Showing posts with label Movies. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Movies. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Hannah and her sisters
"For all my education, accomplishments and so-called wisdom, I can't fathom my own heart. "
Spent the afternoon watching a lovely Woody Allen movie and was struck by how ordinary and yet brilliant the movie was. There is something about Woody Allen that just makes life seem worth it despite the ordinary. This is a story about 3 sisters - One perfect, One recluse and the 3rd trying to re-affirm her faith in herself.
Every character is random just like Woodey Allen likes them to be. Each with their quirks. The movie shows how expectations make imperfect people look perfect. How each of us just tries to play a role and keep the balance going. How, changing the balance and equations can cause chaos and while the mind craves change, the chaos is not something we all can really deal with. Be it in the form of the 'tumor' that never was in Mickeys life, or a fling between Hannahs sister and husband the balance of Hannah and her sisters life is broken. We often carry a lot of bottled emotions, pressures in us and one fine day the balance just tips. However, we all vent and finally want to go back to a state of balance. I guess the theory of relativity does truly guide our lives.
Look around - We all have role models and ideal people who are not really what they seem but have been subjected to play that role just because that is how the evolved. We find people chasing a dream and forgetting the essence of life and life can just pass you by. What you never wanted might just be what you were always looking for.
Hannah and her sisters just left me with an urge as was quoted:
"And you're gonna believe in Jesus Christ?
I know - sounds funny. But, I'm gonna give it a try. "
I am determined to find a faith - maybe a new Woodey Allen movie!
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Why I should not watch a bollywood movie, and why I should make one!
Spent the weekend watching a few movies. Ranging from 'How Cliche' to 'Argh completely crappy' and 'Seriously??!!?' my expressions just kept getting better through the evening. However it also made me wonder why on earth was I not making movies!!! An inner voice then said - 'Possibly because you want to tell a story!'
For beginners, Mere Brother Ki Dulhan - I mean completely predictable pointless movie. A movie that proved yet again that people will go watch Katrina because she looks good and that Imran Khan despite his various attempts at diversity is highly cliched! His lineage is not helping him anymore. The story was predictable(I mean the title says it all), the acting terrible and the music was just overwhelming excessive! A song played every few minutes and I tossed back into literally counting all sins committed in the recent past! The clothes!! OMG, why could Imran Khan not get over checks? I mean he looked like he wore the same thing throughout the movie.
Dabang?? - A movie that has confirmed that Indian masses worship heroes (literally) and movies are not about acting or a story anymore. They are about watching hero figures perform and in return we the audience call it talent shove undulated reverence to these legendary heroes! I mean I do love mindless movies but not any piece of crap that people want to pass off. Usually with a tag that says - 'Oh well the Indian audience has so many issues, blah blah blah and they want to get away from home and leave their brains behind'. Brains I agree but sensibilities?? - Sorry!! Slapstick comedy, exaggerated dialogue based movies can be made but the director and actors need to work hard atleast to prove their worth in showing some creativity in this genre. We cannot have Salman not even attempting to sound like a UP police walah because he has a 6 pack to expose.
I pondered a bit more and concluded that 'we the Indians', 'the masses' have reverence for mindlessness. Average Indians are not drawn to art or sophistication because they have no idea how to appreciate the same. Their lives are surrounded with poverty and struggle but mostly not from an economic stand point but also a cultural stand point. Hence any evolution in terms of intelligent art is a far cry today. These movies will hence continue to make money and continue to deteriorate and take the average Indian audience away from abstract intellectual meaningful art. Heros like Salman, SRK will continue to rule because they have made their homes in these minds - Mind you not via great cinema but great salesman ship of their image and star status. It baffles me when I watch a few of these people in various interviews. Its amazing how intelligent some of these people really are and its amazing how revenues in movies have nothing to do with the movie. Instead today it has only boiled down to which star can attract the masses to the theater. The sad part is we will all continue to live in this mode unless someone has the courage to break through and stop producing mass masala with one of these stars who also has the courage to risk his/her TRP by trying out a real movie for a change.
