Monday, January 19, 2009

Movies

Saw Chandni Chowk (CC2C) and Slumdog this weekend.
Suggestion for CC2C - Don't "C".
No wonder piracy is so rampant in the country. If a movie is not able to give you entertainment worth the cost of the ticket, why waste time and money on something which is truly horrendous. Get a dvd and then watch the movie in fast forward mode.
Slumdog - Brilliant movie. A little retro in terms that the portrayal of Mumbai is classic 90s than current times. It might not be applicable so much now as it was then. But the movie connects at a deeper level. Most of us have grown up seeing the 90s unfold so it is easy to relate to every scene in the film. Some scenes are quite gory and might make you close your eyes but you cannot escape the reality in them.
Rahman's music especially for "ringa ringa" and "jai ho" is amazing. Gives the dark side of the movie a completely sunny shine.
The main character is such a wonderful actor and Anil Kapoor with his shades of gray is marvellous.
Amitabh wrote a scathing post on the movie and the main character idolizes him, goes through shit, literally, for his autograph in the movie. Quite ironic.
The movie is a true portrayal of one side of Mumbai and only Indians could have brought that out so convincingly unlike the way the western press is lauding Danny for bringing out the true character of Mumbai. Someone commented that only a westerner can bring out the true nature of Mumbai. Really???
Writer of the book "Q&A" on which the movie is based - Vikas Swarup (Indian)
Casting and co director - Loveleen Tandon (Indian)
Music Director - A R Rahman (Indian)
Director - Danny Boyle (not Indian)
I think the stats speak for themselves. I am not taking away the directorial brilliance Boyle brought to the movie but without the remaining team members Danny might not have captured the true spirit of Mumbai and for that he and the world should thank his team and not just him.
I read in ET that Slumdog put Mumbai on the world map. If that is what everyone feels then either Mumbai needs a good PR agency or the world needs to educate itself better. In my view, latter will work more effectively. Now, back to the movie.
Slumdog is gritty, gripping and gory.
Slumdog is a tale of hope, friendship, family and love.
Slumdog is a must watch. Save the money by avoiding CC2C and watch Slumdog instead.

1 comment:

Word Dancer said...

Absolutely right. Amazing movie, waiting for it to grab an Oscar.

I did not realize that Slumdog was not released in India until it was mentioned on the golden globes.

Interestingly, in an absolutely packed suburban theatre, we were the only Indians.

It seems that this movie seems to have broken the 'white ceiling' by having a white director, even though the rest of the cast and crew is not. Frieda was even invited on Jay Leno.
The last time when Aish was on Letterman, she giggled through it and no one knew who she was.

Interesting turn of events.