Slumdog Millionaire – 2008
Slumdog Millionaire is a remarkable film for a number of reasons. Not only is it simply sublime overall (which I will get into later) but it overcomes so many hurdles with such grace and ease, it is worthy of even more admiration. Mirroring director Danny Boyle’s genre hopping career is Slumdog’s story which seamlessly blends romance, comedy, drama, elements of mystery, action and a devastating portrait of the Mumbai slums. Along with this achievement, it is simultaneously rousing and uplifting, while being intimate and true starring unknown actors, yet has achieved mainstream success in spite of itself. And where so many films this year have failed, the ending, Slumdog only becomes more rewarding. Movies like this come along only once in a blue moon, and are something to be cherished, shared and loved.
Following his successful excursion into Sci-Fi with Sunshine, Danny Boyle has teamed up with Bollywood director Loveleen Tandan and the duo have crafted a film that echoes Boyle’s character intimacy and artistic style while being richly textured with Tandan’s complex love and acceptance of her homeland’s tragic dogmata. Framing the narrative is some of the best camera work and art direction of the year, impeccably placed original music and a buoyant score. Taking full advantage of their collective skill, the director’s have used handheld cameras to impeccable results, boasting kinetic energy along with a polish and steadiness that only masters could pull off. From this, the shots open up into breathtaking panoramas of the slums; rich, gritty and beautiful but never in a condescending or exploitative way.
Who wants to be a millionaire? Want to or not, Jamal Malik (Dev Patel) is one question away from winning ten million rupees on the Indian version of the widely popular American gameshow. In between episodes, Jamal is whisked away into a police van and interrogated on a suspicion that he is cheating. For how could an uneducated ‘slumdog’ brought up from poverty make it so far? In custody, Jamal tells the story of how his life’s journey along with his brother Salim (Madhur Mittal) and friend and secret love Latika (The stunning Freida Pinto) through tragedy, betrayal and danger had led him to know the answers and how, and truth behind why, he is on the show.
The performances of all those involved are nothing short of flawless. From the child stars playing the three leads, to the matured versions, Patel, Mittal and Pinto all should have glowing careers ahead. If this film had a failing, it is that it had to end. For Slumdog Millionaire is such a roar and vibrant celebration of the true nature of the human spirit, and the true cost and meaning of love, it is a film that is both alright to, and effortless to love.
© 2009 Simon Brookfield
