What's next for Wesley?

You only have to watch 10 seconds of The Darjeeling Limited trailer before realising who is behind such a whimsical premise. The film is identifiably a Wes Anderson one. Quick panning movements; elaborate locations; a knowingly clever soundtrack; and the re-casting of Anderson darlings Shwarzerman and Wilson. The trailer is a reasuring invitation into a familiar world. It evokes memories of Anderson's previous films such as Rushmore and The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou. Anderson has managed to carve out a nice little niche for himself within Hollywood. He uses fables in order to prod and poke the American psyche, examining the weird way we form and break relationships (especially within families). The Darjeeling Limited appears no different, it is the story of three brothers traveling accross India with the aim of reforging old bonds. The trailer is instantly appealing and will no doubt prove to be a succesful addition to the Anderson cannon. Yet should we be expecting more from him?

Do not misplace my concern. Anderson is one of the most talented directors currently working in America and my money shall be one of the first through the tills. However, familiarity breeds contempt. How long will the Anderson band wagon continue to roll on when he refuses to stretch his capabilities? In order to elevate himself from being just another talented helmer, Anderson must make a brave decision and try somthing a little different.

You may wish to argue that Anderson has a distinct style. An auteristic signature. To ask him to change his approach and techniques would be redundant. Kubrick frequently used a slow zoom, Hitchcock had a penchant for casting blondes and you would have never found Bergman's cast breaking into a song and dance routine. But technique is not the issue. Refusal to aknowledge Anderson as a great director is not on the grounds of a unique directorial style, of which it is clear he posseses, but in his failure to appropraite this to any genre other than comedy.

It takes an artists touch to place their individual stamp on a number of different genres and subject matters. Kubrick practically touched upon every genre in his career; Hitchcock has a classic literary adaptation to his name, as well as a seminal horror; and Bergman even tried his hand at comedy. This is not to suggest that if Anderson did try his hand at a horror movie let's say, he would ever be held in the same reagrds as those greats. He may simply be a one trick pony (a very good one admitadely) and atempting somthing different may backfire spectacularly. Numerous directors have crashed and burned when they decided to tip toe out of their comfort zones. But there should be no shame in this, the shame should be in not trying. After all, art is bulit upon risk.

It would be intriguing and exciting to see the Anderson touch on another genre, it's release would be hugely anticipated. Sadly, this does not look like happening any time soon. Instead, audiences and critics will probably go on to love The Darjeeling Limited for being typically 'Andersonian'. Yet will it resonate with them 15 or 20 years down the line? Probably not, that kind of attention is saved for the brave and ambitious filmmaker.