Slumdog Millionaire (2008)

Slumdog Millionaire

Slumdog Millionaire, directed by Danny Boyle is based on the book Q and A written by Indian author Vikas Swarup. It stars Dev Patel, Freida Pinto and Anil Kapoor.

The movie follows the life of a young man from the slums of Mumbai to being part of the game show ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati’. It starts with Jamal (Dev), who has made it to the last question of the game show, being interrogated as there were accusations of cheating. After all, how does a slumdog know all the answeres?

Then, in flashback, movie then traces Jamal’s life which revolves around his violent brother Salim and his love, Latika. And how he knows the answers to the questions from his various experiences.

As many critics and reviewers have said, this is one of the better movies of the year. Danny Boyle (of Trainspotting fame) has crafted this movie in his signature cinematic style. The acting is uniformly excellent (especially the young Jamal). Anil Kapoor is amazing as the game show host. However, one gets a feeling that the script could have provided more opportunities to Anil Kapoor to  portray this complex role.

The on location shooting and the photography also adds to it. This movie looks good.

But somehow the movie seems too unrealistic and fake. And at times the feel-good factor seems forced rather than a natural consequence of the proceedings. But that’s just what i felt.

Anyway, from a cinematic point of view, this is a very well made and  directed movie and definitely worth a watch. A heart-warming Bollywood-style romantic drama that makes you feel good about life in spite of its tragic and heartbreaking moments.

A word about the soundtrack by A. R. Rahman

When you listen to the soundtrack it doesn’t seem special (Like most of the works by Rahman, it grows on you). But it takes a viewing of the movie to make you realise how amazing the soundtrack really is. The songs, which sound too abstract initially, makes more sense with a viewing. Its an interesting  mix of Indian and Western and consequently, very engaging. Wouldn’t be surprised if you fall in love.

Tracks worth listening are ‘O Saya” , “Mausam and Escape”, “Dreams on fire” and “Jai ho”. Actually, all the tracks are worth listening to. Brilliant stuff.

The album is definitely worth checking out.

Cheers

Jais

PS: The movie ends with a grand Bollywood style song-and-dance number that adds to the fun. A perfect end in the circumstances.

The Day of the Jackal (1973)

Day of the Jackal

The Day of the Jackal is a 1973 based on a novel by Frederick Forsyth of the same name. It is directed by Fred Zinnemann and stars Edward Fox and Michael Lonsdale.

I accidentally stumbled upon this movie yesterday afternoon. Had heard about the novel a lot but never got the opportunity to read it. And since this was an adaptation of the novel itself, thought why not give it a shot not knowing what to expect (I remember watching ‘The Jackal’, the 1997 movie starring Bruce Willis and Richard Gere which used a similar plot line. I’d rather not talk about the experience). And I wasn’t disappointed. Not one bit.

The OAS, French militant underground organization, unhappy with the decision to give independence to Algeria, decide to assassinate the French President Charles de Gaulle. After several failed attempts and tightened security for the President, they hire professional assassin known only by the code-name “Jackal” and whose identity and methodology is kept secret from everybody in the OAS.

The movie follows the preparation undertaken by the Jackal. At the same time the security forces discover the possibility of an attempt on the President’s life. Chosen by his superiors, Deputy Commissioner Claude Lebel is assigned this thankless task with certain restrictions (no publicity and no failure) but also with complete freedom as to the methods used. The movie then becomes a cat-and-mouse game between the Lebel and Jackal with Jackal about half a step ahead of Lebel. However, two scenes portray Lebel’s brilliance and presence of mind (Phone tapping scene and the fact that Prime Minister recalls Lebel, realizing that the 100,000 strong police force and security cannot find the Jackal).

The movie is thrilling, exciting and a perfect example of how suspense-thrillers should be made. It puts the other modern day thrillers to shame and keeps you at the edge of the seat (or sofa). The movie remains true to the novel (so I am told, with some creative liberty) and manages to retain the suspense throughout. The acting is amazing. Edward Fox came without baggage and recognition and plays the role of the assassin more than adequately. Michael Lonsdale as the Commissioner Lebel also portrays the role of the brilliant detective very with passion and intensity

The style of the movie is what captures your attention. The intensity of the movie gives it almost a documentaish feel. The fact that the movie was shot on location adds to the effect. The lack of background score or soundtrack is also striking. There is a five minute sequence towards the end where the only sound heard is that of the parade and the celebrations (It seemed as thought the television had gone cuckoo). It is also devoid of any typical Hollywood-like effects or extravagance. All this makes the movie an exhilarating experience.

Cheers

Jais