I saw the movie a few days ago. I really don't understand: why so much fuss? If an Indian director makes a fully filmy hindi movie, no one gives a damn about it. But some non-indian comes and makes this movie and people are going all ga ga about it. A.R. Rehman has given music better than "jai ho". Anil Kapur has done roles better than this.
This movie has set new records in making a big deal out of a not-so-amazing movie. I say this because, even a huge fuss has been made about why there is so much fuss about this movie. That is like the second order fuss about the movie! And here, I am making the third order fuss with a huge lot accompanying me in doing so.
To start the tirade-- The main guy is such a put off! He has a unique expression on his face, indicating he really has no clue what people are talking about. You are supposed to be poor, not dumb for god's sake! Even some of the witty lines are lost due to his dialog delivery. For example, when one police man says that "yes, I know this answer" and he says as a reply "I told you, one doesn't have to be a genius to know this". It sounds as if, director told this guy to stress on the word "genius" and after 25 takes finally the Patel kid got it right. Well written, but badly delivered! He just comes across like a kid from UK trying to be a chai-wala.
The actress is no better. The only place where she is bearable is when she is standing on the railway platform and looking up into the camera. That's when she doesn't say a word and that's the best part of her performance. It seems that even the director thinks the same. He has put that shot in the movie at least 3500 times.
The second generation of kids are the worst. Not only do they look as if they come from places even middle class Indians can't afford, but also have no clue about acting. If this is good acting, when person in front of the camera is well aware of the presence of the camera and everyone who sees him act knows that he is aware of it, then may be they all should get Oscars.
Irrfan Khan has been wasted methodically. He has been reduced into a police guy who looks around with big eyes and says things that by no means contribute to the story line. He whispers into the air not giving a damn whether anybody is even able to hear him. And exactly when you feel, the frequencies will never go far from bats' hearing abilities, he starts shouting into the camera. Yes, his performance is indeed full of surprises, to your ear drums!
Anil Kapoor is a comic relief. The director seems mixed up about how he wants to treat Anil Kapoor's role. Its really hilarious to have a game show compare as one of the prime villains in the movie. I know why they are calling this movie original. But originality and awesomeness are not synonyms. Even people who win Darwin awards are extremely original.
It is worth pondering about, (well, actually not. But I am so damn jobless), as to why a game show compare will want one of the game participants to not win money. From the first scene itself, he is demeaning towards the participant and calling him "you chaiwala!" with a voice full of contempt. (The Patel kid is, in the meanwhile, busy looking dumb). The best part about Anil Kapoor's role is, his way of pronouncing millionaire. Just sit down and listen to his parts. You will hear anil kapoor trying to put full accent and failing everytime. The irony is, the slum kid has a firung accent and the game show celebrity doesn't! Nice choice of the cast and the crew moron!
I wanted to say more about the music. But let me just say one thing: this is the worst music A.R. Rehman has conjured up till date. "Jai ho" my @#!.
To be fair, it is not all bad. Let me list a few good things: The youngest generation of kids are probably the best actors among the lot (thats not saying much, clearly!) Also one plus is, poverty is not shown all dark and depressing. Some gore to give realistic touch seems quite in place. And, thats about it. I am done counting the good points.
Lucky are those who haven't seen the movie at all. But I guess, no one has been lucky enough to have not heard all the fuss.
This movie has set new records in making a big deal out of a not-so-amazing movie. I say this because, even a huge fuss has been made about why there is so much fuss about this movie. That is like the second order fuss about the movie! And here, I am making the third order fuss with a huge lot accompanying me in doing so.
To start the tirade-- The main guy is such a put off! He has a unique expression on his face, indicating he really has no clue what people are talking about. You are supposed to be poor, not dumb for god's sake! Even some of the witty lines are lost due to his dialog delivery. For example, when one police man says that "yes, I know this answer" and he says as a reply "I told you, one doesn't have to be a genius to know this". It sounds as if, director told this guy to stress on the word "genius" and after 25 takes finally the Patel kid got it right. Well written, but badly delivered! He just comes across like a kid from UK trying to be a chai-wala.
