Oct 24, 2008

The Beautiful Lady Who Made My Day

So the other day I was walking to the station, sporting a frown, my mood could not have been any worse. Usually the only person who is able to influence my state of mind like that is myself.

So here was I, walking towards the station, extremely frustrated with myself, and frustrated with the fact that I could not do anything about this frustration.

This was not new, the monster had done this to me countless times before, and stronger my determination to not suffer another defeat like this in the future, even more comprehensive was the next attack and the defeat. No wonder the wise Muhammad once said "that the greatest struggle is the struggle against yourself". Was he right or was he right?

Anyways, back to my walk, I knew I had missed the bus that I was supposed to catch, I was too early for the next train, meaning I had just missed the last train too. This basically meant I was going to be reach university 1 hour later than I should have, yet another class missed, yet another mark for attendance gone.

Walking with all these angry thoughts, and not being able to identify the enemy, I knew I was badly defeated.

Just then, I came across a familiar wrinkled face, that sported huge glasses. It was the face of an extremely old lady who I had met once or twice at the park just before the train station. She used to sit in one of the benches and being the poor lonely souls that we are, we connected at once. We would exchange compliments, "hello there beautiful lady," and "how are you young man". Anyways, the last time I had seen her was more than 2 months back, and this wasn't really a regular phenomena, we had just met once or twice. So I was not sure if she would recognize me.

Before I can greet her, she extends her hand towards me and asks for money "give me money, do you have any money"

I quickly reached for my wallet only to be stopped by the same hand, and the lady spoke, " its ok, i was just testing you, you are a good man"

I smiled...."Do you remember me?"

"Of course you, I used to see you at the park on the way to the station"

She remembered me, a huge boost for my ego.

Knowing that I was terribly early for the next train, I decided to know a bit more about her this time. I asked her about where she was from, when she came here, how long she has been living here, about her family etc.

What I learnt from her interested me. She had no husband, one son who lived in Brisbane, and one son who lived with her. This son was mentally disturbed. She showed me her house, which was right next to where we I had met her, (ah what timing...who set this up?) and she showed me the pieces of land around the house too, which belonged to her at one time but had to be sold under certain circumstances.

Sensing she had finished giving an account of herself, I quickly asked her if I could come inside and help her with the bags, I wanted to know more about her, actually, I had a selfish reason. I am greatly interested in learning about old people and their take on life, firstly the knowledge I gained helped me to pretend among others my age how much I know about what life really is, and secondly it gave me ideas and information for my characters and stories and films in my mind.

But it was not to be.

"My son is not well, he does not like new unknown people, he does not like anyone coming into the house. Don't worry, we will meet again, take care, and good bye."

I resumed walking, and suddenly I felt this new wave of energy inside me. All of a sudden, all those tiny issues and matters that frustrated and distressed me seemed insignificant. I felt these were complete non issues, not at all a big deal, and something I can easily overcome.

And then I felt the positive energy that had been somehow transformed into me by the old lady. My dreams, aspirations came back to me, I started to dream again with open eyes while awake - my all time favourite activity.

I could explain this sudden influx of positive energy that took place within the space of few minutes, I could not point at something and say "that's what changed my mood".

But I just felt the difference. I knew I probably would be defeated again, but at least this time I was still raring to go, this time I was looking forward to the next showdown, I was looking forward to welcoming the enemy.

I probably would lose, but I would still fight.

