Happiness is Winning an Oscar!

I watched the Academy Awards on Sunday nite and was, of course, THRILLED when Slumdog Millionaire won Best Picture.  I loved the book (Q&A) and I wrote two posts about the movie back in December when I first saw it.

I had to stay up past my bedtime to watch them open the envelope , and I was happy to have lost the sleep.  When the movie was announced, pandemonium broke out in the corner of the Kodak theatre where the Slumdog cheering section was located.  The producer, so excited about the film’s nomination, had flown the entire cast from India to Hollywood for the event.

And why not?  At one point no studio wanted to pick up the movie, so it almost went straight to DVD.  This was a low-budget film cast with unknown actors and with a crew of indie film folks from England, India, and Australia.  No one associated with the film had “credentials” outside of the Producer and Director (both past Oscar winners).  So for most of them, this was a first (and probably once) in a lifetime thrill.

They all crowded onto the stage for the acceptance speech, and their excitement was infectious.

A.R. Rahman, who 15 minutes earlier had won Oscars for best score and best song, said the movie — set in the squalor of Mumbai’s slums — was about hope and optimism.  I thought he had one of the best lines of the evening, when he said, “All my life, I’ve had a choice of hate and love.  I chose love, and I’m here.”

In turbulent times like we live in today, movies remind us that people can experience horrible things and still endure, that underdogs sometimes do win, and that happy endings are still possible. 

Slumdog Millionaire – a winner in my book!

After my post ten days ago about this movie, several people wrote me (or commented on the blog) to ask for my opinion AFTER seeing the movie.

Well, my wife and I finally got to see it on Saturday afternoon.  I went into the theatre with high expectations.  Sometimes expecting too much of a film can ruin the experience, so I reminded myself to “let go” of the original story from the book, Q & A, and simply enjoy the ride.

Let me tell you, it was not hard to do — to enjoy the ride, that is.  The story varies considerably from the book in the way many films must vary.  For instance, a half-dozen or more minor characters who flowed in and out of the life of Jamal (the main character) were realized in a composite character who did not even exist in the book: his older brother.   In the book, Jamal did not meet the love of his life until he was 14; in the movie, she is a childhood friend.  All these shifts make much sense when one considers how little time a filmmaker has to develop relationships in a movie.

So, I accepted the adjustments necessary to adapt the book to a screenplay.  The biggest concern remained: will the film honor the heart and soul of the book?

Yes.  Absolutely yes!

Slumdog Millionaire the movie does a brilliant job of capturing the grit and glamour and poverty and misery of life in Mumbai, yet without commentary – it just is.  And Dev Patel is just wonderful in the lead role, the 16 year old Jamal, appearing on Who Wants To Be a Millionaire to win $20 Million rupees.  And the story line is just as improbable and yet plausible as was the book.

I repeat what I offered in my first post on this movie — go, see it yourself.  You will laugh, you will cry, you will be angry, you will be confused, you will feel sadness and you will feel joy, as Jamal pursues happiness in his chaotic world.

and who knows… I may see you there.  I certainly intend to see the movie again!

P.S. for those who love the pure energy and joy of a good Bollywood musical, I have a word of advice: stay for the credits at the end!  There’s a lovely surprise for those who remain in their seats.  It will make you smile!

Slumdog Millionaire – I hope it’s as good as the book

Two years ago in my 2007 Summer Reading List I lauded the book, Q&A, by Vikas Swarup.  I thought it was a WONDERFUL story, and highly recommended the audio version of the book.  I am thrilled that it’s been turned in to a movie, Slumdog Millionaire, opening in Cleveland tonite!

Here’s an excerpt from my own review of the book:

[Jim’s Notes:How do I describe this book? The premise is that a young, uneducated waiter who lives in Mumbai, India, has just won the largest Jackpot in television history – a billion rupees! – by answering a series of twelve consecutive and increasingly difficult questions on a “who wants to be a millionaire”-like program on Indian television. The producers of the show find it impossible to believe that he achieved this without cheating. As the book opens, he is being arrested. He ends up in the custody of a police detective to whom he tells his story, demonstrating how his unique life circumstances led him to know – uneducated as he is – all the correct answers. The tale is an exploration of life for the indigent and servile masses in modern day India, the caste system, injustice, child slavery the buying and selling of lives, greed, friendship, love, betrayal, and most of all, the power of spirit. AND it is all wrapped up in an engaging story about an unassuming young man who has struggled to survive on his wits alone, in an unforgiving system, since he was orphaned at age seven.

In the midst of much misery, by the way, this character never suffers – for suffering is not about pain but about how we respond to pain. He does not suffer because he sees life for what it is – life. He just keeps moving, doing what he needs to do to survive. (I do not believe this was a commentary by the author, but more my own observation. I never felt sorry for him – he simply tells his story in a straightforward matter -- it is what it is).]

To read the rest of my review, you can download the list from my archives.

It’s got a 92% postive rating at RottenTomatoes.com.  Read the book.  See the movie.  I promise you your heart will feel lighter!