Danny Boyle -- Slumdog Millionaire

Let me start with this disclaimer: I loved the film Slumdog Millionare.

I’m not the only one. The indie film about a Muslim kid name Jamal Malik from the slums of Mumbai who earns his way through the popular TV show Who Wants to be Millionaire has garnered accolades from audiences and critics since it’s first showing, culminating with this week’s receipt of the prestigious Nbr (National Board Review award) which apparently, amongst those who know, is generally considered a solid prognosticator for the Oscars.

I already blogged a few days ago about Slumdog after I saw if for the first time. I’ve subsequently seen it two more times, dragging my wife and then another family member to insure that they too would see it. I’m that guy in the theater that leans over to the person sitting next to me whispering: “this scene is my favorite…check this out…wasn’t that awesome…I love this song…etc.”

But I’m blogging again now because today I had a chance to talk to Danny Boyle the film-maker behind Slumdog about not just the film, but the deeper story and context behind it and why he does what he does. Click on the link to hear the whole interview which touches on a variety of things, but most notably the idea of story-telling and how it can change the world.

Without getting all heady on you, here’s the jewel in the crown. We live in conflicted times. Economies and ecologies are crumbling. Wars are raging and Mavericks and Martyrs, sinners and saints, Jihadis and jingoists are all separated by a razor’s edge. Still, some stories rise above the noise and make a difference, contribute in a way to a planetary dialogue about who we are, where we are going, and why we believe that no matter the dire circumstance we may find ourselves in, there is always the chance that we might endure it and succeed. Danny Boyle gets this. Slumdog is a courageous film, a “rags to Raja” tale that combines the best of Hollywood and Bollywood in a way that no other film I have ever seen does. It’s a triumph in every sense of the word.

But more than that, Slumdog is part of an emerging mythology. Beyond the perfectly executed melodrama of Jamal Malik and his brother Salim is a tale that is raging all across our globe, in bustling metropolis’ just like Mumbai where today even kids from the slums can dare to dream about winning it all. Right now, we need that dream more than ever.

Listen to the interview. Watch the movie. Become a Danny Boyle fan. You’ll feel better about the world and feel better about yourself. Chances are I’ll be sitting in the theater right next to you whispering: “I told you so…”

Listen to Gotham Chopra's interview postcast with Danny Boyle

Comments

[emolik16]

It's not often any more cinema is real art. This was beautiful. An amazing creation, the audience didn't want to leave.
All the elements for a great flic were intact; cinematography, corny love line, intricate but amusing plot and just enough of the 'noir'.
Loved it! and will see it again. Also a definite 'big-screener'.

[webhead20]

Happy New Year! I just got home from the movie! What struck me was that it's not just the events that you go through that make you who you are. It's the decisions you make around those events that shape you as well. 2 brothers, same events, very different paths.

[Estick]

This is the best movie I have seen in a long time. Walked into the theater with no expectations, walked out feeling very happy. I cannot stop thinking about this movie. Simply amazing, I want to go see it again!

[Meds]

I'm surprised that you don't have any objection about the fact that he changed the story of exploitation of lower class young guy in India, who maybe of any religion (suggested by the name: Ram Mohammad Thomas) into a story of exploitation of a poor Muslim guy in India?

Don't you think depiction like this contributes to the ongoing conflict, by more Muslims getting enraged?

[synergie]

You don't think that a story of Ram Mohammad Thomas would further inflame the portion of the population that is a product of Hindu/Muslim unions that has converted to Christianity, and thus angered Christian and dalit radicals in India?

Perhaps the point is that an everyman in Mumbai can be a Muslim and can still be an everyman. One of the few places in the non-Muslim world where that can truly be said.

[Meds]

What about the Muslims in other countries? Will it not add to their imagination of Muslim exploitation in India?

[mojopo]

This is not a Muslim story. It is a human story, as troubled and beautiful as life. So much suffering and then? At last - triumph! Great movie-making. I can't wait to own the DVD.