Is there a crowd out there willing to watch something more realistic and interesting? Or will we continue to admire sub-standard ways of showcasing a story? Indian producers, directors and actors are completely capable of making a sensible, full of unreal moments, filled with music, but well made movie. But it seems like the focus has changed from truly good movie making to making money, creating a business model that works on the grounds of laziness and mass appeal. India has been the land where brilliant poets, lovely forms of music and dance thrived in everyones hearts centuries ago. Today we are sadly partitioned between a section of youth who has a thirst for sophistication and a mass that is all ready to embrace stardom for iconic value. And almost no significant individuals who seek art for its glory. I always had a story to tell, infact several stories to tell. However today there is very little hope that there will be anyone who will want to listen. I wonder if it will be possible in this life time that Indian Masses take a hard look at themselves and learn from their past about how we are culturally deteriorating as a nation? Or am I just being a pretentious b**tch??
For beginners, Mere Brother Ki Dulhan - I mean completely predictable pointless movie. A movie that proved yet again that people will go watch Katrina because she looks good and that Imran Khan despite his various attempts at diversity is highly cliched! His lineage is not helping him anymore. The story was predictable(I mean the title says it all), the acting terrible and the music was just overwhelming excessive! A song played every few minutes and I tossed back into literally counting all sins committed in the recent past! The clothes!! OMG, why could Imran Khan not get over checks? I mean he looked like he wore the same thing throughout the movie.
Dabang?? - A movie that has confirmed that Indian masses worship heroes (literally) and movies are not about acting or a story anymore. They are about watching hero figures perform and in return we the audience call it talent shove undulated reverence to these legendary heroes! I mean I do love mindless movies but not any piece of crap that people want to pass off. Usually with a tag that says - 'Oh well the Indian audience has so many issues, blah blah blah and they want to get away from home and leave their brains behind'. Brains I agree but sensibilities?? - Sorry!! Slapstick comedy, exaggerated dialogue based movies can be made but the director and actors need to work hard atleast to prove their worth in showing some creativity in this genre. We cannot have Salman not even attempting to sound like a UP police walah because he has a 6 pack to expose.
I pondered a bit more and concluded that 'we the Indians', 'the masses' have reverence for mindlessness. Average Indians are not drawn to art or sophistication because they have no idea how to appreciate the same. Their lives are surrounded with poverty and struggle but mostly not from an economic stand point but also a cultural stand point. Hence any evolution in terms of intelligent art is a far cry today. These movies will hence continue to make money and continue to deteriorate and take the average Indian audience away from abstract intellectual meaningful art. Heros like Salman, SRK will continue to rule because they have made their homes in these minds - Mind you not via great cinema but great salesman ship of their image and star status. It baffles me when I watch a few of these people in various interviews. Its amazing how intelligent some of these people really are and its amazing how revenues in movies have nothing to do with the movie. Instead today it has only boiled down to which star can attract the masses to the theater. The sad part is we will all continue to live in this mode unless someone has the courage to break through and stop producing mass masala with one of these stars who also has the courage to risk his/her TRP by trying out a real movie for a change.
Is there a crowd out there willing to watch something more realistic and interesting? Or will we continue to admire sub-standard ways of showcasing a story? Indian producers, directors and actors are completely capable of making a sensible, full of unreal moments, filled with music, but well made movie. But it seems like the focus has changed from truly good movie making to making money, creating a business model that works on the grounds of laziness and mass appeal. India has been the land where brilliant poets, lovely forms of music and dance thrived in everyones hearts centuries ago. Today we are sadly partitioned between a section of youth who has a thirst for sophistication and a mass that is all ready to embrace stardom for iconic value. And almost no significant individuals who seek art for its glory. I always had a story to tell, infact several stories to tell. However today there is very little hope that there will be anyone who will want to listen. I wonder if it will be possible in this life time that Indian Masses take a hard look at themselves and learn from their past about how we are culturally deteriorating as a nation? Or am I just being a pretentious b**tch??
Saturday, August 20, 2011
The Good, The Bad and The Ugly
What a movie! It took me a while to enjoy it simply because the first time you watch it, the mind needs to get aligned to whats coming. I loved the movie for it is
- Cool
- Brilliantly Shot
- Has a background score that will haunt you forever
- Has a message somewhere.
- Has some brilliant acting (Tuco!!!)
