‘Slumdog Millionaire’ Will Take You Away
-----The hype for Slumdog Millionaire has come to a peak. Having just received 10 Oscar Nominations, including one for Best Picture, it seems primed for its’ best run in theaters’ many months after it was initially released. Originally made to go straight to DVD, the film received critical hype, and I have finally had the pleasure of seeing it.
When “Slumdog” Jamal Malik lands a spot on India’s version of ‘Who Wants to be a Millionaire,’ he finds his past can present him with answers. This is the story of his life leading to where he is now. Director Danny Boyle takes us into the land of India, bringing emotional depth and trial with it.
-----The films actors all do a fine job. While none particularly stand out, that is tribute to how consistently excellent everyone was. Boyle should be commended for his excellent use of children seldom seen in modern film. The child actors are all authentic and believable, with the different ages of the leads looking consistently like each other, to the point where you’d wonder if they’re related in real life. This is arguably the best multi-child ensemble put together since ‘The Sandlot’ in 92’. It’s not their screen time per se’, but the emotional depth they’re able to show, without one consistently needing to save the other’s performances. It’s the chemistry of not only these younger cast members, but also their older counterparts in the film that really make it work for me.
-----The cinematography is some of the finest you’ll ever see. You are in Mumbai, running through the slums and seeing the development of an overcrowded, and in some areas nearly third world, country. Each shot contains a story, and the development of the characters is handled excellently by Boyle. The cinematography is what really makes this already excellent film visually stunning and memorable. The music too, turns many of the films could-be conventional points into the classic scenes they deserve to be. The overall style of the music is original and bold and ultimately makes for a refreshing look at many of the ‘slums.’ A.R. Rahman’s score hints at its Indian roots while also conveying a more contemporary upbeat dance theme. Add a little of M.I.A.’s ‘Paper Planes’ and you’ve got one of the best soundtracks of the year. On top of all of the other great aspects of this film, the script never makes the mistake of trying too hard to tell the audience what’s happening, but rather expertly conveys the necessary information.
-----With a certain sense of ‘why not’ and a classic story about good things happening to good people, ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ is one for the ages. The movie’s emotional impact without being melodramatic is very refreshing. The film in itself is a true underdog story. Not afraid to leave the beating path and not afraid to deny Oscar-contender conventions, the film’s integrity is effectively maintained. This includes a cast that authentically conveys the look of legitimate Indians. Whether or not you care for the story and its’ overall believability, the chances are you’ll feel the emotional impact the rest of the world has. What better during these rough economic times than a flick about triumph through adversity? All of these aspects contribute to making ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ one of the best films of 2008.