The actress is no better. The only place where she is bearable is when she is standing on the railway platform and looking up into the camera. That's when she doesn't say a word and that's the best part of her performance. It seems that even the director thinks the same. He has put that shot in the movie at least 3500 times.
The second generation of kids are the worst. Not only do they look as if they come from places even middle class Indians can't afford, but also have no clue about acting. If this is good acting, when person in front of the camera is well aware of the presence of the camera and everyone who sees him act knows that he is aware of it, then may be they all should get Oscars.
Irrfan Khan has been wasted methodically. He has been reduced into a police guy who looks around with big eyes and says things that by no means contribute to the story line. He whispers into the air not giving a damn whether anybody is even able to hear him. And exactly when you feel, the frequencies will never go far from bats' hearing abilities, he starts shouting into the camera. Yes, his performance is indeed full of surprises, to your ear drums!
Anil Kapoor is a comic relief. The director seems mixed up about how he wants to treat Anil Kapoor's role. Its really hilarious to have a game show compare as one of the prime villains in the movie. I know why they are calling this movie original. But originality and awesomeness are not synonyms. Even people who win Darwin awards are extremely original.
It is worth pondering about, (well, actually not. But I am so damn jobless), as to why a game show compare will want one of the game participants to not win money. From the first scene itself, he is demeaning towards the participant and calling him "you chaiwala!" with a voice full of contempt. (The Patel kid is, in the meanwhile, busy looking dumb). The best part about Anil Kapoor's role is, his way of pronouncing millionaire. Just sit down and listen to his parts. You will hear anil kapoor trying to put full accent and failing everytime. The irony is, the slum kid has a firung accent and the game show celebrity doesn't! Nice choice of the cast and the crew moron!
I wanted to say more about the music. But let me just say one thing: this is the worst music A.R. Rehman has conjured up till date. "Jai ho" my @#!.
To be fair, it is not all bad. Let me list a few good things: The youngest generation of kids are probably the best actors among the lot (thats not saying much, clearly!) Also one plus is, poverty is not shown all dark and depressing. Some gore to give realistic touch seems quite in place. And, thats about it. I am done counting the good points.
Lucky are those who haven't seen the movie at all. But I guess, no one has been lucky enough to have not heard all the fuss.
Comments
But somehow, firangees love poverty, traditions in India. The day will come when we'll be ahead of them in terms of prosperity, business, knowledge, technology and their movies will participate in filmfare awards.
:p
I think there are two things:
[1] Movies such as slumdog and sky below, unless made from a western point of view by a westerner, will never get noticed. For us, these subjects are a common sight. For them, this is glamorous.
[2] Its a way to get into the Indian market, film industry. Just like how a series of miss worlds and universes were crowned from India so that beauty products could be pushed into India.
But, on the positive note, whether good or bad - at least india is getting noticed on a world arena.
Secondly, at least for this sake, rehman and several other indian crew are getting awards - Oscar this time! Eventhough rehman has given much better music for indian movies, its difficult to give a platform for these performances on the world's stage. So, at least Slumdog has ensured his name comes out in open.
I'll avoid this movie "The sky below" you mentioned!:)
Keep visiting.
Kharay, oscar milana mhanaje maan aahe ki naahi ha ek wadachach mudda aahe.... ani jar maan nahi tar, kityek iitar sinemanna pan haa apaman ka nahi milat? :)
aso!
It is a bad movie. I have never felt respect for Oscars. In spite of staying in the US for ten years, I have never attended a single award ceremony. Anyway...
I thought the protagonist was quite all right, actually - but maybe because I have seen much worse. :|
Good points raised!
I was, literally, depressed after that movie. It did nothing but put the stereotyped India on the big screen.
Also, I don't see why everyone is praising the little kids, either. I mean sure they acted well, but why is the world acting like they haven't seen better?