directed by Danny Boyle
with: Dev Patel, Freida Pinto
Stylistically and aesthetically, it is a good movie. With cuts, close-ups and shoots Boyle communicates effectively the essence of the story. And that is the only reason why this movie is acceptable. It is predictable and pretentious. It is probably one of the most ridiculous love stories and I don't understand why people like it so much (maybe because of the influence of the media). This story is supposed to represent destiny, but it bothers me that destiny is not really destiny in this movie, it is somewhat manipulated by Dev Patel's character as he purposefully participates in 'Who Wants to be a Millionaire' to find Frieda Pinto's character. He did not have to become a celebrity and he did not have to win. I also find irrelevant the fact that the he is suspected of cheating, especially when all the answers to his questions are found in his 'forced-attempt-to-imitate-City-of-God' life in the slums.
It tries to be different and tries to stay away from the mainstream, but ends up failing and being pathetic in some ways. It marks the beginning of a new era where Bollywood meets Hollywood, and more importantly it seems to be an outline of a new business plan for the film industry and that is why this movie is important in our context. I know that a lot of people will not agree with me, and they will all suggest giving it another chance. I won't. I'd rather watch Holly's and Michael's sketch "Slumdunder Mifflinaire" in the Company Picnic episode of The Office.
It tries to be different and tries to stay away from the mainstream, but ends up failing and being pathetic in some ways. It marks the beginning of a new era where Bollywood meets Hollywood, and more importantly it seems to be an outline of a new business plan for the film industry and that is why this movie is important in our context. I know that a lot of people will not agree with me, and they will all suggest giving it another chance. I won't. I'd rather watch Holly's and Michael's sketch "Slumdunder Mifflinaire" in the Company Picnic episode of The Office.
Must see.
Rating: 4.5/10
4 comments:
Good review. I'm glad to see more and more people coming to the conclusion that this movie is pretty damn awful. I'm still in a state of numbed shock by its Oscar win.
Kudos for The Office reference.
Thank you Chuck, I am also glad to find people who think the same way so thanks for posting your comment. And I agree, the Oscar win was disappointing. There were better movies out there.
good comments, I really think that this movie was not original. Most underdeveop countries have hundred of real stories like these and even old mexican movies about the same theme, never won a prize.
why did this one got so much attention?
thanks for your comments
Thanks for your comments. It's sad to know that the industry is being manipulated because of economic interests, but it is even worse to witness people falling for it. This movies does not deserve so much attention. I think it was popular because it tries to melt the indian and american (both important in the film industry) cultures (but fails) to reach a greater audience and to introduce Bollywood to Hollywood. It tries to combine many elements that end up being a poisonous salad. Like you said, it is not original, but cliché. If this movie was trying to mock romance movies, then I would be slightly pleased... but it isn't. I just can't take it seriously, it is a joke.
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