Oct 9, 2008

A Wednesday movie review

A Wednesday - Review

When rest of Bollywood has been busy with glamour and money, UTV motion pictures have been backing small, independent, first time directors with their new, different ideas. While the big banners are too happy to just sit on their laurels and never bother to delve into different territories and explore, UTV has made it clear that they are here to change cinema..not for money...but for its own sake.
A Wednesday, an unknown Neeraj Pandey's directorial debut belongs to those small films with which UTV is daring to explore.
After Aamir and Mumbai Meri Jaan, A Wednesday is another film to come out of Bollywood that deals with terrorism..
The film starts of brilliantly, completely drawing the viewer into its world with its intriguing characters.
A Wednesday is about a common man with no name (Naseeruddin Shah) who has planted various bombs at various parts in the city to use as bargaining power for certain demands. He is up against Police Commissioner Prakash Rathod (Anupam Kher) who will do anything to save the city and not bow down to his demands.
The film is absolutely gripping thanks to its fast pace, top notch editing and lack of any bollywood songs and melodrama.
If I had to sum up A Wednesday's highs, they would be a brilliant concept and two towering performances from two veterans.
In order to maintain the excitement and fast pace, the execution by Neeraj Pandey slightly falters at certain parts...but he can be forgiven as a first timer.
The supporting characters (Jimmy Shergill and Aamir Bashir) are not well developed as the script provides no scope. The climax itself, although shocking makes the main character's culmination slightly inconsistent.
The film is not without its flaws and weaknesses however, the concept itself, the gripping and enthralling proceedings and two compelling performances from Anupam Kher and Naseeruddin Shah makes it one of the better films to come out this year. A great effort from Neeraj Pandey and a kudos to UTV for backing these films.
Rating: 7/10

Aug 16, 2008

The Dark Knight

So I watched it a couple of days ago... and it took me some time to articulate my thoughts because I was not sure how to rate this film..

I am not sure if that's even necessary? The verdict is out...its has smashed almost every box office record. It is currently the second highest grosser behind Titanic.

Christopher Nolan is one of those rare filmmakers who has been able to please both critics and the masses..

I am not here to say "oh its the greatest film ever made" nor am I here to say "oh no...its blasphemous to compare any film with The Godfather....IMDB Top 250 is a load of crap" because frankly I consider the concepts of the 250 greatest films of all time or the greatest film ever meaningless.


I enjoyed the film, found every bit of it entertaining but I have a few issues with the film..

First lets address the million dollar question

Is it the best superhero film? No..Batman Begins was better

Batman has always been my childhood hero...From the Batman on TV to Michael Keaton's Batman...I loved them all...
But Batman Begins completely redefined Batman..the film took Batman to the next level...brought in the elements of morality, character etc...it explored various themes magnificently. For the first time...here was a superhero film with an indispensable superhero...you cannot take out Batman from the film and replace him with Spiderman or Superman and have the same film...No...Nolan had made the character that powerful...


Christopher Nolan is an extremely capable director and I was sure he was going to deliver with The Dark Knight too...and he does deliver in the sense that he doesn't fail..The Dark Knight is not a bad film...its an entertaining, thrilling ride...but its just that...With a film like Batman Begins behind him..Nolan had everything going for him to reach a higher level...to explore even higher depths..does he?? No...sadly he plays to the galleries...simply touches on certain issues and never bothers to explore them


The second issue I have with the film is The Joker... Ok its a great performance...a great role... I am really impressed with what Nolan and Ledger did with the character...but when I go to watch a Batman film....I go to see Batman...the film is called The Dark Knight...who is The Dark Knight? - Batman
Instead...all I see is The Joker everywhere...the best dialogues...the best scenes are written for The Joker..Ok Heath Ledger is an integral part of this film..its his last film....and its a great role and performance...Right...I get the point...but all this can be secondary...here it takes precedence over Batman himself.. There was not even a single powerful dialogue written for Batman...and it was supposed to be a Batman film!!

Even Harvey Dent had a better role than Batman although his transition could have been better handled.

And I also don't get the big deal about Heath Ledger too..It was only about 2 years ago that he became an actor with Brokeback Mountain..he probably has 2-3 performances to talk about and people are talking about him as if he is Marlon Brando! Don't get the big deal...

Christian Bale had nothing to do sadly!! Aaron Ekhart was very good as Harvey Dent..the second best performance in the film! Maggie Gyllenhaal had to look pretty..and she didn't succeed totally!!