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Disha- A simple movie that got me thinking
Watching a movie on a flight is a difference experience. It actually is a very up, close and personal encounter. I tend to focus more, listen intently and grab details which I might not have in a large auditorium with several other individuals sharing my screen space!
I watched "Disha" all over again after several years. I love this movie for it is a depiction of the true industrial revolution, urbanization and the impact it has had on lives of the "aam aadmi". It showcases beautifully and yet in detail the implications of the change and the impact of the failure of a democracy to have changed the life of a rural struggling farmer.
There are moments in this movie when reality hits you hard. It shows the frustrations of a man wanting to work hard, but having no means to work in a small village. He is at the mercy of chance to get work on a particular day. He then moves onto a city - Mumbai in the hope that the various employment options will change his life. He sacrifices his happiness by leaving a socially warm, rich life to struggle in a city away from his family. Mumbai the land for mill workers in the 70's and 80's attracted loads of rural folks and gobbled them up in ways you and I cannot even fathom. "Sone ki jagah hai lekin karvat nahin badal sakte. Sote hai shift mai!" This line pretty much describes the standard of living.
The madness of a man to change his fate is depicted brilliantly. He believes he can actually dig dig and dig to find water. He digs for 12 long years, most people call him crazy and one day he does strike water. The depiction of the scene and the madness captured is brilliant. The movie does not glorify anyone or preach change. It very realistically takes us through the lives of all these characters weaving a story around different kinds of realities that existed in the 70's and 80's. I loved the movie , the characters and the small details that brought about the depth of struggle and kept me glued to reality.
There is a scene where a couple wants to "make love" but need to drive their kids outside to sleep, there is a scene where a villager asks his wife to smoke a beedi and enjoy a few vices, there is a scene where dead machines showcase the redundancy of man! I recommend this movie to anyone who has an appetite for reality and social art house movies. The movie has had a special impact on me and has made me want to understand more about the lives of people I rarely meet, individuals in rural India , individuals who are the majority of India! Someday I hope, I can make a film with this much depth, simplicity and brilliance.
I bow down Sai Paranjpaye!
I watched "Disha" all over again after several years. I love this movie for it is a depiction of the true industrial revolution, urbanization and the impact it has had on lives of the "aam aadmi". It showcases beautifully and yet in detail the implications of the change and the impact of the failure of a democracy to have changed the life of a rural struggling farmer.
There are moments in this movie when reality hits you hard. It shows the frustrations of a man wanting to work hard, but having no means to work in a small village. He is at the mercy of chance to get work on a particular day. He then moves onto a city - Mumbai in the hope that the various employment options will change his life. He sacrifices his happiness by leaving a socially warm, rich life to struggle in a city away from his family. Mumbai the land for mill workers in the 70's and 80's attracted loads of rural folks and gobbled them up in ways you and I cannot even fathom. "Sone ki jagah hai lekin karvat nahin badal sakte. Sote hai shift mai!" This line pretty much describes the standard of living.
The madness of a man to change his fate is depicted brilliantly. He believes he can actually dig dig and dig to find water. He digs for 12 long years, most people call him crazy and one day he does strike water. The depiction of the scene and the madness captured is brilliant. The movie does not glorify anyone or preach change. It very realistically takes us through the lives of all these characters weaving a story around different kinds of realities that existed in the 70's and 80's. I loved the movie , the characters and the small details that brought about the depth of struggle and kept me glued to reality.
There is a scene where a couple wants to "make love" but need to drive their kids outside to sleep, there is a scene where a villager asks his wife to smoke a beedi and enjoy a few vices, there is a scene where dead machines showcase the redundancy of man! I recommend this movie to anyone who has an appetite for reality and social art house movies. The movie has had a special impact on me and has made me want to understand more about the lives of people I rarely meet, individuals in rural India , individuals who are the majority of India! Someday I hope, I can make a film with this much depth, simplicity and brilliance.
I bow down Sai Paranjpaye!
