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If whimsy was a genre, Wes Anderson would be its master. His films are an acquired taste, there’s no question, but once acquired are some of the most delectable, bizarre, and well, whimsical cinematic journeys one can embark on, bypassing the mainstream and heading straight for indie dramedy. All in one and a half hours. In Darjeeling Limited, one would be embarking with the three brothers Francis (Owen Wilson), mummy-like with heavily bandaged scars from an ill-destined bike ride; Peter (Adrien Brody), an obsessive hoarder of their dead father’s trinkets; and Jack (Jason Schwartzman), a seducer and semi-fictional story writer armed with pepper spray. Gathered by the eldest, Francis, the ill-paired trio takes off for a spiritual, itinerary-filled journey to reform their lost brotherly bonds in India (if they ever had any to begin with.) Thus, the train (named the Darjeeling Limited, curiously enough) pulls out of the station, with a destination of nowhere save for the possibility of meeting a mother who ran off and abandoned her sons to become a nun. Of course even if it’s a road with no end, it’s the journey that matters, in this case one filled with venomous snakes escaping from a skull and crossbones bearing crates, plenty of Indian cough syrup, rituals involving peacock feathers being buried amid human sound effects, and Anjelica Huston looking downright scary in heavy eye makeup. Anyone mention this wasn’t mainstream?

The appeal of the film to the individual viewer teeters precariously on the question of if they “get” the characters. Luckily, mix equal parts comedy, drama, and Anderson’s writing and the result is one brilliant script. Still, despite sharp acting or perhaps because of it, to call the film quirky would be an understatement; be prepared. The word “meticulous” would be another understatement. If directing doesn’t pan out with the box office, Anderson could have a future in art direction, so carefully does he construct his worlds within the frame. Perhaps they are a touch too careful; there’s not much feeling of spontaneity left in what could seem a most uncontrived story. Darjeeling Limited may have very “limited” prospects outside of the art theater which is unfortunate for average movie-goers simply looking for a decent film. It won’t make converts; audiences who know their opposition to “indie” types of movies in all likelihood won’t be swayed, but it’s a gem worth seeking for the rest. It’s funny. It’s sad. And whether one loves or hates him, they’ve got to admit, Wes Andersons got style!