The Dark Knight is a good, decent entertaining thriller...with some great performances and dialogues... but given the potential and talent of the people involved..it could have been a much much better film.. The sad part was...Nolan had the chance..instead he just played to the galleries! It would have been a challenge to explore the character further and something I would have expected the talented duo of the Nolan brothers to take...Unfortunately they didn't...they knew they had a winner in the Joker and they knew it would work...and they were happy..and everyone else is happy as well...

I guess its then time for me to end this rant and be happy as well..

Apr 16, 2008

Me, Myself and I

As I have just started writing, I thought it would be good idea to talk about myself and give a little introduction.

I recently took the The Five Factor Values Test

Here are the results. I thought they correctly reflect my characteristics, ideas and values.

Loyalty:
You value loyalty a fair amount.
You're loyal to your friends... to a point.
But if they cross you, you will reconsider your loyalties.
Staying true to others is important to you, but you also stay true to yourself.
Honesty:
You value honesty a fair amount.
You're honest when you can be, but you aren't a stickler for it.
If a little white lie will make a situation more comfortable, you'll go for it.
In the end, you mostly care about "situational integrity."
Generosity:
You value generosity a fair amount.
You are all about giving, as long as there's some give and take.
Supportive and kind, you don't mind helping out a friend in need.
But you know when you've given too much. You have no problem saying "no"!
Humility:
You value humility highly.
You have the self-confidence to be happy with who you are.
And you don't need to seek praise to make yourself feel better.
You're very modest, and you're keep the drama factor low.
Tolerance:
You value tolerance a fair amount.
You are open to new cultures, beliefs, and ideas.
You have very few prejudices that you're aware of.
And while you are tolerant, you do stand true to what you believe.

So..thats me

The Best Films of 2007

Out of all the films that I watched last year, the following are my favourite ones.

Warning: Might contain spoilers

10) Michael Clayton

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Screenplay: Tony Gilroy
Direction: Tony Gilroy
Cast: George Clooney, Tom Wilkinson, Tilda Swinton

Its not the most novel story..but for a first time watch....it grips you totally with the tight screenplay and editing and competent performances. How much I love a film usually is reflected by how much of it stays with me after...and while I was coming out of the theatre...the scene that remained with me was Clooney -Tilda scene where he busts her and then goes "You're so fucked. Here let me get a picture while I'm at it."

Tony Gilroy is a very talented screenwriter and with Michael Clayton he makes an impressive directorial debut!!

9) The Bourne Ultimatum

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Screenplay: Tony Gilroy, Scott Z. Burns, George Nolfi
Direction: Paul Greengrass
Cast: Matt Damon, Julia Stiles, David Strathairn

One review sums it up the best...mindless entertainer but brilliantly made!! I think with Bourne Ultimatum, the Bourne series just reached the next level and will be remembered as one of the most favourite trilogies!

Hats off to the makers!

8) Atonement

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Screenplay: Christopher Hampton
Direction: Joe Wright
Cast: James McAvoy, Keira Knightley, Saoirse Ronan

Beautiful cinematography, competent performances and a beautiful soundtrack to go with it, Atonement would have been much higher on my list had it not been for the Oscar feel to it. It treads on the same path as films like The English Patient, Cold Mountaint, Saving Private Ryan etc. There are moments in the film that very openly begs for an Oscar and that according to me takes away a lot from a film!

James McAvoy is a fantastic actor and when I watched The Last King of Scotland, I realized how good he was but I knew that because of Whitaker's towering performance, he would go unnoticed but a film like Atonement is really able to showcase his talent!

But the performance of the film was given by Saorse Ronan! She outshined everyone else in the film. Keira Knightley looks beautiful but has little to do!