Monday, December 28, 2009
Visually stimulating - Movie weekend
After very very long, I have had the chance to just do nothing over the weekend, watch movies, read books and listen to some fabulous music. Not going into the philosophical dimensions of the effect this has had on me, let me start by recounting what I read and watched
Reluctant Fundamentalist:
Gripping read, finished it in 6 straight hours. I could relate to the character in several parts. Seemed more real than most similar books. The books about a Pakistani boy who aspired to have a fabulous career in the US, studies in Princeton, gets a dream job, falls in love and is yet seemingly shallow and empty in this land. The 26/11 changes his perspective and gets him to realize that he is constantly torn between his origin and the new camouflaged person he has become. He is torn for an identity. What adds to this, is that the only way he gets love momentarily is by becoming someone else. The narrative is strong, and the story telling is unique. It almost seems like the white tiger has kind of adopted this style of story telling.
The double life of Veronique:
What should I say, fabulous french movie. The more I watch, the more I seem to be in love with Krzysztof Kieslowski. This movie is a piece of art which you can watch over and over again and discover something new. The cinematography and music just add to its charm and give it a character so unique. You learn that you don't always need to say much to convey. As i rewind on scenes, I see how well subtle small things craft the striking similarity between two completely unrelated souls. There is a scene where you can see a cup with a tea bag- a beautiful shot! I would like it for each of you to just watch and experience the movie. No two experiences of watching the movie will be the same.
Cet obscur objet du désir:
Another fabulous movie by Luis Buñuel. One of the best movies when it comes to cast and story line which is obscure and yet well told. The movie keeps you gripped and one is still left wondering what might be even after the movie is over. Again a very fine use of backdrops to convey a message. Not an easy movie to understand, and not easy characters either. However this had me refreshed and in awe of the performance. The story is about a man in his figment of imagination interacting with a character, who plays two roles depending on the kind of interaction he chooses to have. The movie beautifully displays all emotions, love, teasing, war, anger, pain wonderfully.
In the mood for love:
Another fine piece of art, a little slow but amazing photography. The sets take you into almost real 1960's of HK. The struggle of how not to be what you despise is interestingly crafted. The music and the sets are really the best part of the movie.
3 idiots:
Okish watch, though got stretched and draggy. It seemed like another 5 point someone and evoked a similar reaction. Refreshing but not note worthy.
I guess this was a small subset of all that I did over the weekend. Hopefully these kind of times come by more often.
Reluctant Fundamentalist:
Gripping read, finished it in 6 straight hours. I could relate to the character in several parts. Seemed more real than most similar books. The books about a Pakistani boy who aspired to have a fabulous career in the US, studies in Princeton, gets a dream job, falls in love and is yet seemingly shallow and empty in this land. The 26/11 changes his perspective and gets him to realize that he is constantly torn between his origin and the new camouflaged person he has become. He is torn for an identity. What adds to this, is that the only way he gets love momentarily is by becoming someone else. The narrative is strong, and the story telling is unique. It almost seems like the white tiger has kind of adopted this style of story telling.
The double life of Veronique:
What should I say, fabulous french movie. The more I watch, the more I seem to be in love with Krzysztof Kieslowski. This movie is a piece of art which you can watch over and over again and discover something new. The cinematography and music just add to its charm and give it a character so unique. You learn that you don't always need to say much to convey. As i rewind on scenes, I see how well subtle small things craft the striking similarity between two completely unrelated souls. There is a scene where you can see a cup with a tea bag- a beautiful shot! I would like it for each of you to just watch and experience the movie. No two experiences of watching the movie will be the same.
Cet obscur objet du désir:
Another fabulous movie by Luis Buñuel. One of the best movies when it comes to cast and story line which is obscure and yet well told. The movie keeps you gripped and one is still left wondering what might be even after the movie is over. Again a very fine use of backdrops to convey a message. Not an easy movie to understand, and not easy characters either. However this had me refreshed and in awe of the performance. The story is about a man in his figment of imagination interacting with a character, who plays two roles depending on the kind of interaction he chooses to have. The movie beautifully displays all emotions, love, teasing, war, anger, pain wonderfully.
In the mood for love:
Another fine piece of art, a little slow but amazing photography. The sets take you into almost real 1960's of HK. The struggle of how not to be what you despise is interestingly crafted. The music and the sets are really the best part of the movie.
3 idiots:
Okish watch, though got stretched and draggy. It seemed like another 5 point someone and evoked a similar reaction. Refreshing but not note worthy.
I guess this was a small subset of all that I did over the weekend. Hopefully these kind of times come by more often.
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