives are somewhat unclear; Bill (Bud Cort), the "stooge" sent to ensure Zissou does nothing illegal or expensive; and Pelé (Seu Jorge), whose Portuguese renditions of David Bowie provide the majority of the music throughout the film. Other characters include Steve's wife Eleanor (Anjelica Huston) and his arch-nemesis Alistair Hennessey (Jeff Goldblum), as well as his advisor Oseary Drakoulias (Michael Gambon, most recognizable as Dumbledore in the Harry Potter films).
What follows is an unpredictable rampage through the ocean chock-full of laughs, pirates, rivalry, self-discovery, and romance. The last of these is provided by the rather complicated character of Jane, five months pregnant with the child of a married man--married to someone else. Despite the extra 'baggage,' Jane seems to have plenty of time to behave like the stereotypical seafaring woman: although never depicted she is evidently sleeping with Ned, and at one point takes a swig of Zissou's liquor, prompting the response: "You really think it's cool for you to hit the sauce with a bun in the oven? "
The laughs delivered by "The Life Aquatic" are rivaled only, it seems, by the profanities. Although there are occasional views of one (female) crew member topless, the real reason this film received an 'R' from the MPAA is the approximately hundred vulgar words used, running the gauntlet from d**n to f**k, including references to homosexuality and prostitution. For a film that takes place at sea, director Wes Anderson has certainly filled his ship with sailors.
If you like the indie movement, or if you want to see a bunch of a-list actors doing something refreshingly different, then "The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou" is probably the film for you. If, however, you want a night of clean entertainment, you might try finding something with a bit less ocean spray in the air.
Links:
~The Life Aquatic on IMDb
The Darjeeling Limited: Hotel Chevalier
Running Time: 13 minutes
"The Darjeeling Limited" is preceded, as per the director's request, by a thirteen-minute short film entitled "Hotel Chevalier." It takes place in Room 403 of said Hotel, in Paris, and finds Jack Whitman (Jason Schwartzman) lying on a gaudy bed ordering grilled cheese and a chocolate milk for room service. Soon he receives a call from whom we assume is his girlfriend (Natalie Portman); she is in fact never given a name.
But that doesn't mean we get nothing from Portman's character. Indeed, it's not long before she shows up at Jack's door. There is some small talk between the two, revealing that Jack has come to Paris to get away from the troubles in his life--including, presumably, his girlfriend--and has been living out of this hotel room for several weeks. Room service arrives, Jack asks for a Bloody Mary--better make that two--and then the real purpose of this short film begins.
That is to say, the couple is breaking up, and to commemorate the occasion they're going to put the hotel box-spring to the test. And although there are a few profanities tossed between the two--actually, almost exclusively from Ms. Portman--the real reason this short has garnered an 'R' rating is the sex. Although very little of the activity is actually shown, we do see Jack removing panties from his girlfriend, followed by her removal of her own top. And when the couple goes to the window to see the view of the city, we see Portman skillfully positioned in a leaning position that technically covers the necessary areas but still feels remarkably graphic.
Although there is a tie-in to this short film right by the conclusion of the main feature, "Hotel Chevalier" seems really like an unnecessary guilty pleasure for viewers. It's a shame, especially coming from a girl who spent most of her early years in the spotlight saying nudity was not for her.
The Darjeeling Limited
Running Time: 91 minutes
Thankfully, "The Darjeeling Limited" is far more uplifting (and far less perverse) than its prologue might lead one to believe. It is the tale of three brothers who haven't spoken to one another for a year, coming together at the behest of the eldest. Francis Whitman (Owen Wilson) has arranged an itinerary (with the help of his friend Brendan) that will, if all goes well, help he and his brothers rekindle their faith in themselves and each other, and perhaps bring his long-lost mother back home. The plan?
A month-long excursion across India on a train called The Darjeeling Limited.
The movie begins as Peter Whitman (Adrien Brody) narrowly catches the train and meets up with Jack and Francis in their shared cabin. It doesn't take long for two things to become evident to the viewer: 1. the Whitman brothers are quite dysfunctional, and have trust issues with each other, and 2. they're probably going to run into a lot of trouble.
Between the illegal prescription drugs, the pepper spray, and the poisonous snake, getting kicked off the train was an exercise in inevitability, though not before Jack can have a fling with the stewardess. That said, the antics on the train are quite amusing and do a good job of introducing the different characters.
The road to "rebirth" is a rocky one, rife with serious arguments, injuries, and death. "The Darjeeling Limited" is more of an emotional roller-coaster than a train-ride, though it never truly loses its indie polish and cynical edge. Each of the brothers is jaded in his own way, something clearly picked up from their mother (who we meet near the conclusion of the film), but this proves an obstacle that can be overcome by brotherly affection.
There's a trend in Hollywood these days to avoid making classifiable films, a trend "The Darjeeling Limited" is all-too-happy to embrace. It's comedic, but more than a comedy. It's sad at times, but not a tragedy. Ultimately, it's simply a good look at life. What it does, how we see it, and why we should change the way we look at it.
Sadly, the inclusion of "Hotel Chevalier" makes it difficult to recommend the entire film experience. Unlike a Pixar film, where the short could simply be considered an extra, Wes Anderson seems adamant that the short film be considered intrinsic to the complete work, deeming it "part one" of "The Darjeeling Limited." This coupled with the profanity that is scattered about and the occasionally dragging plot progression make this a train that you really don't need to worry about missing.
Links:
~Hotel Chevalier on IMDb
~The Darjeeling Limited on IMDb
~The Darjeeling Limited official site
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