7) Charlie Wilson's War

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Screenplay: Aaron Sorkin
Direction: Mike Nichols
Cast: Tom Hanks, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Julia Roberts

A very unusual take on the Cold War and US foreign policy and International politics however this is where the film scores...It is totally different from political films yet its a political film. Hanks and Hoffman and their dialogues and one liners are the plus points of this film..however if I have to pick a short coming, its probably the fact that the the premise of the film is a very very complex issue and it only provides an over simplistic view of it.

6) Into The Wild

into-the-wild
Screenplay: Sean Penn
Direction: Sean Penn
Cast: Emile Hirsch, Marcia Gay Harden, Hal Holbrook

A well made character study that provides a first hand account of Chris McCandless' journey on a lonely path. Beautiful cinematography and a very good performance from Emile Hirsch. Beautiful soundtrack aswell..


5) No Country For Old Men

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Screenplay: Ethan Coen, Joel Coen
Direction: Ethan Coen, Joel Coen
Cast: Tommy Lee Jones, Javier Bardem, Josh Brolin

The real heroes of this film are Ethan and Joel Coen.. A chilling thriller which is also at the same time a deeper film about life, violence, morals and fate.

Performances are first rate. Cinematography by Roger Deakins is superb! A great blend of style and substance.

Llwelyn Moss waiting in the motel room with the gun in his hands..waiting while Chigurh turns of the lights outside is one of the most intense and powerful scenes in cinematic history!!

4)The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford

JesseJames2
Screenplay: Andrew Dominik
Direction: Andrew Dominik
Cast: Brad Pitt, Casey Affleck

One of the most beautifully shot and directed films that I have seen in recent times. The storytelling is unique and brilliant. The soundtrack gives the film the feel that it required and the rest is a total Casey Affleck show all the way. I would have liked this film to win the Best Cinematography Oscar. It definitely deserved more nominations atleast but I guess it didnt have Atonement's Oscar begging moments to satisfy the jury!!

There is no real attempt to take sides, or to make certain points about the characters, rather the film presents two characters and asks more questions than it answers. A film thats a western in look but is as different from one as it gets and this is where the uniqueness of the film lies. This film will be remember as an underrated masterpiece in the future.

3) Zodiac

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Screenplay: James Vanderbilt
Direction: David Fincher
Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal, Mark Ruffalo, Robert Downey Jr.

An absolutely brilliant thriller but what makes it better than any other serial killer film is its realism and thats because its a true story. David Fincher showed in Seven that he is extremely talented when it comes to this genre but with Zodiac he proves he is a master at it. A film that was criminally ignored at the Oscars however will be remembered as a masterpiece in years to come

2) Gone Baby Gone

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Screenplay: Ben Affleck, Aaron Stockard

Direction: Ben Affleck

Cast: Morgan Freeman, Ed Harris, Casey Affleck

Ben Affleck has arrived as a director. This film must have been an absolute shocker for most people as hardly anyone expected Ben Affleck to pull it off but he does just that. Beautiful background music, unpredictable twists and great performances. Just when you thought you had this film measured, it takes a completely different turn and shocks you. Casey Affleck gave 2 brilliant performances in two completely different roles...truly proved his mettle as an actor.

I loved the ending though it might have disappointed many but it was a necessary to make a very important point..that morality at times is subjective.

1) Before The Devil Knows You're Dead

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Screenplay: Kelly Masterson
Direction: Sidney Lumet
Cast: Philip Seymour Hoffman, Ethan Hawke, Albert Finney

From the maker of classics like 12 Angry Men, Dog Day Afternoon, you dont expect anything less than the best film of the year.

Brilliantly written and executed, Sidney Lumet proves what an absolute maestro he is with this engrossing thriller. Along with two brilliant actors, Sidney Lumet takes the viewer on a journey, where you encounter various situations that life brings you and how humans act in such situations. Its deep character study.

I cant believe it didnt get a nomination for best screenplay when you have overrated crap like Juno winning Oscars for this category!

Sidney Lumet has made some below average films in his life but his last two films remind us of his class. A must watch if you havent seen it already

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