Persepolis, Metropolis and other Cities

Finally I caught 'Persepolis'. Had heard so many good things about the film and it still managed to surpass all my expectations. It has taken me years to realize the importance of animation movies. I have never found myself fascinated by the idea. As a result I never opened myself to this genre. Deciding to watch an animation was difficult. But whenever I went for it, I was satisfied, and impressed. It was only after 'WALL-E' although, and then 'Ratatouille' that I realized the importance of these films. Animation empowers you with the ability to tell stories that you could never imagine otherwise. It empowers the storyteller in you to go beyond all conventions and create a world nobody would have thought of. And then I saw 'Persepolis', an animation all right, but more than that, a political film, close to a social satire, semi-autobiographical and a treat for any lover of meaningful cinema. It is an important film, not just because of its political statement, but also for the future of cinema in general, and the animation genre in particular. Soon, I hope, the already diminishing line of divide between films will end. And instead of labeling a film as 'art' or 'commercial' or into a genre, we will all accept films as just good or not-so-good films. It is high time, an animation film gets nominated in the 'Best Picture' category as well, apart from the less celebrated 'Best Animation Feature' category.
By the way, 'Waltz with Bashir' is already with me, and I should be watching it soon.

Also saw Wim Wenders' 'Alice in the Cities'. Beautiful movie. It is one of those movies that make your day. It was sad to know that Yella Rottlander, who plays the little Alice in this 1974 film did not have much of a career as an actor afterwards. But in this film she was more than wonderful, one of the performances you are not likely to forget.

Finally, just today, I saw 'Metropolis'. I never had the guts to decide on a 2-hr long silent film made in 1927. But somehow, I managed to play it this morning. And man, it didn't let me bat an eyelid. It is more than 80 years old now. Perhaps my grandfather would have been a baby when it was released. And it still manages to connect. The performances are obviously melodramatic, but within a few minutes you are so well settled for it that it does not affect you at all. In fact, a film that finds a place in almost all 'Best Movies of All Time' lists, this German movie is a challenge for filmmakers of each era. Just go through the following facts about it:

• Among the first Sci-Fi films of cinema history.
• It would have cost more than Rs 1000 crores, if it were made today. (considering the inflation)
• Inspite of being a silent film, it took two years to shoot.
• It used more than 35,000 extras. (perhaps the most scary thing in its making- I remember shooting with 10,000 extras for one day in 'Lagaan' was such a pain for the crew)

Thankfully, this gem has been restored and we now have a version close to the original. I wish something like that could be done for our very own 'Neecha Nagar' (1946).

So, some great films have come my way these days. Or a better statement would be - I have found my way to some of the great works. The journey continues, Insha Allah....

P.S. Reportedly, 'Metropolis' was one of Hitler's favourite films. See, the power of cinema- one thing that both we and these historic personalities could share!

The Cook, the Thief, His Wife, Her Lover, Their Film and My Nightmare

Years ago, when I wasn't used to this class of cinema, I experienced 'Pink Floyd: the Wall' in the TV room of my hostel. A group of seniors had brought the DVD and I fail to reason how I could survive that visual exercise. Those were the days when I was not an avid cine buff and didn't even know that things that can be disgusting for us is acclaimed world over as art. And I still remember that nauseated feeling I had had watching the man licking his fingers straight from the shitpot.

As I discovered the beautiful, varied colours of world cinema, from all ages and across all continents, I got used to stuff which I had never imagined I would see on screen, or otherwise. After the inevitable 'Eraserhead', things became easier still. Tarantino's 'Grindhouse' followed. I grew comfortable watching transvestites acting strange (Polanski's 'The Tenant'), men making love to men (Wong Kar Wai's 'Happy Together'), old men out there to teach the world with some brutal 'games' (the 'Saw' series), someone eating a live octopus ('Old Boy'), twelve-year olds sucking human blood ('Let the Right One In'), and outrageous, psychopathic young adults with a terrible sense of humour ('A Clockwork Orange'). I remember when I narrated some scenes from 'Erasehead' to my mother, she was offended and blamed 'such' movies to have 'freaked' my mind. I can't even imagine what her reaction will be when she finds out these are the films I watch. (Although these are not the only movies I watch and the only reason of watching these is that I try to watch all kinds of films.)

But still. Last night I was shocked beyond anything. I always knew it was among the most controversial movies. I also remembered that the movie shows the cooking of a human body, in all its entirety. And yet, the experience it was! It just kept building up, till that final moment when our Mr Thief takes a bite of Mr Lover's body, a delicacy served to him by his Wife and cooked, obviously, by the Cook, a passionate French artist.

It was beautiful. The entire film. Very well shot. The colour scheme was a treat in itself. And I was amazed at how the director could manage this balance between a disgusting, disturbing content in this beautifully designed and packaged bottle. But I should admit that I had to go through what they say on the net about this film. I tried my best to understand why this film is celebrated. And I should admit even more honestly that I could not find a reason strong enough, apart from the shock value.

I do not know whether I am going to consider this movie among the good ones I have seen in my life, most probably not. But when they talk about those must-watch-before-you-die list of movies, I am sure this English film will find its way.

P.S. Statutory Warning: If you decide upon watching it, do not plan to eat during or around your movie experience.

Finally, Hindi Kaavya in Hindi Cinema

Aarambh hai prachand, bole mastakon ke jhund

Aaj jung ki ghadi ki tum guhaar do,
Aan, baan, shaan ya ki jaan ka ho daan,
Aaj ek dhanush ke baan pe utaar do...

Mann kare so praan de jo mann kare so praan le
Wahi to ek sarvashaktimaan hai.
Krishna ki pukaar hai, ye Bhagvat ka saar hai
Ki yuddh hi to veer ka pramaan hai.
Kauravon ki bheed ho ya paandavon ka need ho
Jo lad saka hai wo hi to mahaan hai.

Jeet ki hawas nahin kisi pe koi vash nahin,
Kya zindagi hai thokaron pe maar do,
Maut anth hai nahin to maut se bhi kyun daren,
Ye ja ke aasmaan mein dahaad do...

Ho dayaa ka bhaav ya ki shaurya ka chunaav
Ya ki haar ka wo ghaav tum ye soch lo,
Ya ki poore bhaal par jala rahe vijay ka
Laal laal ye gulaal tum ye soch lo,
Rang kesari ho ya mridang kesari ho
Ya ki kesari ho kaal tum ye soch lo.

Jis kavi ki kalpana mein zindagi ho prem geet,
Us kavi ko aaj tum nakaar do,
Bheegti nason mein aaj, phoolti ragon mein aaj,
Aag ki lapat ka tum baghaar do...

- written by Piyush Mishra

Salutations to you, Sir....

Stanley, Oh Dear!

Had heard that he is considered the most versatile filmmaker we have had. And today I realize he has surprised me every time I have watched one of his films; every single time. Never expected 'Eyes Wide Shut' to be what it was. And meeting 'Dr Strangelove' was close to insane. Perhaps it was stupid of me to expect something from his films after watching the first two. What should you expect from a Stanley Kubrick film? Nothing. Because it is not easy to face outrageous surprises time and again. There is one thing, just one, that you can expect however. Some rules of cinema are going to be shattered with each of his films. And considering his range of work, seems he has actually torn the conventional book of filmmaking to insignificant bits and pieces. For those who have not yet discovered him, there is this example - the first and last twenty minutes of one of his films have no spoken word at all!

My past three days have been Kubrick's. 'Full Metal Jacket' was the last, preceded by 'The Shining'. And the first of the three was '2001: A Space Odyssey'. Why I am mentioning the first movie last is because of the sheer hypnotic spell it has cast over me. I can not write about it any more at this moment. I want to roam about in that subjective world he took me to, without objectively analysing the details. It has been indeed one of the most amazing cinematic experiences of my life. And I know what I am talking about. Thanks Stanley, for everything. And thanks forever for the 'Odyssey'.....

Excuse Me, Mr Critic...

As I was coming out of the exit door this Sunday, deeply moved by another brave attempt on the Hindi Cinema screen, I was reminded of something Oscar Wilde had said. He said, “The critic has to educate the public; the artist has to educate the critic.” I know I might very well trigger an unhealthy debate through my words to come. But I would request the reader to go through this article in the most neutral way possible.
I believe most of us filmwallahs are mediocre people. Most of us do not know what we are here for. We do not know what we want to express. And those who know, hardly have the conviction to stick to their main motive. In this trade, convictions question themselves every Friday. Cinema, in our country is more than art, and being so it does not remain much of an art form anyway. Our cinema does not have much to educate the critic. But this is not what I intend to say. What I intend to will come as I talk about the first half of Wilde's quote.

The problem our cinema is facing is that of being caught in an unforunate viscious cycle. The public blames the makers for not making good quality films. The filmmakers accuse the public for being unintelligent and defend their work by shamelessly stating - "This is what they want!" In a country where most ordinary of Shah Rukh Khan films turn blockbusters, one genuine Swades fails miserably. I am sorry for taking the name, but I thought it was necessary to prove my point. And it is not just the problem I am talking about. I have a solution!
The solution is - the Critics. I do not have a problem with Trade Analysts calling themselves Film Critics or with Critics who have delivered bad films when they turned film makers themselves or even with Critics appearing to have more command over their language than their film sense. And I do not have much of a problem with Critics sounding pseudointellectual, self-obsessed, opinionated and egotistical. But yes, I do have a problem with them failing to do what they are also expected to do. The critic should take this responsibility to actually make way for art that is difficult to appreciate, but is impressive anyways. They should actually educate the public about expressions that are genuine, perhaps a bit abstract but honest and original. I do not expect yet that Critics in India actually defend No Smoking, and inform people about this genre of surreal films made so popular by Bergman and Lynch and Polanski et al. That would be demanding too much. But I actually expect that some among the lot comes up to encourage the most novel of attemps that filmmakers of today are daring to make. Instead of calling the new breed of filmmakers as arrogant, pseudointellectual portrayers of esoteric art, they should explain to people what good this film had, and why it is necessary to encourage and appreciate these attempts.
I believe, had the reviews for Swades carried four stars, the film would have made money. I very well remember the critics who did not find the film worthy enough. And I am sure, as with time that film has earned a unanimous appreciation, the same critics would find it difficult to defend their own views. We need critics who can foresee, who can predict that a certain film that has failed at the box-office will earn its due as the years roll.

We are soon going to witness a great revolution in the Indian Cinema scene. The beginning has already been made. Just keep counting the number of small-budget, independent but meaningful (or atleast 'different') films releasing this year. Many more are being scripted. Each year we are going to have more of those. They have arrived, filmmakers who have this 'go to hell' attitude in telling the stories they believe in. And although I am sure this new breed of filmmakers will eventually succeed in attaining what they want (they are such a ruthless force), a little help from others would make things easier and fast. Excuse me, Mr Critic, you just got some serious work to do!

Thank God We Are Disagreeing

Everyone is writing about ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ these days. So, I am not sure whether anyone is interested in reading a line about it anymore. I don’t want to write what I felt about the film. It doesn’t really matter. What matters is most of us are feeling something about the film- thanx to the debate going around in the media. And we are talking among ourselves about it. Whether this film deserves all these attention doesn’t matter either. The point I want to make is – this entire episode proves yet again what influence the medium of cinema can have on people’s lives. This is why I believe it is the most powerful form of human expression in today’s times. It raises issues that often lie ignored, and brings it on our coffee tables, at times at the cost of itself. People start taking a film more seriously than the makers had ever imagined. And if they get some undeserved praise, it is soon neutralized by some unreasonable criticism and unfair hatred. In the end, things even out. Each of us gets exactly what we deserve. Not less, not more.

‘Dev D’ got released yesterday. Caught the first show I could, without looking at the review in the newspaper. Still, minutes before the show began, I got a phone call. My brother, in disbelief and a sense of urgency, informed me that the Times of India had given a five-star rating to the movie!
I am not yet sure what do I think about the movie. What I am sure of is, I would watch it again and again, and perhaps remain non-judgemental about it forever, as I was with ‘Slumdog’. I don’t feel the need to essentially judge these films and express my opinion, as long as people are doing that themselves. And I hope it is going to happen with ‘Dev D’ as well. A leading trade-guide-turned-film-critic has given a single star rating to it. And there are reviews carrying two, three and four stars as well. I have never seen a single film having triggered such a varied reaction. (And I have this feeling that perhaps Anurag Kashyap is the happiest man at the moment. Everyone loving his movie would be too boring for him.) I also feel that had ‘Slumdog’ released here before gaining worldwide reputation, the same critics would have varied in their opinion about that film as well.

The good thing is – we are disagreeing. And this is what a powerful art form should do. I hope filmmakers keep making films that they want to make, and eventually end up being victims of both unreasonable praise and hatred. Eventually, getting what they deserved, they would end up causing more ripples in the cinema world than a unanimously appreciated film would do. Some new taste buds would develop for the cinema lovers; some new genres will be explored. Meanwhile, the magic of cinema will continue….

The Master of Suspense?....Not really.

First things first. Let me just confess this. I haven't seen 'The Lady Vanishes', 'Spellbound', 'Notorious', 'Strangers on a Train', 'Dial M for Murder' or 'The Birds' yet. And I haven't seen 'North by Northwest' either. OK. So you feel pity for me? Just let me put it this way. I am so excited to realize what life has in store for me. There are so many wonderful stories by this master storyteller that are soon going to be a part of my existence. Life is indeed more fascinating than we realize.

In an opinion poll somewhere, I had seen him voted as the greatest filmmaker in the history of cinema. I had just seen 'Sabotage' then, and that too in a poor quality DVD. I wasn't very impressed by the poll. But then life has its own screenplay.

'Rope' defined for me what suspense is. It is not thrill, that stays for a moment. It is not horror. It is something very quiet, very gradual. It takes time. It is like the build up in horror, or perhaps the resolution after a moment of thrill. It doesn't shake you by attacking your senses. It targets your psyche, your conscious and subconscious mind. It grows inside you, even disturbs you immensely, but it does not let you realize how much you are getting affected.

Suspense does not depend on an action. And unlike horror, which is mainly an experience associated with a supernatural and unknown force, suspense is very much a basic human emotion. It is what we feel just before an exam or while watching a cricket match. Or may be when you have proposed a girl and are waiting for her reply. Suspense is an element that can accompany any human emotion. It is innocent in 'Rebecca', daring in 'Rope', passionate in 'Vertigo', guilty in 'Psycho' or plain curious in 'Rear Window'.

This man used the suspense genre to explore various aspects of human life. No. I daresay, he invented this genre of motion picture, he defined it and set a standard for others to try and achieve. And they are right who consider him the master of suspense. But he was beyond that. He was philosophical (his intentions and notions are debatable and we need not go into that, for example his view of women) in his own way. He was definitely a master of his art and technique (Oh, I remember my excitement on understanding the simple yet magical mechanism of the famous 'Vertigo' shot). And above all, he was master of storytelling, which I feel cinema is all about. Whether he was the best is irrelevant.

Ek kahani aur suna do...

कभी अचानक परिचय पाकर जब किताब के पलटे पन्ने,
ख़ुशबू की आँधी-सी आयी, आप बन गए मेरे अपने.
जितने मौसम संग रहे, नमकीन, अंगूर भले लगते थे,
मिर्ज़ा ग़ालिब, मीरा को सुन हू तू तू खेला करते थे.
लेकिन सूना आज यहाँ है, कोशिश जितनी करना चाहूँ,
नहीं किनारा ढूँढ सकूँगा, बस बहता ही रहना चाहूँ.
अगर इजाज़त हो तो बोलूँ, माचिस फिर इक बार जला दो,
एक दशक से चुप बैठे हो, एक कहानी और सुना दो...

First Meeting With Two Geniuses

While most of my friends were busy as interns in hospitals around the country, I was having a great time watching films. I was down in the final semester and was supposed to appear for the Obstetrics and Gynaecology paper again after a few months.

It was then that I chanced upon this story of an intern, beginning to learn the art and science of practicing Medicine under the guidance of an apparently eccentric but immensely experienced doctor.

It was my first meeting with the great Akira Kurosawa. And thanks to the Criterion Collection DVD, it came with an excellent commentary that, apart from discussing the art and science of this film, talked about the life and works of Kurosawa in general. It also talked about the powerful actor who played the central character, who was soon going to become one of my favourites.

'The Seven Samurai', 'Throne of Blood', 'Yojimbo', 'High and Low' and 'Rashomon' followed. And Toshiro Mifune was going to be with me forever.

It was sad to know that the great association between the two geniuses was over with, ironically, the first film I saw them in. And although I loved 'Ran' and 'Dreams' too (two of Kurosawa's later works), I missed the charismatic and versatile Mifune.

The good news is, I have not yet seen all of their films.

Worshiping Krzysztof Kieslowski

The first movie that I saw of him was 'Three Colours : Red', ironically the last film he directed. I couldn't appreciate it much, except for the stunningly beautiful cinematography. I didn't know that it was the last of the trilogy. I didn't know what did the colour red signify. I didn't know revisiting this movie would be an experience!

After watching the other two of the trilogy and reading online, I realized that the films were based on the themes of liberty, equality and fraternity: 'Blue', 'White' and 'Red', in that order.

I have revisited the three again and again, with the full-length commentary by Annette Insdorf, and without.

As I write these words, I have finished just six of 'The Decalogue'. I know I have still witnessed just the tip of the iceberg. But I feel, this filmmaker has had the most powerful impact on my understanding of cinema and life.

If Cinema is my religion, and that certainly is, Kieslowski is my God.

P.S. : I would love to share some of my personal notes on the study of his works. Soon.